Plant general information

Safety standards

National Standards are documents which prescribe preventive action to avert occupational deaths, injuries and diseases. Most National Standards deal with the elimination, reduction or management of specific workplace hazards. In appropriate circumstances, National Standards may take the form of national regulatory models.

Requirements for the safety of plant are included in the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 and Workplace Health and Safety Regulations 1998.

The legislation defines plant to include any machinery, equipment, scaffolding, amusement structure, appliance, implement or tool and any component or fitting of any of these things.

The Regulations give effect to the common essential requirements from the National Standard for Plant. Plant safety requirements are consistent with those applying throughout Australia and contribute to the enhanced efficiency of enterprises in Australia.

Certain plant considered to be in the higher risk category 'Hazardous Plant' must be

• item registered,
• design registered and
• have records kept and maintained.

 Guidance notes

 Mobile elevating work platforms (GN012)

 Mobile plant outrigger bases (GN013)