Free Leaf Blower VOC (Verification of Competency) Template
Download our free Leaf Blower VOC Template:
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Purpose of a Leaf Blower VOC Document
Leaf Blower VOCs are used to verify a worker’s competence in leaf blower 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 Leaf Blower 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
Leaf Blower VOCs should be completed prior to the worker operating plant or equipment within your business.
Who Should Use
Leaf Blower 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 leaf blower?
A leaf blower is a gardening tool used primarily for blowing leaves, grass clippings, debris, and other lightweight materials from sidewalks, driveways, lawns, and other outdoor surfaces. It typically consists of a motorized fan or impeller housed in a handheld or backpack-style unit. Leaf blowers come in various types, including gas-powered, electric-powered, and battery-powered models, offering different levels of power and mobility. They are commonly used for lawn maintenance, landscaping, and outdoor cleanup tasks, providing a convenient and efficient way to clear debris from outdoor spaces.
What is a leaf blower used for?
A leaf blower is primarily used for blowing leaves, grass clippings, debris, and other lightweight materials off of surfaces such as lawns, driveways, sidewalks, and patios. It works by producing a stream of high-speed air, which can be directed using a nozzle attachment to gather and disperse debris efficiently. Leaf blowers are commonly used in landscaping, yard maintenance, and outdoor cleanup to quickly and effectively clear debris from outdoor spaces, saving time and effort compared to manual raking or sweeping.
What hazards are involved in leaf blower use?
Many hazards exist in Leaf blower operation, for example:
- Debris Projection
- Electrocution
- Noise Exposure
- Vibration
- Trip Hazard
- Falls
- Chemical Exposure
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 leaf blower?
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 Leaf blower operation, workers can complete the RTO unit https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/RIICRC319E.
Did You Know?
Before the invention of leaf blowers, outdoor cleaning and clearing tasks, particularly those involving leaves and debris, often relied on manual raking or sweeping. These methods were effective but time-consuming and physically demanding. In the late 1950s, a Pasadena, California engineer named Dom Quinto had an ingenious idea. He envisioned a machine that could gather and disperse leaves and debris using compressed air, thus simplifying the process of outdoor cleanup.
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/>