Purchasing

Hazards can be identified as early as when items are purchased. It is necessary to communicate with suppliers of plant, equipment and chemicals, before the hazards associated with them are brought into the workplace.

These suppliers should be asked to provide information about their product before a decision is made to purchase the product, for example on:

• any hazards associated with the product
• how to operate the equipment
• what precautions need to be taken when operating the equipment
• how the hazardous substance should be stored and handled safely.

This information might be in workshop manuals and operation manuals and will help to identify any inherent hazards with the product. For example, where reference is made to 'precautions for use' this tends to indicate that there is a hazard associated with the equipment or product.

It is also useful, when purchasing, to read publications such as OHS&W Regulations, Codes of Practice and Australian Standards to ensure compliance.