15044 version 3

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Prepare combs and cutters for machine shearing

Level / 3
Credits / 30

PurposePeople credited with this unit standard are able to grind combs and cutters, and select and dress combs.

Subfield / Wool Harvesting
Domain / Shearing
Status / Registered
Status date / 21 August 2009
Date version published / 21 August 2009
Planned review date / 31 December 2014
Entry information / Open.
Accreditation / Evaluation of documentation and visit by NZQA, industry and teaching professional in the same field from another provider.
Standard setting body (SSB) / Primary Industry Training Organisation
Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP) reference / 0052

This AMAP can be accessed at

Special notes

1The following documents provide both a source of the national standard as stated in the performance criteria, and useful background information relating to this unit standard –

Shearing Handbook (Christchurch: Tectra Ltd, 2007). ISBN 0-9582522-2-X. Available from Tectra Ltd., PO Box 7327, Sydenham, Christchurch 8240.

Best practice guideline for the New Zealand shearing industry: A guide for workplaces (Wellington: Department of Labour, 2008), available from

2Definition

On-farm procedures – the verbal and written instructions to staff on procedures for comb selection.

3Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, and its subsequent amendments.

Elements and performance criteria

Element 1

Grind combs and cutters.

Performance criteria

1.1Grinder is operated in a safe manner without injury to operator or others, or damage to equipment.

Rangesiting, lighting, guards, safety glasses, ear protection, pendulum pin length.

1.2Faulty grinder components are identified in terms of repair or replacement requirements.

Rangepressure bar, pendulum rod, grinding disc.

1.3Grinder is set in accordance with the Shearing Handbook.

1.4Even wear of combs and cutters is determined, and combs and cutters are sharpened in accordance with the Shearing Handbook.

1.5Pendulum pin settings are adjusted and set according to the Shearing Handbook.

1.6Grinding plates are tested visually in terms of being balanced and true in accordance with the Shearing Handbook.

Element 2

Select and dress combs.

Rangecombs – new, used, winter;

combs for – fine wool, crossbred wool.

Performance criteria

2.1Comb is selected to match wool type.

2.2Factors affecting comb selection are described in terms of the type of sheep, time of the year, and on-farm procedures.

2.3Comb teeth are dressed in accordance with the Shearing Handbook.

2.4Comb is polished leaving no rough or sharp points in accordance with the Shearing Handbook.

Please note

Providers must be accredited by NZQA, or an inter-institutional body with delegated authority for quality assurance, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.

Industry Training Organisations must be accredited by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.

Accredited providers and Industry Training Organisations assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.

Accreditation requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.

Comments on this unit standard

Please contact the Primary Industry Training Organisation if you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.

 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018