Vacuum Lifters - Understanding AS 4991 Inspection Rules

Are your vacuum lifters compliant with AS 4991? Learn inspection rules, testing tips, and how Safe Lifting Australia can help you stay certified in Perth & WA.

8/1/20252 min read

IIntroduction

Vacuum lifting devices are essential in workshops, fabrication yards, and construction sites across WA — but too often, they’re forgotten in compliance planning. At Safe Lifting Australia, we’re seeing more clients being caught out by outdated or uninspected vacuum lifters, which fall under AS 4991: Lifting Devices.

In this post, we’ll break down what you need to know to stay compliant, safe, and audit-ready.

What Is AS 4991?

AS 4991–2004 is the Australian Standard for lifting devices such as:

Vacuum lifters
Lifting beams and spreaders
Plate clamps and C-hooks
Magnets, bins, and custom lifting attachments

It outlines the design, testing, marking, and inspection requirements for any lifting device connected to a crane, hoist, or winch — directly or indirectly.

Do Vacuum Lifters Need Inspections?

Yes — they must be inspected, tested, and maintained regularly.

Under Section 5 of AS 4991, vacuum lifters must:

Provide a safety margin of 1.5x the rated load
Include vacuum loss control systems and alarms
Be marked with the correct WLL and inspection records
Be tested on commissioning and inspected routinely
Be risk assessed if operated near people or in high-risk environments

Common Non-Compliance Issues We Find

No visible WLL or test date on the lifter
Worn or cracked vacuum pads
Inadequate proof load testing
Missing user manuals or inspection records
No tagging system in place (e.g., Rugby QR system)

Who’s Responsible?

Whether you're a crane operator, workshop supervisor, or safety officer, you have a duty to ensure all lifting attachments meet AS 4991.

This applies even if the lifter was “OEM certified” when purchased. Ongoing inspection and record-keeping is required — and AS 4991 clearly states that vacuum lifters used near personnel must be risk-assessed and maintained.

How Often Should They Be Inspected?

AS 4991 does not define exact frequencies — but at Safe Lifting Australia, we recommend:

Visual Checks and Recording - Daily
Competent Person 3rd Party Checks - 3 Monthly
Re-Certification - Annually or After Repairs

We can help tailor your inspection schedule based on duty cycle, load type, environment, and usage patterns.

Add-On Services We Offer

Many clients with vacuum lifters also need:

Crane inspection & certification
Rigging gear tagging (AS 3775 / AS 4497)
Proof load testing
NDT coordination for magnetic or welded attachments

We package these into on-site compliance visits, reducing downtime and paperwork.

Final Word: Don’t Risk It

Vacuum lifters are powerful tools — but also potential hazards if poorly maintained. If your device isn’t tested, tagged, and risk-assessed, it could cost you more than a repair — think downtime, failed audits, or serious injury.