How to complete a digital risk assessment using Plant Assessor

Here at Plant Assessor we have been pioneers in utilising the power of technology to enhance the interaction between people and machinery.

We’re in the business of providing the tools to manage machinery safety and compliance in the simplest way possible. And how we do this is by giving you the tools to complete non-generic digital risk assessments tailored to your machines. Here’s a step-by-step guide as to how to complete a digital risk assessment using Plant Assessor.

Step 1: Log in to Plant Assessor

Head to the Plant Assessor site and enter your details, where you will then be taken to your machines list.

Step 2: Start a digital risk assessment

Either select the machine you would like to conduct a risk assessment on, and click the Create button on the right-hand side, or to add a new machine to your list, select Add New Machine.

Step 3: Machine details

Good news; this step is already done for you! Your machine’s information will already be prefilled in this section. After a quick check to make sure you have the right machine, click the Next button.

Step 4: Assessment purpose

You will now arrive at the assessment purpose screen. This is an important part of the assessment process. Once you drop down the Purpose menu, you will need to select how and where you are using this specific piece of machinery. It’s important to make the right selection here as this will determine the scope and focus of the assessment. Different purposes may require different levels of detail, analysis, and attention to specific hazards or risks. 

Choosing the wrong purpose may result in you assessing your machine against a different set of requirements than you need to. For example, if you select a Rail Corridor, RMS or Mining assessment purpose, you will be asked different and additional questions that relate specifically to the regulatory and safety environment relevant to those assessment purposes. Selecting the correct purpose helps to ensure the assessment is thorough, accurate, and relevant to the specific situation being assessed. You will also need to select the state you are operating in to ensure the risk assessment survey reflects the latest state legislation. Then record who the assessor is, and name any assistant assessors helping you with the inspection. Click Next.

Step 5: Machine specifications

On the machine specifications page, the standard specifications of your machine will be listed. In many instances, this section will already be pre-filled for you as you have selected your specific machine, but if you have additional information about these features, add it to the details section on the right hand side. Then, click Next.

Step 6: Machine extras

In this window, you will need to select any extras that are fitted to the machine such as safety harnesses, directional traffic arrows, buckets and other attachments, wheel chocks etc. These selections are also used to determine some of the questions asked in the risk assessment, so it is important to answer this section accurately. Click Next.

Step 7: Assessment questions

Now you have reached the risk assessment component. You will be asked a series of detailed questions that are specific to the type, make and model of your machine. All questions are designed to be answered as yes, no or in some cases not applicable (N/A). 

It is important to follow the 5 golden rules when answering risk assessment questions:

• Read the entire question.

• Be honest.

• Never assume.

• Err on the side of caution.

• Only ever answer ‘not applicable’ if it’s genuinely ‘not applicable’

Please see this article for an elaboration of these golden rules. 

Following these rules will ensure that you optimise the risk assessment process and outcomes. In addition to providing answers to the questions, you may also add comments or photos on each question to support your responses. Once all questions have been answered, click Next. 

Step 8: Assessment notes

You will now have arrived at the assessment notes section of the risk assessment. Here you can make any additional notes relevant to the machine or the assessment, as well as add any additional documents or photos. Once you have completed this stage, you may click Next.

Step 9: Actions and reports

The actions and reports component of the risk assessment is where you will be provided with recommended corrective actions to take in order to ensure your machine meets relevant compliance requirements. This will list all the required corrective actions, their due dates and completion status. You can also assign each action to be completed by the relevant person. Once complete, click the Save button to ensure your risk assessment is stored safely within Plant Assessor.

As corrective actions are completed inside Plant Assessor, the machine’s risk assessment is dynamically updated, meaning the assessment will be an accurate reflection of the machine at all times. It is important to regularly update corrective action status to ensure this is the case. 

Further guidance on completing a digital risk assessment with Plant Assessor can be found here.

Interested in other Plant Assessor features?

Plant Assessor offers much more than just digital risk assessments. You can use this leading software platform to schedule service and maintenance, and store all your safety documents in a digital library on the cloud. Plant Assessor has also developed the Pre Start Plus app, which allows you to complete digital pre-starts for free!

Want more information? Contact our team of machinery compliance experts on 1300 728 852 or info@assessor.com.au to request a demo.

Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide general information on the subject matter. This is not intended as legal or expert advice for your specific situation. You should seek professional advice before acting or relying on the content of this information.