Free Ride-on-Mower VOC (Verification of Competency) Template
Download our free Ride-on-Mower VOC Template:
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Purpose of a Ride-on-Mower VOC Document
Ride-on-Mower VOCs are used to verify a worker’s competence in ride-on-mower 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 Ride-on-Mower 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
Ride-on-Mower VOCs should be completed prior to the worker operating plant or equipment within your business.
Who Should Use
Ride-on-Mower 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 ride-on-mower?
A ride-on mower, also known as a riding lawn mower or garden tractor, is a type of lawn mower that is operated by riding on top of it rather than pushing it manually. It is equipped with a seat, steering wheel, and controls for operating the mower while seated. Ride-on mowers are typically larger and more powerful than push mowers, making them suitable for mowing larger areas of grass more quickly and with less physical exertion. They are commonly used in residential, commercial, and institutional settings for maintaining lawns, parks, sports fields, and other grassy areas.
What is a ride-on-mower used for?
A ride-on mower, also known as a riding lawn mower or lawn tractor, is primarily used for cutting grass in larger areas such as lawns, yards, fields, or parks. It features a seat for the operator and controls for steering and operating the cutting deck while sitting. Ride-on mowers are designed for efficiency and convenience, allowing operators to cover large areas of grass more quickly and comfortably compared to push mowers. They are commonly used in residential, commercial, and institutional settings for maintaining landscapes and keeping grass trimmed to a desired height.
What hazards are involved in ride-on-mower use?
Many hazards exist in Ride-on-mower operation, for example:
- Roll-Over Accidents
- Entanglement
- Struck-By Accidents
- Electrocution
- Noise Exposure
- Vibration
- Falls
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 ride-on-mower?
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 ride-on-mower operation, workers can complete the RTO unit https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/RIICRC319E.
Did You Know?
Ride-on mowers have a fascinating historical connection to the evolution of lawn care. The concept of a ride-on mower can be traced back to the 1920s when agricultural equipment manufacturers developed motorized machines to make the task of cutting large swaths of grass easier and more efficient. Over time, improvements in technology and design have made ride-on mowers a common sight in residential yards, revolutionizing the way we maintain our lawns.
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/>