Plant registration and pre-start checks in Australia

Plant — cranes, forklifts, pressure equipment, hoists and more — is behind a large share of serious workplace incidents, so the WHS Regulations place specific duties on anyone who manages or uses it. Some higher-risk plant must be registered with the regulator; all plant must be maintained, inspected and used safely.

Registered plant

Certain items of plant design must be registered (design registration), and certain individual items must be registered for use (item registration) — for example tower cranes, some pressure vessels, and certain hoists. The regulator in your state holds the register. Using registrable plant that isn't registered is a breach.

Pre-start and maintenance

Beyond registration, plant must be inspected and maintained in line with the manufacturer's guidance, and operators should complete a pre-start check before use — brakes, guards, warning devices, leaks, damage. A logged daily pre-start is both good practice and the evidence that checks are actually happening.

Operator competence

Many items of plant require a high-risk work licence or specific training to operate. Matching the operator's licence to the plant, and keeping both the licence and the plant records current, closes the loop.