Why We Ask These Questions:
To make sure your site keeps people and property safe, meets WHS and AFRA standards, and is ready if something goes wrong. Clear routes, marked exits, up-to-date equipment and proper PPE reduce accidents and ensure fast, orderly responses in emergencies.
What It’s Based On:
- WHS Regulations – Emergency Plans (r 43); Managing Risks (Part 3.1, rr 36–38); Traffic Management (r 127)
- AFRA Constitution – cl 9(f): Rectify premises deficiencies identified during audits
- AFRA Code of Conduct – cl 3: Maintain professional, adequate and secure premises; cl 5: Safe vehicle & equipment operations
What We’re Looking For:
| Question | Why It Matters | What You Need to Show |
| Pedestrian walkways in the warehouse or depot | Separates foot traffic and vehicles to prevent collisions and serious injuries. | Marked floor lines or physical barriers defining walkways. |
| Evacuation map displayed in warehouse areas | Helps staff and visitors find exits quickly in an emergency. | Laminated evacuation maps in prominent locations, up to date. |
| Fire exits marked and unobstructed | Guarantees clear escape routes and compliance with exit-path requirements. | Illuminated exit signs and clear paths free of obstructions. |
| Appropriate PPE in use (e.g. high-vis vests) | Protects workers from site-specific hazards and makes them visible to equipment operators. | Staff wearing PPE appropriate to tasks (photos or spot-check records). |
| LPG cylinders properly restrained (gas forklifts) | Prevents cylinders from falling or leaking, which could cause fire, explosion or gas asphyxiation. | Secure restraints or cages with inspection tags; evidence of regular checks. |
National Reference
Model Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) r 127(3)(d) – you must set aside safe walkways—either by marking the floor, installing barriers or both—so people and forklifts never mix paths.
Legal Basis by State/Territory
| State/Territory | Your Duty | Emergency Plans & Exits | Signage | Traffic & Fencing |
| NSW | Work Health and Safety Act 2011 ss 19–20 | WHS Reg. 2017 rr 41–43; rr 100–101 | WHS Reg. 2017 r 138 | WHS Reg. 2017 r 127; WHS Act s 19 (risk duty includes fencing) |
| VIC | Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 ss 21–22 | OHS Reg. 2017 rr 349–353 | OHS Reg. 2017 r 161–162 | OHS Reg. 2017 r 242–243; OHS Act s 21 (duty includes barriers/walkways) |
| QLD | Work Health and Safety Act 2011 ss 19–20 | WHS Reg. 2011 rr 38–43; rr 79–80 | WHS Reg. 2011 r 141 | WHS Reg. 2011 r 170; WHS Act s 19 (general risk duty includes fencing) |
| SA | Work Health and Safety Act 2012 ss 19–21 | WHS Reg. 2012 rr 37–43; rr 100–101 | WHS Reg. 2012 r 140 | WHS Reg. 2012 r 120; WHS Act s 19 (duty includes barriers/walkways) |
| WA | Work Health and Safety Act 2020 ss 19–21 | WHS Reg. 2022 rr 37–43; rr 104–105 | WHS Reg. 2022 r 299 | WHS Reg. 2022 r 235; WHS Act s 19 (risk duty includes fencing) |
| TAS | Work Health and Safety Act 2012 ss 19–22 | WHS Reg. 2012 rr 37–43; rr 100–101 | WHS Reg. 2012 r 140 | WHS Reg. 2012 r 170; WHS Act s 19 (duty includes barriers/walkways) |
| ACT | Work Health and Safety Act 2011 ss 19–21 | WHS Reg. 2011 rr 37–43; rr 100–101 | WHS Reg. 2011 r 138 | WHS Reg. 2011 r 126; WHS Act s 19 (general duty includes walkways) |
| NT | WHS (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 ss 19–20 | WHS Reg. 2011 rr 37–43; rr 98–99 | WHS Reg. 2011 r 138 | WHS Reg. 2011 r 120; WHS Act s 19 (duty includes barriers/walkways) |
Appropriate PPE in Use
National Reference:
Model Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) r 36(2)(e) – after eliminating and minimising risks so far as is reasonably practicable, you must “provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers” to control any remaining hazard. All states and territories have adopted the Model WHS rule on PPE.
Legal Basis by State/Territory
| Jurisdiction | Legislation |
| NSW | WHS Regulation 2017 (NSW) r 36(2)(e) |
| VIC | OHS Regulation 2017 (Vic) r 42(1)(d) |
| QLD | WHS Regulation 2011 (Qld) r 36(2)(e) |
| SA | WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) r 36(2)(e) |
| WA | WHS Regulations 2022 (WA) r 36(2)(e) |
| TAS | WHS Regulations 2012 (Tas) r 36(2)(e) |
| ACT | WHS Regulation 2011 (ACT) r 36(2)(e) |
| NT | WHS Regulation 2011 (NT) r 36(2)(e) |
LPG Cylinders Properly Restrained (Gas Forklifts)
National Reference:
Model Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) r 168 – you must ensure plant (including attachments like LPG cylinders) is secured to prevent unintended movement.
Legal Basis by State/Territory
| Jurisdiction | Legislation |
| NSW | WHS Regulation 2017 (NSW) r 168 |
| VIC | OHS Regulation 2017 (Vic) r 426(1)(c) |
| QLD | WHS Regulation 2011 (Qld) r 168 |
| SA | WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) r 168 |
| WA | WHS Regulations 2022 (WA) r 168 |
| TAS | WHS Regulations 2012 (Tas) r 168 |
| ACT | WHS Regulation 2011 (ACT) r 168 |
| NT | WHS Regulation 2011 (NT) r 168 |