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Machinery, Plant & Equipment

August 2024
Location: ACT , NSW , QLD , TAS , WA

This month’s Risk Focus program emphasises the safe operation machinery, plant, and equipment.

Machinery, plant, and equipment are indispensable across various industries, yet their usage poses significant risks that must be meticulously managed. Understanding hazards associated with asset strikes, equipment entanglement, and rollover protection is crucial for ensuring workplace safety. 

Working near overhead powerlines, conducting plant operations, and managing trafficable areas introduce unique risks that demand careful attention and thorough risk assessments. When operating heavy machinery in proximity to overhead powerlines, there is a risk of striking underground assets, making constant vigilance essential—particularly in fixed plant operations, where entanglement with moving parts can occur. Implementing proper installation of guards and Residual Current Devices (RCDs), alongside strict adherence to safety protocols, can significantly reduce these risks.

Mobile plant operations require a heightened focus on rollover and fall protection, especially on uneven surfaces, highlighting the necessity for well-trained operators and regular equipment maintenance. Effective traffic management on worksites is also vital for overall safety—employing organisational strategies and best practices minimises hazards and enhances the well-being of everyone involved.

For Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs), prioritising these safety measures is not merely a regulatory requirement; it's a commitment to fostering a safe work environment that protects employees and mitigates potential liabilities. Emphasising safety cultivates a culture of care and responsibility, ultimately leading to enhanced productivity and morale.

The Machinery, Plant & Equipment Toolkit

The Machinery, Plant & Equipment Toolkit

Toolbox Talk templates

  • Asset Strike
  • Fixed Plant
  • Mobile Plant
  • Traffic Management

HSEQ Inspection Checklist

  • Plant and Equipment Field Based HSEQ Inspection

Permits and Checklists

  • Excavation and Trenching Permit 
  • Plant and Equipment Regular Checklist 
  • Plant and Equipment Pre-Start Checklist 
  • Company Vehicle Checklist 
  • Elevated Work Platform Permit 
  • Traffic Hazard Checklist 

Safe Working Procedures (SWPs)

  • Conduit installation in the ground
  • Use of mobile plant
  • Trenching and excavating
  • Forklift safety
  • Use of portable generators

Exclusive Documents for NECASafe Generator and Empower users Policies

  • Motor Vehicle Policy
  • Traffic Management Policy
  • Chain of Responsibility

Procedures

  • Plant and Equipment Procedure

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

  • Mobile Plant SWMS
  • Excavation SWMS
  • Traffic SWMS
  • High Pressure Gas Lines SWMS
  • Directional Drilling SWMS

Informational video 

Unlimited phone and email advice on all safety related issues

Watch the video to learn more

Members can log into MKB to download the toolkit.

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