The landscape of crane standards in Australia is undergoing a significant transformation. The Australian Standards relating to the design, manufacture, safe use, and maintenance of cranes and hoists are being updated to align more closely with international standards. This shift, spearheaded by Standards Australia, is impacting various types of cranes, including fixed, mobile, and tower cranes. The primary focus of these updates revolves around the AS1418 series design and manufacture standards and the AS2550 series safe use and maintenance standards.
In January 2021, the introduction of AS1418.1: Cranes, Hoists, and Winches, Part 1: General Requirements marked the beginning of this major overhaul. This new standard replaced the outdated AS1418.1-2002, bringing Australian standards more in line with ISO standards. The update was more than a revision; it represented a fundamental shift in how crane standards are structured and applied in Australia.
AS1418.1-2021 was designed to offer a uniform set of requirements for the design and construction of cranes and similar lifting appliances within Australia. One of the significant changes was the reorganisation of content. Requirements that were previously included in AS1418.1-2002 were moved to more specific standards, resulting in the creation of six new standards tailored to particular types of cranes. This reorganisation aimed to streamline and clarify the requirements for various crane types, making compliance more straightforward.
Since the release of AS1418.1-2021, the Standards Committee ME-005 has been diligently working on revising all the other parts of AS1418 and AS2550. This year alone, 12 new crane and hoist standards have been issued, continuing the trend of aligning Australian standards with their ISO counterparts. This alignment is crucial for several reasons, primarily because it acknowledges Australia’s role as an importer of crane components rather than a major manufacturer.
Many of Australia’s existing standards are outdated. For example, the standards on Serial Hoists & Winches, Builders Hoists, and Vehicle Hoists were issued in 1997 and 1996. These older standards do not reflect the latest innovations and improvements in crane technology. The update to the standards is a necessary step to ensure that Australian regulations remain relevant and practical.
At Hasemer Materials Handling, we view the alignment with ISO standards as a positive development. By synchronising with international standards, Australia can benefit from the latest technological advancements and best practices in crane design and safety. This alignment helps ensure that Australian companies remain competitive on a global scale, as we adhere to the same standards recognised worldwide.
Many of our suppliers, such as GIS AG, are actively involved in the development of these international standards. Their participation ensures that compliance with ISO standards is not just theoretical but practical and achievable.
As the update process continues, with 19 projects related to new and revised standards currently underway, it’s essential for all stakeholders in the crane industry to stay informed and adapt to these changes. Understanding the new standards and how they impact your operations is crucial for ensuring compliance and maintaining safety. At Hasemer, we are ensuring we keep across the changes as they are being made to Australian standards for the benefit of our suppliers and clients.
The ongoing changes to Australian crane standards are a step towards modernisation and international alignment. While there are challenges, particularly with Australian-specific requirements, the overall direction is promising. By embracing these updates, we can ensure that our crane standards are not only up to date but also aligned with global best practices.
