The beginners guide to Australian standards on machinery

Machinery safety is a critical aspect of workplace safety. One of the most important tools in ensuring machinery is safe to use is compliance with Australian standards. These standards offer comprehensive guidance on how to meet the relevant legislation and regulations, making workplaces safer for both operators and bystanders. For those new to this topic, understanding what these standards entail and how they are developed can be daunting. This guide will walk you through the basics of Australian standards on machinery safety, their importance, and how they are structured. 

Standards provide guidance to comply with legislation and regulations 

In Australia, machinery safety is governed by strict legislation designed to minimise incidents and injuries. To comply with these laws, businesses must ensure their machinery meets specific safety standards. The Australian standards for machinery provide detailed information for companies to follow, helping them not only comply with legal requirements but also implement best practices. 

These standards serve as guidance material, which is crucial for meeting the work health and safety regulations in each state and territory. While WHS regulations mandate what businesses need to achieve, Australian standards help clarify how to meet those requirements in a detailed and actionable manner. By following these standards, businesses can help to reduce risks, protect workers and avoid legal penalties. 

For more information about the legal requirements in your jurisdiction, check out our guide, Safety legislation and obligations for machinery owners and suppliers.

They are developed based on ISO standards

Australian standards are often developed in line with international standards to ensure consistency and quality across countries. Many of these standards are based on ISO standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization, which are recognised globally. This connection to international frameworks means Australian companies can be confident their machinery is not only safe for local use but also meets broader global safety expectations. 

For example, ISO 13849, which deals with the safety of machinery and the design of safety-related parts of control systems, serves as a basis for many Australian machinery safety standards. AS 4024 which is often referred to as the Safety of Machinery series, has been developed in line with ISO 13849. AS 4024 provides guidance on everything from guarding and interlocking devices to safety distances and risk assessments, making it essential reading for anyone involved in machinery safety. 

Adopting these globally recognised frameworks ensures Australian businesses are adhering to the best possible practices when it comes to machinery safety. 

Standards are developed by experts 

Australian standards are not created in isolation. They are developed by standards committees made up of experts from various fields, including engineers, safety professionals, industry leaders and government representatives. These experts bring their knowledge of machinery, industry requirements and safety risks to the table to create standards that are practical, effective and up to date with the latest technological advancements. 

The participation of diverse experts helps to ensure the standards are robust and consider real world machinery safety challenges businesses face. These committees continually review and update the standards to reflect changes in technology, safety and regulatory environments, keeping Australian workplaces in line with the most current safety protocols. 

They reference other standards 

Another key feature of Australian standards is their use of normative references which are other standards referenced within the main document. These references provide additional detail or clarify specific aspects of machinery safety that may not be covered comprehensively in the primary standard. 

An example of this is when a standard discusses the safety features of machinery. It may reference another standard that deals specifically with electrical safety, material strength or emergency stop functions. This network of references ensures businesses have a comprehensive set of guidelines to follow, covering all aspects of machinery safety. 

There is a very large collection of standards 

When it comes to machinery safety, there is no single Australian standard that covers everything. Instead, there is a wide range of standards that apply to different types of machinery and various aspects of safety. Some standards are highly specific, while others are more general. The variety of standards available allows businesses to find and apply the most relevant guidance for their specific machinery, whether it's a common piece of equipment or a highly specialised machine.  

Want more information about Australian standards on machinery safety? 

Our team is here to help! Get in touch with our machinery compliance experts to discuss what Australian standards apply to your fleet of machinery and how best to comply with them. Contact us on 1300 728 852 or info@assessor.com.au.

Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide general information on the subject matter. This is not intended as legal or expert advice for your specific situation. You should seek professional advice before acting or relying on the content of this information.