Free Combine Harvester VOC (Verification of Competency) Template
Download our free Combine Harvester VOC Template:
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Purpose of a Combine Harvester VOC Document
Combine Harvester VOCs are used to verify a worker’s competence in Combine Harvester 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 Combine Harvester 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
Combine Harvester VOCs should be completed prior to the worker operating plant or equipment within your business.
Who Should Use
Combine Harvester 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 combine harvester?
A combine harvester, often simply called a combine, is a versatile agricultural machine used for harvesting grains such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. It combines several operations into one, including cutting, threshing, and winnowing, to efficiently harvest and separate grain from the plant stalks. Combines typically have a cutting platform at the front to gather the crop, a rotating drum with threshing mechanisms to separate the grain from the chaff, and various cleaning systems to remove debris before depositing the grain into a storage tank. They are crucial for modern large-scale grain farming operations.
What is a combine harvester used for?
A combine harvester is a versatile agricultural machine primarily used for harvesting crops such as wheat, corn, soybeans, and rice. It combines several harvesting processes into one machine, including cutting, threshing, and winnowing, to efficiently gather and separate grain from the crop stalks or plants.
What hazards are involved in combine harvester use?
Many hazards exist in combine harvester operation, for example:
- Entanglement
- Crushing Injuries
- Fall
- Hazards
- Electrocution
- Fire and Combustion
- Chemical Exposure
- Overturning
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.
Do you need a license to operate a combine harvester?
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 combine harvester operation, workers can complete the RTO unit https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/FBPVIT3008.
Did You Know?
Combine harvesters, also known as combine or harvester combines, play a crucial role in agriculture in Australia. These advanced machines are capable of performing multiple operations, including reaping, threshing, and winnowing, all in one.
Primarily used for harvesting crops like wheat, barley, and canola, combine harvesters significantly contribute to the efficiency and productivity of farmers across the country. With their wide cutting widths and advanced technology, combine harvesters have revolutionized the harvesting process in Australia, ensuring maximum yield and supporting the thriving agricultural industry nationwide.
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/>