When it comes to Australian Standards like AS 4991 for Lifting Devices, our work is anything but standard.

Book your free consultation to discover how we can benefit your business by delivering practical solutions implementing AS 4991 for your next lifting devices project.

When it comes to lifting equipment, safety and reliability are paramount. AS 4991 sets the standards for the design, fabrication, proof loading, testing, operation and maintenance of lifting devices and equipment. Practical has been designing and certifying lifting devices for over 20 years to ensure the safety of lifting operations and to reduce the likelihood of incidents in workplaces.

This standard is specifically focused on equipment like lifting beams, lifting cradles, bins, clamps and grabbing mechanisms used in various industries, such as construction, defence, aerospace, manufacturing and industrial.

Why is AS 4991 Important?

Safety

The primary goal of AS 4991 is to ensure the safety of workers and the public. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers and operators can minimize the risks associated with lifting heavy loads. This includes preventing accidents that could result in injury or even death. Occupational hazards such as these are regularly reviewed by Practical engineers.

Reliability

Equipment that meets AS 4991 standards is more reliable and durable. This means fewer breakdowns and less downtime, which can save our clients both money and sometimes more importantly downtime.

Compliance

For companies operating in Australia, following AS 4991 is not just good practice — it’s often a legal requirement. Compliance with this standard helps businesses avoid fines and legal issues.

Key Aspects of AS 4991

Design and Construction

AS 4991 specifies the minimum required design factors of safety that materials and construction methods should meet to ensure the strength and durability of lifting equipment.

Testing and Inspection

Proof load and regular testing and inspection are requirements under AS4991. This includes load testing to ensure that equipment can handle its maximum rated load without failure. Practical is regularly involved in the testing and inspection of all manner of lifting equipment under this standard.

Documentation

Proper documentation of design, testing, and inspections is required. This ensures that there is a clear record of compliance and maintenance.

Conclusion

AS 4991 is a crucial standard in the world of lifting equipment, ensuring that devices are safe, reliable, and compliant with legal requirements. It may well be the standard we most often call up in our week, whether its in the design and evaluation, through to the testing and inspection. stage. We are well placed to work with you on your lifting and materials handling equipment no matter this industry.

Do you have an upcoming project requiring lifting devices and compliance with AS 4991? Let’s talk.

Creative Thinking. Practical Solutions.

Creative Thinking. Practical Solutions.

Practical Engineering Australia is a mechanical, structural, and process engineering firm specialising in design, inspection, certification, project management and construction. We proudly serve clients Australia wide from our head office in Brisbane and additional locations in Cairns and Melbourne. Practical Engineering prides itself on employing both highly qualified experienced engineers and developing young engineers. This has created a practical team which has the ability to apply the fundamental principles of engineering to best meet the client needs. This diversity in capability has given us the flexibility to continue to grow and adapt to the economic changes experienced by many industries. Looking towards the future, Practical is set to continue doing what it does best – creative thinking and delivering Practical Solutions.

We get results.

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We encourage you to check out some of our past projects below or download or capability statement if you wish to learn more about Practical Engineering and the work we have done. shown below or if you would like to ask any questions or discuss anything further with us, click the button below to contact us. We’d love to hear from you.

Project Management and Construction

Engineering: Mechanical and Structural

Engineering: Electrical, Process and Pressure Vessels

Testing, Certification and Inspection

Project Management and Construction

Engineering: Mechanical and Structural

Engineering: Electrical, Process and Pressure Vessels

Testing, Certification and Inspection

Project Management and Construction

Engineering: Mechanical and Structural

Engineering: Electrical, Process and Pressure Vessels

Testing, Certification and Inspection

AS 4991 : Lifting Devices - https://www.practicalengineering.com.au/as-4991-lifting-devices/
Practical Engineering Capabilities Statement

We invite you to download our Capability Statement by clicking the button above and then saving it to your preferred location. We’d love to discuss your next project with you so don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Creative Thinking.
Practical Solutions.


Practical Engineering is a multi-disciplinary design and construction company. We leverage our expertise across engineering disciplines, certification, project management, and construction to deliver projects from concept to delivery. We are your one stop shop for your project needs.

Regardless of your projects’ scale, we serve as your partner working with you through each part of your project life cycle to delivery. Established in 1997, we possess a proven track record of serving clients across Australia in various industries and bring that accumulated industry knowledge to your project today.

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FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Practical Engineering’s FAQ page – your go-to resource for answers to common questions about our services, processes and solutions. We aim to provide clear, detailed responses to help you better understand how we can support your projects. From design and consultation to production, management and compliance, our team is here to ensure your questions are answered. For more information or to to discuss your next project do’t hesitate to get in touch via our contact page or simply give us a call to discuss your specific requirements and book a free consultation.

Practical Engineering is a multidisciplinary design and construction company offering a comprehensive range of services. Our expertise includes structural and mechanical engineering, fabrication, and design consultancy. We provide end-to-end project management, from initial scoping to handover, ensuring seamless delivery. Our capabilities include:

• Project & Construction Management

• On-site Construction Works and Commissioning

• Mechanical and Structural Engineering

• Pressure Vessel Design and Certification

• Electrical Process

• Testing (RPEQ & RPEV), Certification, and Inspection

• Light Heavy Vehicle Approval

With over 28 years of experience, we bring technical excellence and industry insight to every project.

We adhere to key Australian Standards to ensure high quality and safety in our projects, including:

AS 4100: Steel Structures

AS 1657: Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways, and Ladders

AS 3990: Mechanical Equipment

AS 1210: Pressure Vessels

AS 4343: Hazard Levels

AS 4041: Pressure Piping

AS 1170: Structural Design Actions

AS 4991: Lifting Devices

AS 1418: Cranes, Hoists, and Winches

We manage diverse projects across multiple sectors including utilities, oil & gas, mining, and industrial facilities. Our recent work includes: Structural Steelwork for large-scale mining operations, Pressure Vessel Design and Fabrication, Lifting Devices and Crane Installation and more. Our multidisciplinary teams handle every phase of the project lifecycle—from design to fabrication and site delivery—ensuring high standards of safety, compliance, and quality.

Our project management lifecycle covers every phase from inception to handover. We integrate design and construction stages for seamless execution. With qualified project managers and health and safety officers on-site, we ensure on-time delivery and compliance with safety standards. We offer clients full visibility into quality control at every stage, giving you confidence in the management and delivery of your project.

Yes, we specialise in custom mechanical and structural engineering solutions, tailored to meet the specific needs of each project. Whether you require bespoke structural components or tailored mechanical systems, we collaborate with clients throughout the design process to ensure the final outcome aligns with your requirements.

Sustainability is at the core of our engineering practices. We design long-lasting, energy-efficient solutions that minimise environmental impact. By integrating sustainability into our engineering processes, we help clients achieve eco-friendly, cost-effective outcomes.

Yes, we offer a free consultation to new clients. Our expert team will assess your project requirements, provide tailored advice, and propose solutions to help you achieve your goals. This initial consultation will provide clarity on project direction and potential next steps.

Absolutely. We serve clients across Australia, offering project support in remote locations as well as major urban centres. With offices in Brisbane and Cairns, we have the infrastructure and resources to support projects nationally.

With over 28 years of experience, we bring technical excellence and industry insight to every project offering expertise across a wide range of industries. Our experience in project management, engineering, and construction ensures that we deliver innovative, reliable, and cost-effective solutions on every project.

We work across multiple industries, including mining, oil & gas, utilities, manufacturing, and construction. Our expertise in handling complex projects across these sectors allows us to meet the diverse needs of our clients with practical, industry-leading solutions.

Our qualified engineers (CPEng, NER, RPEQ, RPEV) provide certification services for new and existing equipment, including pressure vessels, lifting devices, cranes, and mobile plants. We ensure compliance with Australian and international standards, giving you peace of mind that your equipment is safe and fit for service.

Our in-house construction management and site-based teams provide support throughout every phase of your project, from initial scoping to detailed design, fabrication, and construction. Our teams include qualified project managers and safety officers to ensure safe and efficient site delivery, offering a one-stop shop for all your project needs.

Practical Engineering aims to improve the industry through creating and embracing evolving technology, promoting safer workplaces and lifting professional standards through ethical and sustainable engineering practises.

Our core values drive our companies’ culture.

• Accountability – for the work we do, the decisions we make and their impact to the community

• Integrity – to act honestly, ethically and fairly to all our stakeholders

• Respect – for each other, our clients, our suppliers and most of all respect for the ability we have to make a difference.

Our mission is to leave a legacy to be proud of by securing tomorrow through sustainable engineering – Creative Thinking. Practical Solutions.

Testimonials. What our previous clients and project partners have to say about us.

Testimonials. What our previous clients and project partners have to say about us.

Practical Engineering has been a key partner in our most recent project. Their team’s technical expertise, project delivery, and commitment to quality have consistently exceeded our expectations. From concept to execution, they have provided innovative solutions that have allowed us to meet critical deadlines without compromising on safety.

What sets Practical Engineering apart is their deep understanding of the unique demands of the aerospace industry. They are always proactive in addressing potential challenges and have the flexibility to adapt to evolving project requirements. Their collaborative approach and clear communication made the entire process seamless, and we always felt confident that our projects were in capable hands.

Graham P – Aerospace Industry

star star star star star

It is essential that we partner with firms who not only understand the complexity of our projects but also uphold the highest standards in structural integrity and compliance. Working with Practical Engineering has been a great experience.

Their expertise  has been invaluable in ensuring our projects meet all regulatory requirements without compromising on quality or safety. The team at Practical Engineering is knowledgeable, responsive, and always delivers solutions that are both practical and innovative. We trust them with our most critical structural assessments and look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.

Mark M – Industrial Construction

star star star star star

Practical were able to work within my budget and time requirements and were accommodating in design reviews to ensure that the finished design was fit for purpose.  Further, they secured for us manufacturing of our design and delivery to site. I would recommend Practical for your design needs in my industry yes.

Thomas L, Materials Handling  

star star star star star

Practical Engineering has been a key partner in our most recent project. Their team’s technical expertise, project delivery, and commitment to quality have consistently exceeded our expectations. From concept to execution, they have provided innovative solutions that have allowed us to meet critical deadlines without compromising on safety.

What sets Practical Engineering apart is their deep understanding of the unique demands of the aerospace industry. They are always proactive in addressing potential challenges and have the flexibility to adapt to evolving project requirements. Their collaborative approach and clear communication made the entire process seamless, and we always felt confident that our projects were in capable hands.

Graham P – Aerospace Industry

star star star star star

It is essential that we partner with firms who not only understand the complexity of our projects but also uphold the highest standards in structural integrity and compliance. Working with Practical Engineering has been a great experience.

Their expertise has been invaluable in ensuring our projects meet all regulatory requirements without compromising on quality or safety. The team at Practical Engineering is knowledgeable, responsive, and always delivers solutions that are both practical and innovative. We trust them with our most critical structural assessments and look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.

Mark M – Industrial Construction

star star star star star

Practical were able to work within my budget and time requirements and were accommodating in design reviews to ensure that the finished design was fit for purpose. Further, they secured for us manufacturing of our design and delivery to site. I would recommend Practical for your design needs in my industry yes.

Thomas L, Materials Handling

star star star star star

Ensure the success of your next project. Contact Practical Engineering today and experience the difference that our expertise and dedication to AS 4991 compliance can make.

Our mission is to leave a legacy to be proud of by securing tomorrow through sustainable engineering – Creative Thinking. Practical Solutions.