Verification of Competency (Spider Lift)

Purpose of the Verification of Competency (Spider Lift)

A Verification of Competency (VOC) is a formal process used by an employer or PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) to confirm that an individual possesses the current skills, knowledge, and experience to operate specific equipment safely in their workplace. This Verification of Competency (Spider Lift) template provides a structured framework for assessing an operator's ability to safely handle a spider lift, from pre-start checks through to shutdown procedures.

It moves beyond simply holding a licence, focusing on demonstrated competence in the context of your specific site and tasks.

While a High Risk Work Licence (class WP) is required for boom-type EWPs with a capacity of 11 metres or more, a VOC is best practice for all plant, regardless of licencing requirements. It ensures that skills remain current and are applied correctly according to site-specific rules.

For operators who may also use other types of elevated work platforms, our Verification of Competency for a Boom Lift or Knuckle Boom provides a relevant alternative assessment structure.

How to use the Verification of Competency (Spider Lift)

This document should be used by a competent person—such as a supervisor or an experienced operator—to observe and evaluate another worker operating a spider lift. The process involves a combination of theoretical questions and practical observation, covering critical safety and operational aspects.

These include understanding the machine's capabilities and limitations, conducting pre-start and operational checks, identifying hazards, and demonstrating safe travel, setup, and use of the platform.

The assessor uses the checklist to record the operator's performance, providing a clear record of the assessment outcome. Both the assessor and the operator should sign the completed document.

This process forms a vital part of your overall safety framework, integrating seamlessly with comprehensive WHS management systems to ensure ongoing worker safety and risk control.

Important: This is a template that provides a structured starting point. We have designed it to be customised to reflect your specific site, machinery, and operational procedures.

You must adapt it to cover the unique hazards and control measures relevant to your workplace.

When to use it

A Verification of Competency should be conducted at various points in an operator's employment lifecycle to ensure skills remain sharp and relevant. Key triggers for conducting a spider lift VOC include:

• Pre-employment: To validate the skills and claims of a new hire before they begin work.
• Introduction of new equipment: When a new make or model of spider lift is introduced to the workplace.
• Post-incident: Following any incident or near-miss involving a spider lift to identify any competency gaps.
• Performance concerns: If a supervisor observes unsafe or inefficient operating practices.
• Regular intervals: As part of a scheduled assessment program (e.g., annually or biennially) to ensure skills have not diminished over time.

On a busy construction site, operators often use multiple pieces of equipment. Standardising your competency verification across different plant is essential for maintaining safety standards.

You can adapt this process for other common machinery, such as that covered in our Concrete Saw or Floor Saw VOC template.

Who should use it

This resource is designed for any person responsible for ensuring the safe operation of plant and equipment. This typically includes:

• WHS Managers and Advisors: To implement and manage a consistent competency verification program across the organisation.
• Site Supervisors and Forepersons: To conduct on-the-ground assessments of their team members before assigning tasks.
• Project Managers: To ensure all contractors and workers on a project are competent to use the equipment required.
• Internal Trainers and Assessors: As a formal tool for evaluating operators as part of internal training programs.

The individual conducting the assessment must be competent themselves. This means they should have extensive theoretical knowledge and practical experience with spider lifts and be familiar with the relevant safe work procedures and WHS legislation.

Periodically reviewing these processes through WHS compliance audits helps confirm that your verification procedures are being applied correctly and consistently.

Maintaining a library of standardised assessment tools helps create a robust safety culture. Alongside this document, you might find our Free Circular Saw VOC (Verification of Competency) Template useful for assessing operators of common handheld power tools.