Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00422:body:0:p11
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00422
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 25491–28329

harm?
    * Is it highly likely or unlikely to happen?
    * How frequently are workers exposed to the hazard? For example, if plant is used constantly with five operators per shift and three 8-hour shifts and there is a lack of high level control measures, the risk will increase compared to the occasional use by a single operator.
Other factors to consider when undertaking a risk assessment include:

    * In what type of conditions is the plant used in (for example in a confined space, muddy or dusty environment)?
    * What is the condition of the plant? For example, is it old and missing safety features found on new plant? Is it reliable or often needing emergency maintenance?
    * If there are other people or items of plant in the vicinity, what effect do they have on the likelihood or consequence?
    * Where and when is access required during the installation, operation or maintenance of plant and in an emergency?
    * What work practices and procedures exist in relation to plant safety (for example isolation to carry out maintenance, emergency shut-down)?
    * What kind of training, information, instruction and supervision is provided to workers and other persons who may be exposed to plant?
    * Does the plant's safety depend on the competency of its operators?
    * How is work organised? For example
          + the speed of the process line
          + pedestrian and vehicular traffic around the plant
          + time spent on repetitive tasks
          + shift work arrangements, and
          + any production incentives that may affect health and safety.

2.3 Controlling risks
The ways of controlling risks associated with plant are ranked from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest. This ranking is known as the hierarchy of risk control. The WHS Regulations require duty holders to work through this hierarchy to choose the control that most effectively eliminates or, where that is not reasonably practicable, minimises the risk in the circumstances. Specific controls are required under the WHS Regulations for certain types of plant, such as:
    * powered mobile plant
    * plant that lifts or suspends loads
    * industrial robots
    * lasers
    * pressure equipment, and
    * scaffolds.

The hierarchy of control measures
Elimination – The most effective control measure is to remove the hazard or hazardous work practice associated with the plant. For example, buy pre-sawn timber instead of using a power saw.
Many hazards can be addressed before introducing plant into your workplace, that is, in the planning and purchasing stages. For example, purchasing machinery that is designed and built to produce low noise levels is more effective than providing workers with personal hearing protectors. This also avoids costly modifications to plant after it is