Hazard management and compliance

Contractors and consultants

Contractor safety and compliance

Adelaide University requires all contractors and consultants to follow strict safety protocols when working on campus. This includes understanding and managing risks associated with hazardous materials, high-risk work environments, and incident reporting. The resources on this page assist in understanding responsibilities and procedures to ensure safe and compliant work practices. 


As a contractor or consultant, you are required to: 

  • Take reasonable care for your own health and safety, and that of others 
  • Comply with all reasonable health and safety instructions including the Wellbeing and Safety Policy and associated Procedures 
  • Identify hazards associated with your work and implement appropriate controls 
  • Hold all required licences, permits, and competencies 
  • Report hazards, incidents, and near misses promptly 

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported immediately to your University contact 

  • An incident is an unplanned event that results in harm, injury, damage, or loss 
  • A near miss is an unplanned event that did not result in injury or damage, but had the potential to do so 
  • A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm 

Notifiable incidents will be reported by your University contact.  

Some buildings at Adelaide University may contain asbestos. Contractors must follow all control measures outlined in the University’s Asbestos Management Plan and must not disturb materials unless authorised and trained. 

Contractors and consultants must review asbestos registers and management plans prior to commencing work. 

Do not disturb any material suspected of containing asbestos. If you suspect asbestos may be present at a site, or damaged, stop work immediately and notify your University contact. 

Only licenced asbestos removalists may manage or remove any materials containing asbestos.

Confined spaces present significant risks, including hazardous atmospheres, restricted access and engulfment. 

Examples may include: 

  • Pits, tanks, ducts and tunnels 
  • Plant rooms with limited entry or ventilation 

Before entering a confined space, contractors must: 

  • Review the confined space register 
  • Hold appropriate training and competencies 
  • Obtain a confined space entry permit 
  • Implement controls such as atmospheric testing, isolation, and rescue arrangements 

Unauthorised entry into confined spaces is strictly prohibited. 

Work on roofs or at height is considered high risk and requires planning and relevant permit.

Working at heights or on rooftops must not commence without appropriate permits and controls in place including:

  • Review of roof access risk assessment documentation
  • Obtain relevant permit via UniPermit
  • Use appropriate fall protection or fall arrest systems
  • Ensure all ladders, scaffolding, and elevated work platforms are compliant
  • Prevent dropped objects and manage exclusion zones

High risk work activities include, but are not limited to: 

  • Scaffolding 
  • Crane and dogging operations 
  • Forklift operation 
  • Pressure equipment 
  • Electrical work on or near energised systems 

Contractors performing high risk work must: 

  • Hold current high risk work licences where required 
  • Provide evidence of competency upon request 
  • Follow approved safe work method statements (SWMS) 
  • Ensure plant and equipment is compliant and maintained 

Hot work activities such as welding, grinding or cutting can introduce significant fire and explosion risks. 

Hot work must not commence without: 

  • A valid hot work permit issued by the University 
  • Removal or protection of combustible materials 
  • Suitable fire prevention and firefighting equipment 
  • A designated fire watch during and after the work 

Permits must be displayed at the work site and remain valid only for the approved duration and scope. 

All contractors and consultants must be registered with RapidGlobal, and have completed the Adelaide University induction process. 

In addition, you must follow all site-specific safety requirements including signing in and out of sites. 

Contractors and consultants must ensure that all plant, equipment and hazardous substances used on University-controlled sites are fit for purpose, properly maintained and used in accordance with legislative and manufacturer requirements.  

Electrical equipment must be tested and tagged where required, and hazardous chemicals must be correctly labelled and accompanied by current safety data sheets. Appropriate storage, handling and disposal practices must be followed at all times to prevent harm to people, property or the environment. 

Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) must be provided and worn as required for the task and site conditions. This may include high‑visibility clothing, safety footwear, eye, hearing or respiratory protection, and head protection. PPE must be maintained in good condition and used in accordance with University instructions and signage. 

Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Contractors and consultants are expected to work cooperatively with University staff and others on site to identify hazards and manage risks. If a situation is unsafe or presents an unacceptable risk, work must stop immediately. Work must not resume until the hazard has been addressed and approval is given by the University.