Free Hammer Drill VOC (Verification of Competency) Template
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Purpose of a Hammer Drill VOC Document
Hammer Drill VOCs are used to verify a worker’s competence in hammer 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 Hammer 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
Hammer Drill VOCs should be completed prior to the worker operating plant or equipment within your business.
Who Should Use
Hammer 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 hammer drill?
It seems like there might be a typo in your question. If you meant to ask about a “hammer drill,” it is a power tool primarily used for drilling into hard materials such as concrete, brick, stone, and masonry. Unlike a regular drill, a hammer drill features a hammering action in addition to the rotational drilling motion, which helps to break up tough surfaces while drilling, making it more efficient for drilling into hard materials. Hammer drills are commonly used in construction, renovation, and DIY projects that involve drilling into hard surfaces.
What is a hammer drill used for?
A hammer drill is primarily used for drilling into hard materials such as concrete, masonry, brick, and stone. Unlike regular drills, a hammer drill features a hammering mechanism that provides rapid, short, and powerful thrusts along with the rotational motion of the drill bit. This combination enables the hammer drill to break through tough surfaces more effectively, making it ideal for tasks like installing anchors, drilling holes for concrete screws, or creating openings for plumbing and electrical installations in hard materials.
What hazards are involved in hammer drill use?
Many hazards exist in hammer 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 hammer 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 hammer drill operation, workers can complete the RTO unit https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/RIICRC319E.
Did You Know?
In the late 1800s, manual drilling tools like the hand crank drill were commonly used. However, as industries such as mining, construction, and engineering grew, the demand for faster and more efficient drilling methods increased. The first iteration of the modern hammer drill was invented in 1932 by Wilhelm Fein, a German engineer and co-founder of Fein GmbH. This revolutionary tool, called the “Fein Nibbler,” combined the rotary drilling action of traditional drills with a new hammering mechanism. This hammering action provided rapid, repeated impacts that allowed the drill bit to effortlessly penetrate hard materials such as concrete, stone, and masonry.
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/>