Free Dowelling Machine VOC (Verification of Competency) Template
Download our free Dowelling Machine VOC Template:
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Purpose of a Dowelling Machine VOC Document
Dowelling Machine VOCs are used to verify a worker’s competence in dowelling machine 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 Dowelling Machine VOC should be completed by a competent person in consultation with the trainee who will use the plant.
NOTE: 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
Dowelling Machine VOCs should be completed prior to the worker operating plant or equipment within your business.
Who Should Use
Dowelling Machine 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. Completing a thorough Verification of Competency 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 dowelling machine?
A dowelling machine, also known as a dowel insertion machine or dowel boring machine, is a woodworking tool used for drilling precise holes and inserting dowels into wooden components to create strong and durable joints. It typically consists of a motorized drilling mechanism with multiple drill bits arranged in a row, allowing for simultaneous drilling of multiple holes. Dowelling machines are commonly used in cabinetmaking, furniture manufacturing, and woodworking shops for tasks such as assembling cabinets, chairs, tables, and other wooden structures with tight and accurate joints. They help to streamline the assembly process and ensure the structural integrity of the finished products.
What is a dowelling machine used for?
A dowelling machine, also known as a dowel jointer or dowel jig, is primarily used for creating strong and precise joints in woodworking projects. It is designed to drill accurate holes for inserting dowels, cylindrical wooden pins, into pieces of wood to join them together. Dowelling machines ensure alignment and consistency in dowel hole placement, resulting in sturdy and seamless joints without the need for screws, nails, or glue. They are commonly used in furniture making, cabinet construction, and carpentry for creating durable and professional-quality joints in woodwork.
What hazards are involved in dowelling machine use?
Many hazards exist in dowelling machine operation, for example:
- Entanglement
- Struck-By Accidents
- Electrocution
- Kickback
- Noise Exposure
- Eye Injuries
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 training to operate a dowelling machine?
In general, the level of training provided to workers must take into consideration “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 dowelling machine operation, workers can complete the RTO unit https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/RIICRC319E.
Did You Know?
Did you know that dowelling machines have a fascinating historical background? These woodworking tools, used to create perfectly aligned dowel joints, have been in existence since the late 19th century. Initially invented for industrial use, dowelling machines revolutionized joinery by automating the process of creating strong and accurate connections. Over time, they have become indispensable in woodworking shops, furniture making, and construction, providing efficient and precise dowel drilling capabilities for a wide range of 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/>