Equipment Rules for Work Projects

Introduction

This topic covers the rules and requirements for the supply and use of tools for a work project.

Legislative reference: Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.

Requirements of project sponsor

The following requirements apply to the supply of equipment and materials by the project sponsor:

• The project sponsor is responsible for supplying:
  • any tools or equipment not available from the CWC (e.g. a lawn mower), and
  • all consumable materials (e.g. paint brushes, sandpaper, timber, nails, etc.).
• If there are insufficient materials available for a full day’s work, then work on that project will not proceed for that day.
• It is recommended that the project sponsor keeps their own record of all materials and equipment supplied for the project.

Notes:

• Equipment and tools may be owned, leased or borrowed by the project sponsor.
• CPPS takes all care and no responsibility for the project sponsor’s tools and equipment.

Sources of equipment

The only sources from which tools and equipment may be obtained for use for the work project are:

• the project sponsor
• the CWC equipment store, or
• civil defence, police or prison stores of equipment.

Note: Civil defence, police or prison stores may only be called on if:

• the project is classified as ‘official business’, and
• the use of the equipment has been negotiated with, and approved in writing by, the service manager.

Project sponsor’s resources

The general policy in work projects is that all resources provided by the project sponsor must be used with responsibility and care.

Purchasing new tools

The purchase of any new tools for the CWC store must be made within the appropriate delegated authority of staff.

Use of equipment

In no circumstance may any staff member or offender benefit personally from the availability of tools supplied at the work site by the project sponsor or the CWC.

Use of own tools

Offenders and staff are not permitted to bring their own tools to the CWC or onto the work site.

CPPS takes no responsibility if such tools are brought to the work site and lost or damaged, with or without criminal intent.

Donation of equipment

Agencies may donate equipment or tools (but not vehicle fuel) to the CWC if the service manager approves the donation.

The following table shows how donated equipment must be recorded.

Equipment register

A register of all tools and equipment owned by the CWC is maintained:

• daily on the daily disbursement sheet (tool register)
• weekly by checking the daily disbursement sheet (tool register)
• quarterly and annually on a stock-take list, and
• at any other times required by the CWC’s internal control practices.

The records of checks on the register are part of the internal control process to:

• assist in audit processes, and
• maintain appropriate accountability.

Safety when using tools

All offenders must be informed at induction of the safety measures to be taken when using tools and equipment on work projects.

Communication equipment

The communication equipment which the community work supervisor uses to maintain contact with the CWC must be purchased and used strictly in accordance with:

• national policy, and
• purchasing procedures and delegations.

Communication units are purchased according to policy to ensure that the communication network is fully compatible and therefore effective.

When to check equipment

All equipment used in a work project must be checked at:

• the start of the day
• the end of the day, and
• random times throughout the day, as considered appropriate.