Free Drill VOC (Verification of Competency) Template
Download our free Drill VOC Template:
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Purpose of a Drill VOC Document
Drill VOCs are used to verify a worker’s competence in drill 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 Drill 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
Drill VOCs should be completed prior to the worker operating plant or equipment within your business.
Who Should Use
Drill 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 drill?
A drill is a power tool used for drilling holes or driving screws into various materials such as wood, metal, plastic, or masonry. It typically consists of a rotating drill bit powered by electricity, battery, or compressed air. Drills come in various types, including corded drills that require a power outlet, cordless drills with rechargeable batteries, and hammer drills for drilling into concrete or masonry. They are essential tools in woodworking, metalworking, construction, and DIY projects due to their versatility and ease of use.
What is a drill used for?
A drill is primarily used for drilling holes into various materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and masonry. It consists of a rotating cutting tool called a drill bit, which applies downward force to create holes by removing material. Drills are versatile tools used in construction, woodworking, metalworking, crafting, and DIY projects for tasks such as installing hardware, assembling furniture, and creating holes for wiring or plumbing.
What hazards are involved in drill use?
Many hazards exist in drill operation, for example:
- Entanglement
- Struck-By Accidents
- Electrocution
- Kickback
- Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
- 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 drill?
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 drill operation, workers can complete the RTO unit https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/RIICRC319E.
Did You Know?
Drills have a fascinating historical connection to ancient civilizations and their ingenious methods of boring holes! Long before the invention of modern power drills, people relied on various creative techniques to accomplish drilling tasks. One notable example is the ancient Egyptian civilization. Around 2500 BCE, the Egyptians developed a device known as the bow drill. This primitive but effective tool consisted of a wooden bow with a string, and a drill bit made of flint or copper. By rotating the drill bit rapidly with the bow’s string, Egyptians could drill holes into various materials, including wood, stone, and even metals.
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/>