Owner Equipment Safety Responsibilities
Equipment owners are responsible for ensuring that every item listed for hire is safe, properly maintained and suitable for its intended use. Equipment should never be supplied if it is damaged, faulty or unsafe.
1. Provide Safe and Suitable Equipment
Before each hire, owners should:
- Inspect and test the equipment.
- Confirm that all guards and safety features are fitted and working.
- Check for damage, excessive wear, leaks or electrical faults.
- Ensure accessories and attachments are compatible and secure.
- Confirm the equipment is suitable for the hirer’s intended use.
- Remove the equipment from hire if any safety concerns are identified.
Never disable, remove or alter a manufacturer-installed safety feature.
2. Maintain the Equipment
Service and maintain equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep maintenance, inspection and repair records where appropriate.
Repairs should be completed by a suitably qualified person. Equipment must not be hired again until any safety-related fault has been properly repaired and tested.
3. Meet Safety and Compliance Requirements
Owners must ensure their equipment meets any applicable:
- Australian product safety requirements
- State or territory safety laws
- Registration and licensing requirements
- Inspection or certification requirements
- Electrical testing and tagging requirements
- Manufacturer safety notices or product recalls
Requirements can vary depending on the equipment, how it will be used and where the hire takes place.
4. Provide Safety Information
Give the hirer clear information about:
- Correct setup and operation
- Intended and prohibited uses
- Operating limits
- Known hazards
- Required personal protective equipment
- Safe transport and storage
- Emergency shutdown procedures
- What to do if a fault develops
Provide the manufacturer’s operating manual whenever available.
5. Check Hirer Requirements
Some equipment may require the hirer to have specific experience, training, a licence or formal qualification.
Owners should clearly state these requirements in the listing and verify them before releasing the equipment.
Do not hand over equipment if the hirer does not meet a required legal or safety condition.
6. Identify Required PPE
Tell the hirer what personal protective equipment is required, such as:
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
- Gloves
- Enclosed safety footwear
- Respiratory protection
- Helmets
- High-visibility clothing
Clearly explain whether the PPE is included with the hire or must be supplied by the hirer.
7. Record the Equipment’s Condition
Take clear photos before and after every hire.
Record:
- Existing damage
- Included accessories
- Safety equipment
- Relevant meter readings
- Fuel readings
- Battery readings
These records can help identify new damage, maintenance issues or emerging safety concerns.
8. Respond to Faults and Safety Concerns
If equipment becomes faulty or unsafe:
- Tell the hirer to stop using it immediately.
- Arrange for it to be safely returned or inspected.
- Remove the listing or make the equipment unavailable.
- Have the fault repaired by a suitably qualified person.
- Test the equipment before making it available again.
- Report any serious safety concern through Local Hire Marketplace.
9. Owner Safety Reminder
Do not list or supply equipment that:
- Is damaged, defective or unreliable
- Has missing guards or safety features
- Is subject to a safety recall
- Does not meet applicable legal requirements
- Has been modified in a way that may make it unsafe
- Requires maintenance, inspection or certification that is overdue
Providing safe, well-maintained equipment protects hirers, reduces the likelihood of damage or injury and helps build trust within the Local Hire Marketplace community.
This is a general guide only. Owners remain responsible for identifying and complying with all laws, safety standards and regulatory requirements that apply to their equipment and circumstances.