From Monday 12 July 2021, it will be mandatory for all businesses and workplaces to use the NSW Government QR code. Customers, staff, and other visitors will need to use the Service NSW app to check-in.

Master Builders understands that the NSW Government QR code will also be required for every building site, with exceptions for some smaller “trades people only projects” in the residential sector. All workers and visitors to sites must check-in.

Master Builders can report that many contractors and building businesses have already introduced the NSW Government’s QR Code on their projects.

Q: How do I get my QR code?
A: You can find the application form and more information at register for the NSW Government QR Code.

Q: What if I have multiple sites?
A: If you need to register 20 or more locations, use the bulk upload request form.

Q: Can I get different QR codes for multiple business locations that are operating under the same ABN?
A: Yes, you can. Multiple business locations operating under the same ABN can all have unique QR codes. To get different QR codes for each business location, you need to register each location as COVID Safe. When registering the different locations, you must enter detailed business name and address details to define each business location. However, you can enter the same ABN for all locations if numerous locations operate under the one ABN. Following your registration, your unique, location specific QR codes will be sent to you by email.

Q: Can I use my own check-in system?
A: No, you can't use any alternative QR code systems to the NSW Government QR code.

Q: What if the site visitor doesn’t have the Service NSW app or a smartphone? How do I record their details?
A: If a customer does not have a smartphone and electronic record keeping is mandatory for your business, you must provide an alternate form of electronic check in, such as the Service NSW online concierge form. The online concierge form can be displayed on a venue-supplied digital device, such as a tablet or laptop.If, due to unforeseen circumstances (such as an internet outage), you cannot check in customers using the online concierge webform you should electronically record customer contact details in the fillable Visitor Record template PDF, an Excel spreadsheet, Word document or other electronic record keeping system. If there are unexpected circumstances which prevent the use of electronic methods to collect customer contact details, you can manually collect customer contact details using paper and pen. Any paper records must be entered into an electronic format, such as an Excel spreadsheet or Word document, within 12 hours of manually recording the details.

Q: Do visitors and workers need to check out every time they leave the business location?
A: When leaving the site, visitors are encouraged to ‘check out now’ using the COVID Safe Check-in tool. Checking out is optional but does help with contact tracing.

Q: Subbies are having trouble checking in with the COVID Safe Check-in. What could be wrong?
A: If people are having issues checking in, there may be an easy solution. Some quick fixes that may solve the problem are:

• Check the person’s camera phone is enabled to scan QR codes. If this feature is not available, they may need to download a free QR code reader app.
• Check that the Service NSW app has permission to use mobile data.
• Check they are using the latest version of the app.

If none of the above solutions work, you can check them in using the online concierge form or another form of electronic record keeping. Visit Troubleshooting Check-in for more information.

QR codes and a vigilant approach to checking in are crucial if we want to keep our industry open for business, and we urge all members to make sure they are compliant as of 12 July.