Plant and Machinery
The protection of people against the risks that plant and systems of work can pose are legislated.
Yes – under the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic).
The primary objective of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic) is to protect people against the risks that plant and associated systems of work can pose to their health and safety.
The type of plant usually found in schools that is subject to these regulations is powered machinery (not hand or portable powered tools such as drills) including ride-on mowers, tractors and lifts.
To comply with the requirements of the Regulations, your school must undertake the following actions:
- Identify and list all items of plant in the school.
- Identify the hazards associated with the plant
- Assess the risk of an injury arising from each hazard
- Control the risk
- Develop management plans including training and maintenance.
Note:
- The hazard identification, risk assessment and control process should be undertaken in conjunction with users of the plant and the relevant Health & Safety Representative (HSR).
- Each step in the process must be documented
- Some items of plant such as lifts and pressure vessels may require registration with the WorkSafe Victoria.
Plant typically found in schools:
- Technology: Buzzer, Table saw, Thicknesser, Bandsaw, Cross-cut saw, Spindle moulder, Horizontal borer, Drill press, Grinder, Linisher, Wood lathe, Drop saw, Engine lathe, Milling machine, Power saw
- Art: Pug mill, Potters wheel
- General: Tractor, Ride on mower
You could be penalised under breaches of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic).
Peter Roberts
Director, School Services
Ph. 03 9825 7211
peter.roberts@is.vic.edu.au
Kieren Noonan
Head of Innovation
Ph. 03 9825 7275
kieren.noonan@is.vic.edu.au
- Vic DET: Plant and Equipment (contains links to Acts, Regulations, Codes of Practice and other support material)
- Vic DET: Plant and Equipment Risk Management
- Vic DET: School Policy and Advisory Guide – Teaching with Technology: Technical Subjects
- Vic DET: Student Health