A Petlyn Products picker was purchased in 2009 by the Guild to provide members with an opportunity to use an excellent tool for processing fibre. As with all equipment there are hazards associated with unsafe use of the picker, so the Guild requires that any member who uses the picker be trained in its use and adhere to these guidelines. These guidelines will be reviewed in September 2010.

If you wish to use the picker, please contact the Guild on 02 9745 1603 to arrange for a training session. This takes about half an hour and will improve your productiveness when processing fibre as well as training you in its safe use.

The picker is about a metre in height and weighs about 10kg, so is heavy and bulky to lift. It has two rows of sharpened tines which make it dangerous if not used correctly. The following guidelines have been developed to enable members to use the picker safely.

Picker Usage and Availability

1. The picker may be used by members who have been trained in its use in either the Guild rooms or the small hall but it is not to be hired to any member for off site use until after September 2010 when these recommendations will be reviewed
2. The picker is available for use on Thursday meeting days (12 noon-1pm) or after 1pm on Thursdays if there is enough table space available
3. The picker is available during study group meetings, eg felting, spinning and colour meetings
4. The picker is available on meeting days between 1.30m and 4pm ie during meeting times
5. The picker is also available at other times when members can be accompanied by those who have keys to the rooms & when not inconveniencing groups who are conducting regular meetings

Lifting the Picker

1. Because of its bulk the picker should always be lifted from floor level by two people. Use safe footwear when lifting the picker, as with all heavy loads (ie no open toes and no high heels that could put you off balance
2. The picker will be stored on a low shelf in the Guild rooms. It should be drawn out of the shelf and placed fully flat on the floor so that it is accessible to those lifting it
3. Check first that the swing tray is locked in position before attempting to lift it
4. Both lifters should keep their backs straight and their knees bent when lifting
5. Do not lift by holding the swing tray. Lifters should take opposite ends of the picker. It should be kept close to the body, knees should be bent, back kept straight. Use your legs to lift and draw your tummy in to brace your body
6. Place the picker on a solid table on top of a non-slip mat and place on the table in the desired position generally 20cm from the table edge
7. Two people are required when carrying the picker to another location, eg to the small hall, and the above procedures apply to lifting and placing the picker

The following equipment accessories are provided:

• Leather gloves - these must be worn at all times while using and cleaning the picker
• Dowel/cardboard tube to assist fibre movement onto tray
• Wooden blocker to lock the tray into a maximum swing to allow for cleaning
• Knitting needle for cleaning
• Brush for cleaning tines and lower tray
• Non-slip mat - this must be placed under the picker during use

Fibre Selection

Do not use greasy wool!

Fibres need to be 3" or more in length

Procedure

1. Always use the leather gloves provided while operating and cleaning the picker
2. Release safety catch
3. Stand in lunge stance, ie one foot placed forward in stance position
4. Place a collection tray at the other end on the picker to collect processed fibre
5. Place a small amount of fibre in the lower ray, taking care not to allow fibre to drift to edges
6. Using the dowel, feed in a small but continuous stream of fibre
7. The action of the swing tray is a rhythmical full swing. Short swings will cause the fibre to form a rolag within the two layers of tines
8. Have a collection tray at the discharge end to allow for easy fibre retrieval from the picker
9. Clean the picker after use
10. Replace on the storage shelf, observing the guidelines for safe lifting

Cleaning the Picker

1. The picker must be cleaned after each use
2. Leather gloves must be used while cleaning the picker
3. Swing the upper tray forward and then place a wooden block behind the tray to hold it in the open position. Clean out fibres with a knitting needle and brush
4. To clear the other side, reverse this action by swinging the upper tray back and block
5. Brush out the lower tray underneath the tines
6. Return the picker to the storage shelf with the assistance of another person