Machinery and equipment

Machinery and equipment

Machinery and equipment is referred to as "plant" in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW) which includes:

  • any machinery, equipment, appliance, container, implement and tool, and
  • any component of any of those things, and
  • anything fitted or connected to any of those things

Machinery and equipment can be static or mobile and generally has moving parts which might produce a rotating, sliding or reciprocating motion or a combination of these movements. Examples of machinery and equipment include lifts, electrical equipment, power tools, computers, hand held tools, hand trolleys and workshop equipment.

Risk management

Western Sydney University must manage risks to health and safety that involve the use of machinery and equipment. Machinery and equipment should be accompanied by a Standard Operating Procedure which provides sequential steps for the operator to follow, allowing them to use the equipment in a safe and healthy manner.

Training and supervision

Any person who is responsible for using, installing, commissioning, testing, maintaining, repairing, decommissioning, dismantling or disposing plant need to be provided with instruction, training and supervision so they can perform this task safely. Records of this training must be kept by each School or Division.

Purchasing and hiring

The purchasing and hiring of machinery and equipment must be done in accordance with the Procurement Policy. The hazards associated with the introduction of the machinery and equipment, and change in work practices must be considered. Workers must be consulted on any additional hazards or changes in work practices.

Inspection, maintenance, cleaning and testing

Machinery and equipment should be regularly inspected, maintained, cleaned, and if necessary tested in accordance with the recommendations of the designer, manufacturer and supplier. Regular inspections must be carried out on machinery and equipment to ensure it is operating as expected, regularly maintained and cleaned.

Inspection, maintenance, cleaning and testing must be performed by a competent person familiar with the machinery or equipment. Proof of competency including qualifications, licenses or other accreditation must be recorded.

Once unsafe machinery or equipment is identified it must be withdrawn from service, quarantined, isolated, or 'locked out' so that it cannot be used. Additionally, a sign must be placed on the piece of machinery or equipment stating it is unsafe for use. Machinery and equipment should be isolated from power before maintenance or cleaning commences.

Records of inspection, maintenance, cleaning and testing must be kept by each School or Division.

Disposal of machinery and equipment

Western Sydney University is required to disclose in writing to any prospective buyer any faults or damage to machinery and equipment being sold or disposed. This is not required where the machinery or equipment is being disposed or sold for scrap or spare parts.

Plant registration

Plant that has a higher level of risk of harm associated with its operation, use or maintenance must be registered with SafeWork NSW. Plant registration include the design and altered design of plant, as well as the installation of plant. Types of plant that must be registered include:

  • tower and mobile cranes
  • concrete placement units
  • lifts, escalators and moving walkways
  • building maintenance units
  • boilers
  • pressure valves
  • amusement devices

When registering a piece of plant, an application must be made with SafeWork NSW, the item must be inspected, and a statement must be provided by a competent person stating that the plant is safe to operate. If the design of the plant was also required to be registered then the design registration number must be included with the application.

See SafeWork NSW for more information.