Everything You Need To Know About AS/NZS 4024:2019
The AS/NZS 4024:2019 Series is a comprehensive set of standards about the safety of machinery in various settings within Australia and New Zealand.
This series provides a comprehensive guide for designing, manufacturing, supplying, and using machinery safely. Built on European (EN) and International (ISO) standards but modified to suit local conditions, the AS/NZS 4024:2019 Series is essential for anyone involved with machinery in the local Australian and New Zealand region.
This article examines the following:
- AS/NZS 4024:2019 Series in total, highlighting key parts of the legislation
- Benefits of compliance with the series for businesses and workers
- Practical advice on implementing these standards across industries
Whether you’re a designer, manufacturer, supplier, or end-user, understanding these standards is crucial for keeping workers safe and maintaining a compliant, efficient operation. As expert WHS consultants, Your Safety Partners can help you maintain this compliance.
What is the AS/NZS 4024:2019 Series?
The AS/NZS 4024:2019 Series contains 26 parts that focus on the safety of machinery. These parts cover a range of topics, including:
- Risk assessments
- Ergonomic design
- Electrical equipment used in machines
While based on international standards, the series includes specific modifications tailored to meet Australia’s stringent safety regulations and the unique requirements of our industries.
The series acts as a comprehensive guideline for reducing risks associated with machinery use. Businesses following these standards can meet legal obligations while creating safer workplaces.
It’s especially relevant to anyone working around or with machinery, from designers and manufacturers to employers and machinery operators.
Key Parts of the AS/NZS 4024:2019 Series
The AS/NZS 4024:2019 Series is extensive, covering many aspects of machinery safety. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most critical parts:
Part 1100: Application Guide
This serves as the entry point to the series, providing general advice on applying the standards to various types of machinery.
Part 1201: General Principles for Design – Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction
At the core of machinery safety is the process of risk assessment. This part outlines how to identify hazards and reduce risks effectively when installing and using machinery.
Part 1204: Electrical Equipment of Machines – General Requirements
Machinery relies heavily on electrical systems. This standard, aligned with IEC 60204-1:2016, helps electrical equipment meet Australia’s stringent safety criteria.
Parts 1302 & 1303: Risk Assessment Methods
These parts provide practical guidance on conducting risk assessments, with examples and methodologies to help businesses remain in compliance.
Part 1401: Ergonomic Principles
Proper ergonomic design reduces the risk of injury and increases efficiency. This part focuses on integrating ergonomic principles into machinery design.
Parts 1501-1503: Control Systems Design and Validation
Safety-related parts of control systems are vital in preventing accidents. These parts cover the design principles and validation processes necessary to promote system reliability.
Parts 1601-1604: Controls, Interlocks, and Guarding
Protecting users from hazardous machinery movements is crucial. These parts provide guidelines for designing controls, interlocks, and guards that minimise risks.
Parts 1701-1704: Human Body Measurements and Access
Designing machinery with human body dimensions in mind is key to ensuring both safety and useability. These standards address how to incorporate these measurements effectively.
Parts 1801 & 1803: Safety Distances and Gaps
Preventing accidental contact with dangerous machinery parts is critical. These standards define minimum safety distances to keep workers safe.
Parts 1901-1907: Displays, Controls, and Signals
Machinery interfaces need to be intuitive and safe. These parts cover the design of displays, controls, and signals, focusing on ergonomic and user-friendly interactions.
Why Is It Important For Businesses To Comply with AS/NZS 4024?
Compliance with the AS/NZS 4024:2019 Series is much more than a box-ticking exercise—it’s a critical step in safeguarding workers and protecting businesses from legal risks.
In Australia and New Zealand, failing to comply with these safety standards can lead to:
- Significant fines and restrictions that can outright ruin a business
- A heavy potential human cost of accidents, including lifelong injury and death
But by adhering to these standards, businesses benefit from:
- Improved safety outcomes in every aspect of the business
- Reduced accident rates across the entire workforce
- Lower downtime due to machinery-related incidents.
Compliance can also enhance a company’s reputation, demonstrating to both customers and regulators that safety is a priority.
AS/NZS 4024:2019 in Comparison with International Standards (ISO/EN)
While the AS/NZS 4024:2019 Series is based on European and International standards, there are critical differences. Australian and New Zealand industries have unique local conditions and extremely strict safety regulations.
These adjustments are particularly relevant in high-risk industries like mining, agriculture, and manufacturing, where the consequences of machinery-related incidents can be severe.
Practical Applications of the AS/NZS 4024:2019 Series Across Industries
Different industries apply the AS/NZS 4024:2019 Series in various ways, depending on the specific risks they face. Let’s examine some of the most applicable in Australia and New Zealand.
Manufacturing
In this sector, the standards guide the design of machinery that integrates safe automation processes, reducing manual intervention and the risk of injury.
Mining
With heavy machinery being a daily fact of life in a mine, it goes without saying that mining exhibits strong machinery risks to the workforce, if not properly mitigated.
Construction
With heavy machinery in constant use, applying the standards helps minimise risks associated with moving equipment, safeguarding workers from serious harm.
Logistics and Warehousing
Ergonomics and guarding measures are critical where machinery like forklifts and conveyors are in use. Implementing the standards here leads to safer operations and fewer injuries.
Challenges and Best Practices for Implementing AS/NZS 4024
While the AS/NZS 4024:2019 Series provides clear guidelines, implementing these standards can be challenging. Businesses often face obstacles like understanding the technical requirements, updating older machinery, and training staff on new safety procedures.
To overcome these challenges, businesses should:
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Engage certified safety consultants
- Invest in ongoing employee training
- Stay updated with the technology and safety innovations
- Simplify compliance
- Enhance safety outcomes.
How Your Safety Partners Can Help
The AS/NZS 4024:2019 Series plays a vital role in promoting machinery safety across a range of industries in Australia and New Zealand. By adhering to these standards, businesses not only comply with legal requirements but also create safer work environments, reduce the risk of accidents, and gain a competitive edge.
If your business involves machinery, now is the time to promote full compliance with AS/NZS 4024. Engage Your Safety Partners—your local workplace safety experts—and provide your workers with the safest possible environment. We know the Series like the back of our hand, so reach out to a certified workplace safety consultant today.