Some Observations on Clip Preparation in a Range of NSW Shearing Sheds

A participant observational study of clip preparation was conducted to explore whether practices as advocated in the Code of Practice for the Preparation of Australian Wool clips were being adopted in twelve NSW shearing sheds. The study also explored factors that appeared to foster better wool clip preparation. Twelve case studies of sheds with varying locations, construction, priorities and practices revealed that: • The majority of sheds did not follow the Code of Practice recommendations in all areas, with potential contaminants varying from baling twine to urine/pen stain.• Insufficient staff numbers were found to increase pressure on wool preparation, thus increasing the likelihood of wastage occurring and for contaminants to be missed. • Pressure is placed on wool preparation when staff with dual responsibilities are completing their second task (typically penning up sheep). • Physical design features were found to impact on the efficiency of the staff, causing pressure to be placed on clip preparation, and reducing the comfort of staff. • Various workplace features and practices compromised the quality of clip preparation. In an overall sense, staffing and organisation of labour were found to be more critical to the quality of wool clip preparation than the physical design features of the shed. The study reveals the need for a review of the way in which the Code of Practice is implemented in the shearing shed.