Pre-Purchase Checklist

The initial information required includes:

• Purchase order number
• Description of the equipment or material
• Supplier name
• Authorised purchaser's name and signature
• Verification if the item meets Australian Standards
• Requirement of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

This information ensures that all necessary administrative and safety considerations are documented before purchase.

For plant and equipment, consider the following:

• Whether the item needs to be inducted and/or added to a Register
• Requirement for periodic testing and tagging for electrical compliance
• Need for operator licences, permits, or certificates of competency
• Availability of safe use guidance material (operator's manual)
• Documentation of service history and pre-start checklist or log book
• Presence of relevant safety items (guarding, emergency stops, lights)
• Experience of personnel with the item
• Need for further training or supervision for installation, use, or maintenance

These considerations ensure the safe and compliant use of new equipment or materials.

Before purchase, address the following PPE and safety measures:

• Inclusion of the safe use of the item in a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) or Risk Assessment
• Identification and addressing of safety signage requirements
• Availability of required PPE for the safe use of the item
• Special training or instruction for proper use of associated PPE
• Special first aid arrangements required for the item
• Modifications needed for incident management procedures and/or equipment

These measures ensure that all safety aspects are considered and implemented.

The pre-purchase checklist must be approved by the builder or a designated approver. The approver's name and signature should be included to validate the checklist. This approval ensures that all health and safety considerations have been reviewed and endorsed before the purchase is made.