Verification of Competency (Portable Welding Machine)

Purpose of the Verification of Competency (Portable Welding Machine)

A Verification of Competency (VOC) is a practical assessment used to confirm that a worker has the current skills, knowledge, and experience to operate a piece of plant safely and competently. This Verification of Competency (Portable Welding Machine) template provides a structured method for an organisation to assess an operator's ability to use portable welding equipment according to established procedures and WHS standards.

It is not a substitute for formal training but serves to verify that previously acquired skills are maintained and applied correctly in the workplace.

Using this VOC helps a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) meet their primary duty of care under WHS law. It creates a formal record demonstrating that steps have been taken to ensure plant is used by competent individuals, which is a critical component of a comprehensive WHS management system. The assessment covers pre-start checks, operational techniques, hazard identification, and shutdown procedures specific to portable welders.

How to use the Verification of Competency (Portable Welding Machine)

To effectively use this Verification of Competency (Portable Welding Machine) document, a competent and experienced person (the assessor) should observe the worker (the participant) as they perform tasks with the equipment in a controlled environment. The assessor should use the checklist to record observations against each competency criteria, noting where the participant meets or does not meet the required standard.

The process should include both a theory component (questioning) and a practical demonstration.

Important: It is crucial to customise this template. We've provided a structured starting point, but you must adapt it to reflect your specific portable welding machine models (e.g., MIG, TIG, Stick), unique site conditions, and organisational procedures.

For example, the hazards associated with oxy-fuel processes differ from arc welding, just as our Verification of Competency for plasma cutters addresses risks unique to that equipment.

When to use it

Conducting a VOC is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. It should be performed at key points in a worker's employment lifecycle and as part of regular safety assurance activities. Key triggers for using this VOC include:

• Pre-employment: To verify the claimed experience of a new hire before they commence work.
• New Equipment: Before a worker uses a new make or model of portable welder for the first time.
• Post-Incident: As part of a corrective action following a safety incident or near-miss involving a welding machine.
• Refresher Assessment: Periodically (e.g., every 2-3 years) to ensure skills have not diminished over time.
• Observed Behaviour: If a supervisor observes unsafe or non-compliant operation of the equipment.

These verifications form an essential part of your safety processes, similar to assessments for other hot work equipment like the process outlined in our Oxy-Acetylene Welding Equipment VOC. The records from these assessments are valuable evidence of your safety management practices and may be reviewed during independent WHS compliance audits.

Who should use it

Several key roles are involved in the VOC process. The primary user of this template is the assessor, who must be competent and experienced not only in operating portable welders but also in conducting assessments.

This could be a supervisor, a leading hand, an internal trainer, or a dedicated WHS advisor.

The participant—the worker being assessed—is also a key user, as the process provides them with clear feedback on their performance. For a VOC to be effective, it must be a transparent and constructive process, focused on safety and improvement, not just compliance.

This consistent approach to competency can be applied across a range of workshop equipment, such as when conducting a bench grinder VOC to ensure operator safety.

Key Hazards to Assess

When customising this template, ensure it prompts the assessor to look for evidence that the operator can manage the specific hazards associated with portable welding. These include, but are not limited to:

• Electrical Hazards: Correct inspection of leads, plugs, and connections; understanding of risks in damp environments; and proper earthing.
• Fumes and Gases: Awareness of the need for local exhaust ventilation (LEV) or appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to control exposure to hazardous fumes.
• Fire and Explosion: Competence in conducting pre-work inspections for flammable materials, ensuring fire extinguishers are present, and complying with any hot work permit systems.
• Radiation: Correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like welding helmets with appropriate filter lenses, gloves, and protective clothing to prevent arc eye and skin burns from UV and IR radiation.
• Manual Tasks: Safe techniques for lifting and moving the portable welding unit to prevent musculoskeletal injury.

Documenting competency across these hazard controls is vital. This structured approach is transferable to other plant assessments, such as our pipe threader VOC. You can find more templates and checklists in our free WHS resources library to build out your site's competency framework.