Press Machine Safety Requirements in Australia: What You Need to Know
Safe Work Australia and state-based regulations set specific requirements for press machine guarding, operator training, and maintenance records. Here's what applies to your workshop.
This article provides general information only. Workplace health and safety regulations vary by state and territory, and are updated regularly. Always consult your state's WHS regulator and a qualified safety professional for advice specific to your workplace and equipment.
The Regulatory Framework
Press machine safety in Australia is governed by a combination of national and state/territory legislation:
- — Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Commonwealth, adopted by most states/territories) — the primary legislation covering duties of care for employers, workers, and designers/manufacturers of plant.
- — Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 — includes specific requirements for plant (machinery), including registration, design registration, and operator competency.
- — Safe Work Australia Codes of Practice — particularly the "Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace" code, which provides practical guidance on press machine safety.
- — AS 4024 series — Australian Standard for safety of machinery, including guarding requirements.
Victoria uses the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) rather than the national WHS Act, but the practical requirements for press machines are similar.
Plant Registration Requirements
Under WHS regulations, certain types of plant must be registered with the relevant state/territory regulator before being used. The registration requirements for press machines depend on the type and size:
| Plant Type | Registration Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clicker press / die cutting press | Generally no | Below the threshold for most states |
| Hydraulic press (general) | Generally no | Check state-specific thresholds |
| Large hydraulic press (>100t) | May be required | Check with your state regulator |
| Power press (mechanical) | Yes in most states | Mechanical presses have stricter requirements |
Always verify current requirements with your state's WHS regulator — SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria, SafeWork SA, WorkSafe WA, etc.
Guarding Requirements
The primary hazard with press machines is the point of operation — where the die meets the material. Australian safety standards require that this hazard be controlled through guarding or other means.
For clicker presses (swing arm and beam presses), the typical guarding approach is:
Two-Hand Control
The most common safety control on clicker presses. The operator must use both hands to activate the press, which keeps hands away from the cutting area during the stroke. Both buttons must be pressed simultaneously (within a defined time window) to prevent defeating the system.
Light Curtains
An infrared light curtain around the cutting area stops the press if the beam is broken during operation. Used on some beam presses where the cutting area is larger and two-hand control alone is insufficient.
Fixed Guards
Physical barriers that prevent access to dangerous areas. Required around hydraulic components, drive mechanisms, and any other moving parts outside the cutting area.
Emergency Stop
A clearly marked, easily accessible emergency stop button (red mushroom head on yellow background) is required on all press machines. It must stop all movement immediately when activated and must be manually reset before the machine can restart.
Operator Training and Competency
WHS regulations require that operators of press machines are competent to operate them safely. This means:
- — Operators must be trained in the safe operation of the specific machine they use
- — Training must cover hazard identification, safe work procedures, and emergency procedures
- — Training records should be kept
- — Supervision requirements for new or inexperienced operators
There is no specific licence required to operate a clicker press or hydraulic press in Australia (unlike forklifts or cranes). However, the employer's duty of care requires that operators are adequately trained and supervised.
Maintenance and Inspection Records
WHS regulations require that plant is maintained in a safe condition. For press machines, this means:
- — A documented maintenance schedule based on the manufacturer's recommendations
- — Records of all maintenance and repairs
- — Regular inspection of safety-critical components (guards, emergency stop, two-hand controls)
- — Pre-operation checks by operators before each shift
- — Defect reporting and lockout/tagout procedures for machines taken out of service
Buying a Used Press: Safety Compliance
When buying a used press, the new owner takes on responsibility for ensuring it meets current safety requirements. An older machine may have been compliant when new but may not meet current standards.
Key checks for used press compliance:
- — Two-hand control functional and within spec (simultaneous activation required)
- — Emergency stop functional and correctly labelled
- — All guards present and in good condition
- — Electrical compliance — Australian wiring standards (AS/NZS 3000)
- — No bypassed or defeated safety systems
If you're buying an ATOM press and want guidance on compliance, TexonOz can advise on safety requirements and supply replacement guards or safety components for ATOM machines.
Further Resources
- — Safe Work Australia: safeworkaustralia.gov.au — "Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace" code of practice
- — WorkSafe Victoria: worksafe.vic.gov.au — plant registration and safety requirements
- — SafeWork NSW: safework.nsw.gov.au — plant and equipment safety
- — AS 4024.1 series: Safety of machinery — Australian Standard for guarding and safety systems