When it comes to organising returns of products for service or return, a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) should ensure they supply customers with certain critical data. This data should adhere to the requirements of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and Safe Work Australia to minimise transportation risks. Let's break down the different roles a customer can assume in this process.
- Consignor: The customer becomes a consignor when they initiate the return of a product. As a consignor, they should provide the PCBU with accurate and complete information about the product being returned. This information should include the nature of the item, its dimensions, weight, and any associated risks during transportation. Failure to provide precise data might result in improper handling or potential hazards during transit.
- Packer: If the customer is responsible for packing the returned product, they should follow appropriate packing guidelines provided by the PCBU. It is crucial to adhere to safe packing practices to minimise damage and prevent any risk of injury during handling or transportation. This might include using suitable packaging materials, reinforcing fragile items, and ensuring proper labeling or marking of packages.
- Loader: When it comes to loading the returned products onto the transportation vehicle, the customer should make sure that the packaging and loading process is conducted safely and in accordance with relevant guidelines. This involves securely and evenly distributing the load to prevent shifting or damage during transit. It's important to consider factors like weight distribution, securing the load with appropriate straps or restraints, and following any specific loading instructions provided by the PCBU.
- Scheduler: As a scheduler, the customer needs to coordinate the return process, including arranging pick-up or drop-off times with the transport provider or PCBU. Good communication is key to ensuring a smooth and efficient transportation process. The customer should provide accurate information regarding preferred schedules, any time constraints, or special requirements, to avoid delays or potential risks associated with rushed transportation.
To minimise transportation risks, customers should familiarise themselves with relevant HVNL regulations and guidelines provided by Safe Work Australia. PCBU's are responsible for informing customers of their legal obligations and providing clear instructions on how to handle returns, packaging, loading, and scheduling. By following these guidelines, customers can contribute to a safe and secure transportation process, reducing the potential for accidents, damage, or injury during the return of products for service or return.
Many clients would be unaware of their CoR requirements and as such a PCBU has a responsibility to educate their clients in the above requirements (this could be through a sales person, maintenance manager etc.)
