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Australian Standards AS 1418.2 and AS 4991 outline the safety, testing, and compliance requirements for trolleys and clamps used in lifting operations. These standards ensure equipment is rated correctly, tested properly, and safe for use under load. If your trolleys or clamps do not comply, your lifting system is not legally safe and may put workers at risk.

What Are AS 1418.2 and AS 4991?

AS 1418.2 and AS 4991 are two core Australian Standards for lifting equipment. They specify how trolleys, clamps, and lifting devices must be designed, tested, marked, and maintained.

  • AS 1318.2 covers trolley systems and hoists
  • AS 1991 covers lifting devices such as clamps, spreader bars, and lifting attachments

These standards exist to protect workers and prevent lifting failures caused by incorrect design or inadequate testing.

These standards define how lifting equipment must be made, tested, and labelled to ensure safe use.

Why Do These Standards Matter?

Lifting equipment carries significant risk. If a trolley or clamp fails, the consequences can include dropped loads, serious injury, or structural damage. Compliance ensures:

  • Correct lifting capacity
  • Safe working load limits
  • Reliable materials and design
  • Documented testing and traceability
  • Reduced likelihood of catastrophic failure

Compliance ensures lifting equipment performs safely and predictably under real working conditions.

What Does AS 1418.2 Require for Trolleys?

AS 1418.2 focuses on safe design and operation of trolleys, powered hoists, and related components. For trolleys, the standard requires:

1. Accurate Load Ratings

Trolleys must be labelled with a clear Working Load Limit (WLL). This ensures the trolley is used within its safe lifting capacity.

2. Safe Design and Construction

Trolleys must be designed to prevent derailment and must operate smoothly on the appropriate beam size.

3. Manufacturing Quality

Wheels, bearings, gears, and frame components must meet strict strength requirements.

4. Testing and Verification

Trolleys must undergo load testing before use. Test results must show the trolley can safely support its rated capacity.

5. Clear Marking and Identification

Each trolley must display:

  • WLL
  • Manufacturer name
  • Model or batch number
  • Beam size range

AS 1418.2 ensures trolleys are designed, tested, and marked correctly for safe operation under load.

What Does AS 4991 Require for Clamps?

AS 4991 covers lifting devices, including clamps used to grip, hold, or suspend loads. The standard applies to:

  • Beam clamps
  • Plate clamps
  • Girder clamps
  • Universal clamps

Key Requirements Include:

1. Design for Rated Load

Clamps must be able to support their full WLL with an appropriate safety factor.

2. Proof Testing

All clamps must be proof tested before sale. Testing typically involves loading the clamp above its WLL to confirm it will hold safely.

3. Safe Clamp Mechanisms

Clamping jaws must grip securely without slipping or damaging the load.
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About Bunzl Safety and Lifting

Bunzl Safety and Lifting offers an integrated approach to the selection, supply, service, and replacement of safety products, resulting in our ability to manage the complete life cycle of your personal and workplace safety requirements. Bunzl Safety and Lifting is a leading manufacturer of safety products, we provide the very best in workwear, corporate wear, PPE, footwear, materials handling, load restraint, and recovery,height safety, and site safety. We are also a leading supplier of some of the best industrial safety brands on the market, including Mack, Ninja, Contego, Boomerang, Beaver, B-Safe, WS Workwear, Frontier, Black Rat, Robertsons, 3M, Honeywell, Ansell, Bolle Safety, DuPont, Donaghys, MSA, Moldex, Steel Blue, Oliver, uvex, Sqwincher, MaxiFlex, DNC Workwear, Mayo Hardware, Gunnebo Industries, Skylotech and Blundstone. We also offer a range of services including product specialisation and consolidation, custom embroidery and branding, lifting equipment and inspections, NATA Accredited testing and services, height safety installed systems and training, managed inventory, eCommerce and digital solutions, clothing fitouts and yearly uniform issues, ethical sourcing, Indigenous Engagement, and environmental responsibility. We have an Australia-wide network of branches that ensures fast shipping across the country.

Bunzl Brands & Operations Pty Ltd (BBO) located at 55 Sarah Andrews Close Erskine Park NSW 2579 quality scope covers: manufacturing, importing, wholesaling, repairing and testing of lifting, rigging equipment, winches, hoists and materials handling products. The manufacture of synthetic slings and webbing products including load restraint and height safety equipment. Manufacture, import, wholesale and distribution of PPE products, workwear and hand tools. Design and development of products and services and the provision of mechanical testing services.