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Phase 1: Planning

The first phase of the contractor management lifecycle is the planning phase.

Key steps to this phase that must be undertaken include:

  • identifying where the contractor will be working
  • assessing the risk and determining the Contractor Classification
  • determining whether a Principal Contractor is required to be appointed.

The Contract Manager must classify the contractor to be engaged as either a Basic Contractor, Specialist Contractor or Complex Contractor.

A summary of the Contractor Classifications are set out in the table below:

In some situations, a Complex Contractor may also be appointed as a principal Contractor (see Resources for guidance on when a principal contractor can be appointed).

Basic ContractorSpecialist ContractorComplex Contractor
  • Does not undertake any high risk work tasks (as defined by University of Tasmania)
  • Site controlled by University of Tasmania
  • May work under University of Tasmania WHS management system
  • Undertakes high risk work tasks (as defined by University of Tasmania)
  • Site controlled by University of Tasmania
  • Follows own WHS management system
  • Is controller of the worksite
  • Follows own WHS management system
  • Undertakes own induction and inducts University of Tasmania workers to their site as required

And Principal Contractor when:

  • Engaged for construction projects greater than $250,000 and appointed as Principal Contractor

Examples:

  • Low risk facilities services eg changing a tap
  • Photocopier servicing

Examples:

  • Installation of stage lighting system involving work at heights
  • High risk facilities maintenance involving work on or near live electrical equipment

Examples:

  • Marine vessel operators
  • New facilities construction

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