Plant and electrical equipment
Regulated Plant is defined by the OHS Regulations 2007 (Vic), and includes many items of powered machinery and devices, and some vehicles. Regulated Plant must be managed in accordance with Health & Safety: Regulated plant requirements.
Non-regulated plant should be managed in accordance with general risk management requirements. Refer to Implement section.
Regulated plant
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What is regulated plant?
Regulated Plant is defined by the OHS Regulations 2007 (Vic), and includes many items of powered machinery and devices, and some vehicles. Regulated Plant must be managed in accordance with Health & Safety: Regulated plant requirements.
A Health & Safety: Plant register and a plant risk assessment form should be filled out where required.
Non-regulated plant should be managed in accordance with general risk management requirements. Refer to Implement section on the Management System page.
- Requirements
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Electrical equipment
The University of Melbourne publish several guidance materials which promote the correct use and management of electrical equipment.
Uninsulated Pins on Electrical Appliance Plugs
In October 2015 the scheduled inspection and testing of portable electrical appliance plugs (arranged by Campus Services) began recording uninsulated pins identified during the inspection.
From early 2016, in addition to the electrical testing tag, a tag indicating that the lead has uninsulated pins will also be attached.
The purpose of this tag is to identify to the local area that a lead has uninsulated pins. The tag does not indicate that the portable electrical appliance is unsafe for use.
Under certain conditions the use of electrical appliances with uninsulated plug pins may increase the risk of electric shock. Therefore it is appropriate to:
- Provide information and instruction on safe use of electrical appliances;
- Assess the risks associated with continued use of electrical appliances with uninsulated plug pins to determine if any short term actions are required; and
- Plan and prioritise the eventual replacement of uninsulated plugs based on level of risk.
Danger tags and lock-out devices
Danger tags and lock-out devices are used for isolating equipment during cleaning, servicing, repairing, or alteration, as described in Health & Safety: Isolation, lockout and tag out requirements.
The following sample illustrations are available:
An example of a danger tag.
Note: Danger tags should not be confused with out-of-service tags.
Out of service tags
Out-of-service tags are tags are used to withdraw unsafe plant and equipment from service, as described in
Health & Safety: Unsafe plant and equipment requirements
Out-of-service tags printed on UV-resistant vinyl are available by contacting Health & Safety.
Note: it is not compulsory to use this particular design of out-of-service tag. You can use any design that complies with the specifications in the OHS procedure.
Note: Out of service tags should not be confused with Danger tags.
Pressure Vessels
- Guidance documents
- University scheduled inspections
We ask that Schools and Departments ensure that up to date information about each pressure vessel they own or control has been passed onto the preferred external consultant, Frank Busch Inspection Pty Ltd. The consultant runs scheduled inspections for all registered pressure vessels across Schools, Faculties and Departments within the University. These inspections are in line with AS/NZS 3788.
- Local area scheduled maintenance and servicing
At certain times there may be an opportunity for departments to access a group servicing contract for autoclaves. Please direct queries to your local Health & Safety Business partner.
Fume Cupboards (also known as fume hoods)
Guidance documents
Safe use of ducted fume cupboards
Fume cupboard clearance for inspection, maintenance and repairs (form)
Cooling Towers
Procedure
Health & Safety: Cooling tower requirements
Guidance documents
Cooling towers - Controlling the critical risks operational programs
Health & Safety: Cooling tower system risk classification table
Electrical equipment
The University of Melbourne publish several guidance materials which promote the correct use and management of electrical equipment.
- Electrical testing and tagging criteria
- Electrical equipment in hostile environments
- Electrical commissioning tags for new portable equipment
- Standard operating procedures for electrical appliances
Uninsulated Pins on Electrical Appliance Plugs
In October 2015 the scheduled inspection and testing of portable electrical appliance plugs (arranged by Campus Services) began recording uninsulated pins identified during the inspection.
From early 2016, in addition to the electrical testing tag, a tag indicating that the lead has uninsulated pins will also be attached.
The purpose of this tag is to identify to the local area that a lead has uninsulated pins. The tag does not indicate that the portable electrical appliance is unsafe for use.
Under certain conditions the use of electrical appliances with uninsulated plug pins may increase the risk of electric shock. Therefore it is appropriate to:
- Provide information and instruction on safe use of electrical appliances;
- Assess the risks associated with continued use of electrical appliances with uninsulated plug pins to determine if any short term actions are required; and
- Plan and prioritise the eventual replacement of uninsulated plugs based on level of risk.