Technology
Technology students and teachers are likely to be using a range of tools and machines that, by their nature, present a higher risk than other areas of the curriculum. Injuries involving plant can have serious consequences that include amputation, degloving, scalping and hearing loss resulting in permanent impairment to students and employees.
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 (Part 3.5 – Plant) require employers to identify and control risks associated with machinery and plant in the workplace. The Workplace Manager is responsible for ensuring that the relevant safety precautions for operating machinery in the school are implemented and that teachers have had the appropriate training and have attained the required levels of competency in machinery and plant.
This section expands on safety precautions and competency requirements for working safely in Technology. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act 2004) and, in particular, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007, impact substantially on the provision of Technology in schools with particular regard to safe systems of work, use of plant, manual handling, noise and hazardous substances. All relevant aspects of these legislative provisions as they apply to schools must be implemented.
What do I need to do?
Principals must ensure that teachers have appropriate training and experience with the use of the machines and equipment that students will use in their classes. All machinery and equipment must be maintained in safe working condition. Teachers are required to pass the prescribed competency test in the safe use of machinery before June 2010. The competency test applies to each item of plant and machinery where student supervision is required and to those items of plant detailed on the Safe Use Test List (See below). The competency test is current for five years. Teachers receive a ‘pass-book’ describing the machinery for which they have competency in supervising safe use. A corresponding record of the teacher’s machine use competencies should be held in the teacher’s personnel record for at
least seven years.
The VRQA accredited, ‘Course in Safe Use of Machinery for Technology Teaching (Woodwork and Metalwork)’ (21820VIC) provides relevant training for teachers to pass the competency test and to assist them develop and implement the safe use of machinery tests appropriate for their school and students.
The course includes:
- Applying OHS Principles to Technology Teaching – VBQU618 – 8hrs
- Safely Operate and Maintain Wood Working Machines – VBQU619 – 16hrs Prerequisite - VBQU618
- Safely Operate and Maintain Metal Working Machines – VBQU620 – 8 hrs Prerequisite - VBQU618
The course is conducted by participating TAFEs at selected secondary schools in each region. Contact your Regional OHS/WorkCover Advisor to discuss training requirements and course availability.
Course in the Safe Use of Machinery for Technology Teaching - Materials
Course Materials
VBQU618 Apply OHS Principles to Technology Teaching (Word - 10.9Mb)
VBQU619 Safely Operate and Maintain Wood Working Machines (Word - 21.9Mb)
VBQU620 Safely Operate and Maintain Metalworking Machines (Word - 12.2Mb)
Training Guides
DEECD Trainers Guide (Word - 7.7Mb)
DEECD Trainers Guide Cover
Overheads - Safe Use of Machinery in Technology VBQU618 (PPT - 6.3Mb)
Assessment
Assessment Booklet Cover (Word - 80Kb)
Course in Safe Use of Machinery in Technology Assessment Booklet (A5) (Word - 566Kb)
Plant Requiring Completion of a Safe Use Test - Safer Plant for Students
The following list comprises plant which has been assessed as safer for student use. However, items can only be used by students under general supervision after the student has passed a Safe Use Competency test. Items have been grouped according to their useful work purpose.
|
Cutting |
Shaping |
Joining |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Welding Finishing • Linisher (Belt & Disc Sander) • Sanders (Belt & Orbital) |
Restricted Plant
The following restricted plant items (below) have been assessed as representing a greater risk of injury to students. Consequently their use is restricted to senior secondary students only who have passed a Restricted Plant Safe Use Competency test. (A ‘Restricted’ Plant Safe Use Competency Test follows the same format as the ‘Safer’ Plant Test.) Only teachers who have attended the VRQA short course and been assessed as competent in the use of a restricted item of plant are permitted to assess and supervise a student using a restricted plant item.
N.B. Schools are strongly advised to seek alternative methods of achieving curriculum aims through the use of safer plant (refer Safer Plant list).
|
Cutting |
Shaping |
|---|---|
|
|
Schools continuing to utilise restricted plant with students must
1. Complete and document a risk assessment of their technology workshop facility;
2. Undertake and document a plant risk assessment for each restricted item of plant in use.
Practical guidance
|
OHSMS Documentation |
Guidelines & Templates |
|---|---|
|