The obligation
Before accepting second-hand plant, a competent person should inspect it and complete a documented safety evaluation, including a hazard checklist, prior to use.
The Code recommends that for any second-hand machinery or equipment, a competent person inspects the item prior to acceptance and completes a documented safety evaluation (e.g. hazard checklist). The evaluation should consider site-specific factors (exclusion zones, gradients, fire risks), PPE requirements, operator competency requirements, warning devices, emergency procedures, and specification limitations.
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- What
- Before accepting second-hand plant, a competent person should inspect it and complete a documented safety evaluation, including a hazard checklist, prior to use.
- Source
- safework.nsw.gov.au
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second-hand
plant-acquisition
inspection
competent-person
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Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Second-hand plant acquisition: pre-acceptance safety evaluation is a WHS requirement set out in Managing the risks of plant in the workplace (NSW). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW). The relevant provision is WHS Act 2011 (NSW) > WHS Regulation 2017 > Code of Practice – Plant > Acquisition.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Second-hand plant acquisition: pre-acceptance safety evaluation is a WHS obligation under Managing the risks of plant in the workplace (NSW). In short, Before accepting second-hand plant, a competent person should inspect it and complete a documented safety evaluation, including a hazard checklist, prior to use.
What changed recently?
Second-hand plant acquisition: pre-acceptance safety evaluation was last updated on 3 September 2026.
