Free Boom Pump VOC (Verification of Competency) Template
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Purpose of a Boom Pump VOC Document
Boom Pump VOCs are used to verify a worker’s competence in Boom Pump use. The primary goal is to protect workers from injury or illness through effective training and competency procedures. This form is broadly aligned with AS45001:2018.
How to Use
This Boom Pump VOC should be completed by a competent person in consultation with the trainee who will use the plant.
This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that may need to be considered include, but are not limited to, ensuring that:
- Relevant legal requirements have been met,
- Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
- Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.
When to Use
Boom Pump VOCs should be completed prior to the worker operating plant or equipment within your business.
Who Should Use
Boom Pump VOCs must be completed by someone who is familiar with operation of the piece of plant or equipment. This person should also be competent in training and assessment methods.
Legal Considerations
There is no specific legal requirement to complete a documented Verification of Competency (VOC). However, it is best practice, especially for larger companies. It can help meet general legal duties, including:
- s(19)(3)c WHS Act – Duty to Provide Safe Systems of Work
- s(19)(3)d WHS Act – Duty to Ensure Safe Use of Plant
- s(19)(3)f WHS Act – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training, Instruction and Supervision
- s(203) WHS Regulations – Management of Risks to Health and Safety (PCBUs with management or control of plant)
The Code of Practice “Managing risks of plant in the workplace” states that employers (PCBUs) must ensure workers are trained and have the appropriate skills to carry out a particular task safely.
FAQ
What is a boom pump?
A boom pump is a specialized concrete pump used in construction. It features a remote-controlled articulating arm, or “boom,” equipped with a concrete delivery pipe. This allows for precise placement of concrete, even in hard-to-reach or elevated areas, making it ideal for large-scale construction projects like high-rise buildings and bridges.
What is a boom pump used for?
A boom pump is a specialized concrete pump used in construction to deliver concrete precisely. It features a long boom arm with a pump at the end, ideal for high-rise projects and areas with limited access.
What hazards are involved in boom pump use?
Many hazards exist in boom pump operation, for example:
- Collapse/Tipping Over
- Struck-By Accidents
- Pinching/Crushing Injuries
- Falls
- Electrocution
- Collapse of Structures
To mitigate these hazards, proper training, adherence to safety protocols, regular equipment maintenance, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and thorough site inspections are essential. Additionally, ensuring proper support for structures being pumped and being aware of overhead power lines can help prevent accidents.
Do you need a license to operate a boom pump?
Legally, you only require a license to operate “high-risk plant” (usually). For other types of plant or equipment, the level of training provided should be suitable considering “the nature of the work, the nature of the risks and the control measures required” – WHS regulations s(39). That is, for plant that poses no or minimal risks, there may be very little training required. As the risks of the plant increases, the requirement for training also increases.
To demonstrate competence in boom pump operation, workers can complete the RTO unit https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/CPCCLBM3001.
Did You Know?
Boom pumps, a vital equipment in concrete construction, are widely used in Australia for their remarkable capabilities. These specialized machines combine a truck-mounted chassis with an extendable boom and a hydraulic pump system. Boom pumps enable precise and efficient placement of concrete in challenging or high-rise construction projects.
With their extensive reach and maneuverability, boom pumps can deliver concrete to locations that are otherwise difficult to access. In Australia, boom pumps play a crucial role in enhancing construction productivity and ensuring the timely and accurate placement of concrete, resulting in the successful completion of various infrastructure projects.
Article Sources and Further Reading
Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-managing-risks-plant-workplace>
Plant (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/plant>
What is a PCBU? (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/what-is-a-pcbu/>