Free Jigsaw VOC (Verification of Competency) Template
Download our free Jigsaw VOC Template:
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Purpose of a Jigsaw VOC Document
Jigsaw VOCs are used to verify a worker’s competence in jigsaw 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 Jigsaw 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
Jigsaw VOCs should be completed prior to the worker operating plant or equipment within your business.
Who Should Use
Jigsaw 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 jigsaw?
A jigsaw is a versatile power tool used primarily for cutting curves, irregular shapes, and straight lines in various materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and laminate. It features a narrow, reciprocating blade that moves up and down rapidly, allowing for precise and controlled cutting. Jigsaws are commonly used in woodworking, DIY projects, and construction for tasks such as cutting out sink holes in countertops, making intricate cuts for crafts, and trimming curved lines in wood panels. They are essential tools for creating detailed and custom shapes in a variety of materials.
What is a jigsaw used for?
A jigsaw is primarily used for making curved or irregular cuts in wood, metal, plastic, or other materials. It features a narrow, reciprocating blade that moves up and down rapidly, allowing for precise and intricate cuts in various directions. Jigsaws are commonly used in woodworking, DIY projects, and crafts for tasks such as cutting curves, circles, notches, and complex shapes. They are versatile tools suitable for a wide range of cutting applications, including cutting out sink openings in countertops, creating puzzle pieces, and trimming laminate flooring.
What hazards are involved in jigsaw use?
Many hazards exist in jigsaw operation, for example:
- Contact with Blade
- 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 jigsaw?
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 jigsaw operation, workers can complete the RTO unit https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/RIICRC319E.
Did You Know?
In the late 1700s, as the demand for artistic and challenging indoor activities grew, a London-based engraver and cartographer named John Spilsbury came up with a unique idea. He took a map and mounted it onto a thin piece of wood before meticulously cutting it into small, irregularly-shaped pieces. Spilsbury’s creation, known as a “dissected map,” gained popularity as an educational tool to help children learn geography. However, it wasn’t long before puzzles featuring other subjects, such as popular paintings, were created.
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/>