Free Scissor Lift VOC (Verification of Competency) Template
Download our free Scissor Lift VOC Template:
*For internal use only. Not for resale or redistribution. By downloading, you agree to our Free Resources Licensing Agreement.
Purpose of a Scissor Lift VOC Document
Scissor Lift VOCs are used to verify a worker’s competence in Scissor Lift 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 Scissor Lift 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
Scissor Lift VOCs should be completed prior to the worker operating plant or equipment within your business.
Who Should Use
Scissor Lift 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, especially for larger companies. It 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 scissor lift?
A scissor lift is a type of elevated work platform with a crisscrossing support structure, used for tasks requiring vertical access, like construction and maintenance work.
What is a scissor lift used for?
A scissor lift is a platform that vertically extends to elevate workers, tools, or materials for various tasks like construction, maintenance, and warehousing. It provides a stable and secure platform for working at heights safely.
What hazards are involved in scissor lift use?
Many hazards exist in scissor lift operation, for example:
- Falls
- Tip-over
- Entrapment
- Electrocution
- Collapse
- Overextension
To mitigate these hazards, proper training, adherence to safety protocols, regular equipment inspections, use of fall protection systems, and awareness of surrounding hazards are essential.
Do you need a license to operate a scissor lift?
Legally, you only require a license to operate “high-risk plant” (usually). For other types of plant or equipment, the level of training provided should be suitable considering “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 scissor lift operation, workers can complete the RTO unit https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/CPCCCM3001.
Did You Know?
Scissor lifts are widely used in Australia for various applications. These hydraulic-powered machines play a crucial role in the construction, maintenance, and industrial sectors across the country. Scissor lifts provide a safe and efficient solution for working at heights, allowing workers to easily access elevated areas.
Their robust design and reliable functionality make them suitable for a range of tasks, from installing electrical fixtures to painting tall structures. Scissor lifts have made a significant impact on improving productivity and safety in numerous industries throughout Australia.
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/>