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  • Who Can Test and Tag Rigging Equipment? Understanding Compliance and Safety Standards
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Who Can Test and Tag Rigging Equipment? Understanding Compliance and Safety Standards

Who Can Test and Tag Rigging Equipment? Understanding Compliance and Safety Standards

In high-risk industries like construction, mining, and warehousing, rigging equipment plays a crucial role in lifting, securing, and moving heavy loads. To ensure safety and compliance, regular testing and tagging of rigging gear is required. The question is: who is qualified to perform these inspections, and what standards must be followed? This article breaks down the legal requirements, industry standards, and who is authorised to test and tag rigging equipment in Australia.

What Does Testing and Tagging Rigging Equipment Involve?

Testing and tagging is a critical process that ensures rigging gear meets safety standards and remains in proper working condition. The process includes:

  • Visual Inspections – Checking for damage, wear, corrosion, or deformations
  • Load Testing – Applying weight to verify strength and functionality
  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) – Detecting internal cracks or defects
  • Tagging and Documentation – Labelling inspected equipment with details of compliance, inspection dates, and certification

Under Australian regulations, testing and tagging must be performed by a competent and qualified individual to ensure compliance and safety.

Who Can Test and Tag Rigging Equipment in Australia?

Not just anyone can perform testing and tagging. According to Safe Work Australia and various industry standards, the following individuals and entities are authorised:

1. Competent Persons (Trained & Qualified Inspectors)

A "competent person" is someone with the knowledge, skills, training, and experience necessary to inspect and test rigging equipment properly.

This may include:
  • Licensed riggers with formal training
  • Qualified lifting and rigging inspectors
  • Certified engineers specialising in lifting equipment
To be considered competent, an inspector must have:
  • Training in Australian rigging safety standards (AS 3775, AS 4991, AS 1891)
  • Experience working with lifting, hoisting, and rigging
  • Knowledge of inspection procedures and testing methods

2. Third-Party Inspection & Testing Companies

Many businesses outsource testing and tagging to certified third-party companies that specialize in lifting and rigging inspections. These companies use advanced testing methods, such as:

  • Ultrasonic and magnetic particle testing for internal defects
  • Load testing with calibrated equipment
  • High-precision measurements of wear and tear

Using a third-party service ensures unbiased, independent inspections and proper documentation to maintain compliance.

3. In-House Safety Officers (With Proper Training)

In some cases, businesses train in-house safety officers or maintenance teams to handle routine inspections and tagging. However, they must be formally trained and certified to inspect rigging equipment safely. Some businesses send employees to certified training courses on rigging safety and compliance.

Understanding Compliance: What Are the Key Regulations?

Testing and tagging must comply with Australian Standards (AS) and Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations to ensure workplace safety.

Key Australian Standards for Rigging Equipment Inspections:

How Often Should Rigging Equipment Be Tested and Tagged?

The frequency of testing and tagging depends on usage, industry requirements, and risk factors.

  1. Chain Slings & Shackles: Every 3-6 months (High-use) / Annually (Light-use)
  2. Wire Rope Slings: Every 6-12 months
  3. Synthetic Slings: Every 3-6 months
  4. Lifting Beams & Spreaders: Annually
  5. Cranes & Hoists: Monthly to Annually (Based on Usage)
  6. Safety Harnesses: Every 6 months

High-risk environments, such as construction and mining, require more frequent inspections.

What Happens If Rigging Equipment Is Not Properly Tested and Tagged?

Failure to comply with testing and tagging requirements can result in:

  • Heavy Fines & Legal Penalties – Non-compliance can lead to WorkSafe investigations and business shutdowns.
  • Equipment Failures & Accidents – Uninspected rigging gear can fail under load, causing injuries or fatalities.
  • Liability Issues – Employers may be held responsible for workplace accidents due to unsafe equipment.

By ensuring qualified professionals handle testing and tagging, businesses protect their workers, assets, and reputation.

Best Practices for Businesses: Staying Compliant

  • Train and certify in-house staff for frequent inspections
  • Schedule third-party audits for high-risk operations
  • Maintain detailed records of all testing and tagging
  • Replace or repair faulty equipment immediately
  • Follow manufacturer guidelines for testing intervals

Bunzl Safety provides high-quality rigging gear, expert advice, and safety solutions to help businesses comply with safety regulations.

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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.