Safety matters with Dr Paul
Safe Plant and Structures
Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requires the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) to ensure the health and safety of workers, so far as is reasonably practicable. The provision and maintenance of safe plant and structures is one of the specific obligations in the Act.
Plant is a term that covers mobile plant (e.g. forklift), machinery, equipment, appliances, tools, implements, etc. while a structure includes any construction. Maintenance includes repairs and servicing.
Designers, manufactures, importers, suppliers and installers of plant also have obligations under the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (see Chapter 5).
Inadequate maintenance and servicing may contribute to an incident even if the plant was designed and manufactured with consideration to health and safety. The manufacturer’s inspection, maintenance and servicing instructions should always be followed.
In meeting the obligation of providing safe plant, a PSBU should consider the following before purchasing or hiring plant:
- the purpose for which the plant was designed
- the hazards and risks associated with installation, operation, maintenance, transportation, storage and dismantling or disposal
- safe operating instructions, including safety features, facilities and precautions
- maintenance and servicing requirements
- any special skills or licencing required for operation or maintenance
- procedures and any specialised equipment required for plant inspection and maintenance
A PCBU should implement systems for scheduled inspections and maintenance, including the role and responsibility for these functions, which meet the manufacturer’s requirements.
Maintenance procedures should include arrangements for ensuring the plant does not present a hazard while performing maintenance and is safe to return to normal operation.
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of all maintenance and servicing conducted is critical in demonstrating compliance by the PCBU in their obligation to maintain the plant.
This article provides general information only and should not be a substitute for seeking professional advice regarding your specific situation. Any references included provide additional supporting information.
Dr Paul will be contributing regular articles to assist and advise PCBUs and their workers on the management of health and safety.
