PLANT – PRE-PURCHASE RISK ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST and FORM
SOURCE: http://info.anu.edu.au/Policies/_Documents/PDF/HR/Plant_prepurchase.pdf

Plant - Acquisition / Purchase 

When the purchase of an item of plant is being considered to undertake a task, it is an opportunity to avoid introducing OHS risk into a workplace by careful selection of appropriately designed plant. A documented risk assessment is required to comply with the regulations. 

In making a pre-purchase decision, the following factors should be considered: 

	• Whether a task or operation is required (possibly eliminating the need for plant to be introduced 	to the workplace) 

	• Whether the task can be undertaken in a different way (possible substitution of less hazardous 	plant). 

	• Task requirements - define what the expected task / operation / process is required to be, and 	how the plant or equipment will assist in this (e.g. develop a business case). 

	• Any environmental or work practice issues (e.g. wet areas, flammable gases, work at heights)? 

In conducting the risk assessment, the following forms can be useful: 
Plant pre-purchase assessment checklist PRAMS Form	(supplied)
Equipment specifications
Identify appropriate plant or equipment available (on the market) that has those attributes / specifications.
If there is no suitable equipment on the market, can the plant/equipment be manufactured? If so, see the relevant guidance material. 
By completing the plant pre-purchase assessment checklist, acquisition and purchase requirements and potential problems of an item of plant are identified. This reduces inappropriate commitment of University finances and/or exposure of staff and others to unacceptable risks due to unsuitable plant. Most reputable suppliers, manufacturers and retailers of plant may assist you in completing the checklist and may provide a demonstration or trial of plant to ascertain the suitability to workplace requirements. 

Choosing a supplier
When choosing a supplier of plant, do not rely on the name and reputation of a supplier. Ask if the supplier can provide:
• Choice and availability of plant; 

• Compliance with health and safety requirements; 

• Plant demonstration arranged by the supplier for a Budget Area; 

• Service and warranty agreements; 

• Training and technical support; 

• Maintenance schedules of the plant; 

• Availability of serviceable components;

• The geographical location of service outlets; 

• Supplier information; and 

• Availability of recall or defect notices.

RSPE - PLANT - PRE-PURCHASE RISK ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST FORM
File reference: 	Purchase Order Number: 
	
Person requesting plant purchase:
 	
Manufacturer: 	Supplier: 
	
Plant item to be purchased: 
	
Detail the plant function/s (affix additional page/s if required): 

List any known relevant legislation, Act’s or Codes of practice requirements regarding construction, installation, use and disposal of the plant, as well as University procedure the purchased plant must meet (affix additional page/s if required): 

	
Is design registration or notification required: 
 NO - see ANU HMP – Plant, Appendix A or Schedule 6 of the Commonwealth Plant Regulations 
 YES - complete the Comcare form available at: http://www.comcare.gov.au/plant/plant.html 
Responsible Officer:
 	
Is Registration or licensing required? 
 NO - see ANU HMP – Plant, Appendix A or Schedule 6 of the Commonwealth Plant Regulations 
 YES - complete the Comcare form available at: http://www.comcare.gov.au/plant/plant.html 
Responsible Officer: 
	
OHS Pre purchase considerations 	
Are specifications required for any of the following 
 Operator licence, permit, or certificate of competency 
 Training - operation, maintenance, installer 
 Noise legislation 
 Workplace layout, access and storage 
 Manual handling code of practice 
 Safe guarding of machinery 
 Stop/warning devices 
 Emergency operator controls 
 Signage / authorised access 
 Other (please specify): 

Do any of the following require specification? 	
 Instructions – operational and maintenance manuals 
 Approved plans/calculations 
 Risk assessment documentation 
 Installation instructions 
 Applicable Australian Standard please indicate AS number/s______________ 
Other (please specify)