PRE-PURCHASE RISK ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
This form is to be used in conjunction with Procurement and Purchasing Guidelines and
WHS Guidelines on procurement of chemicals.
1. DESCRIPTION
Purchase order number
Supplier
Description of items
Purpose of purchase
Person requesting purchase
Date
Authorizing officer
Date
2. PRE-PURCHASE WHS CONSIDERATIONS
The following section must be completed prior to purchasing the item. All items are to be completed by the
person requesting the purchase and confirmed by the Authorising Officer.
GOODS AND SERVICES
RISK
RATING
CHECKLIST REQUIRED
SIGN OFF REQUIRED
Office stationery and supplies Training,
maintenance, deliveries, consumables
Low
OHS pre-purchase checklist
section
Nil*
OHS omic section
PPE
Medium
PPE section
Purchaser
Office Furniture
Medium
Ergonomics section
Purchaser
Non Hazardous Chemicals
Medium
Chemical section
Purchaser
Hazardous Chemicals
High
Chemical section
Purchaser + Supervisor + Safety
Officer or delegated officer
Radiation Sources
High
Radiation section
Purchaser + Supervisor + Safety
Officer or delegated officer
Plant/Equipment and Electrical
Equipment
High
Pre-purchase checklist – Plant
and Equipment section
Purchaser + Supervisor + Safety
Officer or delegated officer
Nil
3. LINKS AND REFERENCES
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*Where pre-purchase risk assessment documentation is not required, the person purchasing, ordering or requesting
the goods must still ensure that the goods do not pose a risk to health and safety.
The procurement of chemicals must be controlled by local management.
Each workgroup (eg. research group) that uses chemicals must have an up-to-date chemical register.
Relevant material safety data sheets (MSDSs) must be readily accessible.
All chemical containers must be appropriately labeled.
Risk assessments must be completed for tasks involving chemicals, risk controls applied and relevant safe operating
procedures established.
Appropriate storage must be provided for chemicals. Access to chemicals must be restricted.
Chemicals must be disposed of via the University’s hazardous waste disposal system.
Staff and students who work with chemicals must be provided with sufficient training and supervision to work safely
and competently.
Staff and students who work with chemicals must be prepared for emergencies.
Australian Standards are available for the University of Sydney Library, databases and electronic resources,
Standards Australia: Australian Standards Online - Unikey access required
Restricted and Prohibited Carcinogens: http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au will take you to a home page. Find the 2011
Regulation, then scroll down to Schedule 10 to locate the list of Restricted and Prohibited Carcinogens.
PACIA list for Illicit Drugs and Precursors: http://www.pacia.org.au/reports/drugs
NSW Poisons List:
http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/publichealth/pharmaceutical/pdf/poisons_list.pdf
This document is some 93 pages long, and is predominantly applicable to substances when used for therapeutic
application. Your first indicator of it being a Schedule 7 or 8 listing should be as a note from the supplier when you place
your order.
Chemical Weapons Convention: http://www.opcw.org/chemical-weapons-convention/ Go to the end of this document to
the Annex listing the chemicals of concern.
Pre-purchase Risk Assessment Draft 0.2 21/8/13
PRE-PURCHASE OHS CONSIDERATIONS
Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing
Relevant Australian Standard marking
Instructions on use, fitting, storage and maintenance
Suitable for purpose
Consultation with HSR/employees affected
Office Furniture
Desks and workstations compliant with AS 4442
Height adjustable swivel chairs compliant with AS
4438 level 5 or 6
Fixed chairs compliant with AS 4688 level 4, 5 or 6
Supplier’s manual handling assessment provided
Consultation with HSR/employees affected
Hazardous Chemicals and Substances
Current MSDS supplied (less than 5 years old)
Suitable storage available:
•
dangerous goods storage
• biological storage
•
poisons and drugs storage
• gas cylinder storage
• bunding
Scheduled Carcinogens permit
End user chemical declaration
Staff are competent/trained to use
Suitable first aid and emergency
equipment/procedures in place
Consultation with HSR/employees affected
Radiation Sources
Contact Radiation Safety Advisor for advice
Consultation with HSR/employees affected
Must be ordered under an EPA radiation license holder
Must have an approved disposal route
Plant/Equipment (and Electrical)
Plant hazard assessment from manufacturer/supplier
For registrable - registration of plant
Noise less than 85 dBA
Suitable guarding/emergency stops/safety devices
Meets relevant Australian Electrical Standards
Instruction manuals, information about safe use
Operator licence/certificate of competency required
Staff are competent/trained to install
Staff are competent/trained to use
Staff are competent/trained to maintain
Consultation with HSR/employees affected
Other
Consultation with HSR/employees affected
Pre-purchase Risk Assessment Draft 0.2 21/8/13
Y
N N/A IF NO, LIST CONTROLS/REQUIREMENTS
PRE-PURCHASE