Why We Ask These Questions:
- To protect client goods, prevent workplace injuries and meet WHS and industry standards.
- Proper storage and well‐maintained plant stop damage, avoid claims and keep your depot running safely.
What It’s Based On:
- WHS Act & Regulations – Your duty to manage risks (Part 3.1) and to maintain plant and structures safely (Part 5).
- AS 4084:2020 Steel Storage Racking – Sets out how racking must be designed, installed and regularly inspected.
- AFRA Constitution cl 9(f) & Code of Conduct cl 12 – Require safe, documented storage practices and prompt fixing of any storage defects.
- AFRA Code of Conduct cl 5 – vehicles must be branded, clean, first-aid–equipped and fitted with working doors, tail-gates and walk-up boards.
What We’re Looking For:
| Question | Why It Matters | What You Need to Show |
| Are consignments protected appropriately? | Prevents goods shifting or falling during handling and storage—avoids customer claims. | Evidence of load‐restraint methods (straps, blocking/bracing) |
| Is mezzanine, pallet racking or high storage used safely? | Overloading or faulty installation can cause collapse, injury or stock loss. | Visible load‐capacity signage. |
| Is a storage‐tracking system in place (manual or electronic)? | Ensures you can locate every item—speeds up retrieval, reduces loss and supports insurance claims. | Sample tracking reports: bar‐code scans or entries with item IDs, dates and handler initials. |
| Are wooden containers maintained and inspected? | Rot or damage can lead to collapse or pest infestation. It puts goods and people at risk. | Inspection checklists showing container IDs, condition notes, repairs and next inspection date. |
| Are steel containers verified as fit for use? | Corrosion or structural faults undermine stacking and handling safety. | Certificate of conformity or recent non‐destructive testing (NDT) report, plus “Safe‐for‐Use” tags. |
Equipment & Vehicles Checklist
| Question | Why It Matters | What You Need to Show |
| Sign written with company details | Ensures vehicle identity and branding compliance. | Photo of signwriting on vehicle. |
| Photo of vehicle inside and out | Verifies condition and cleanliness; supports compliance with standards. | Photos of vehicle’s interior and exterior. |
| Clean inside and out | Maintains hygiene, professional appearance, and safety. | Confirmation that the vehicle is clean inside and out. |
| First aid kit present | Required for emergencies; meets safety regulations. | Confirmation that each vehicle has a stocked first aid kit. |
| No water leakage in the interior | Prevents damage to goods and electrical hazards. | Confirmation that no vehicle shows interior water leakage. |
| Rear doors close and seal | Secures load and prevents damage or theft. | Confirmation that all vehicle rear doors properly close and seal. |
| Tailgate lifter present | Facilitates safe and efficient loading/unloading. | Confirmation that each vehicle is fitted with a working tailgate lifter. |
| Walkup Boards present | Ensures safe access and handling of goods. | Confirmation that all vehicles have walkup boards. |
Legal Basis by State/Territory
| Jurisdiction | Storage & Racking | Plant & Equipment | Vehicles & HVNL |
| NSW | WHS Act 2011 (NSW) ss 19–20; WHS Reg. 2017 r 104 (AS 4084 reference) | WHS Reg. 2017 Pt 5.1; rr 147–149 (electrical risks) | Heavy Vehicle National Law (NSW) ss 6 & 20; WHS Act s 19 (duty to maintain) |
| VIC | OHS Act 2004 (Vic) ss 21–22; OHS Reg. 2017 Sch 8 (AS 4084 reference) | OHS Reg. 2017 r 447–458; rr 177–179 (electrical safety) | HVNL (Vic) ss 6 & 20; OHS Act s 21 (duty to maintain) |
| QLD | WHS Act 2011 (Qld) ss 19–20; WHS Reg. 2011 r 178 (AS 4084 reference) | WHS Reg. 2011 Ch 5; rr 147–149 (electrical risks) | HVNL (Qld) ss 6 & 20; WHS Act s 19 |
| SA | WHS Act 2012 (SA) ss 19–21; WHS Reg. 2012 r 104 (MBS 004) | WHS Reg. 2012 Pt 5; rr 147–149 (electrical risks) | HVNL (SA) ss 6 & 20; WHS Act s 19 |
| WA | WHS Act 2020 (WA) ss 19–21; WHS Reg. 2022 r 5.04 (AS 4084 reference) | WHS Reg. 2022 Div 5.04; rr 147–149 (electrical risks) | HVNL (WA) ss 6 & 20; WHS Act s 19 |
| TAS | WHS Act 2012 (Tas) ss 19–22; WHS Reg. 2012 r 5.01–5.34 (AS 4084 reference) | WHS Reg. 2012 Part 5; rr 147–149 (electrical risks) | HVNL (Tas) ss 6 & 20; WHS Act s 19 |
| ACT | WHS Act 2011 (ACT) ss 19–21; WHS Reg. 2011 Div 5.0 (AS 4084 reference) | WHS Reg. 2011 Div 5.1; rr 147–149 (electrical risks) | HVNL (ACT) ss 6 & 20; WHS Act s 19 |
| NT | WHS (National) Act 2011 (NT) ss 19–20; WHS Reg. 2011 Pt 5 (AS 4084 reference) | WHS Reg. 2011 Pt 5; rr 147–149 (electrical risks) | HVNL (NT) ss 6 & 20; WHS Act s 19 |