The short answer
In most Australian states, cranes with Maximum Rated Capacity (MRC) over 10 tonnes require formal design registration before installation. Below 10 t, the crane must still be designed and installed to AS 1418 with full engineering documentation — but separate registration with the state regulator isn't required.
That covers the common case. The full answer has a few wrinkles: the registration trigger is "registrable plant" as defined in each state's WHS Regulations, and definitions vary. Some configurations push you over the threshold even at lower capacities. And the threshold isn't always 10 t — Western Australia in particular has its own definitions.
The legal framework
Crane design registration is set at the state level under each state's Work Health & Safety (WHS) Regulations or equivalent. The federal Model WHS Regulations include a registrable plant schedule that most states have adopted, though with state-specific variations. The schedule lists "tower cranes, lifts, building maintenance units, certain pressure equipment, and amusement devices" and references cranes meeting specified MRC thresholds.
The standard the design must comply with is AS 1418 (the design standard) and AS 2550 (the safe use standard). See our AS 1418 explainer for what those standards actually cover.
State-by-state — registration thresholds
| Victoria | WorkSafe Victoria. Registrable plant per OHS Regulations 2017 Schedule 2 — typically cranes over 10 t MRC, plus tower cranes and certain configurations regardless of capacity. |
| NSW | SafeWork NSW. WHS Regulation 2017 Schedule 5 — cranes over 10 t MRC, plus tower cranes and certain configurations. |
| Queensland | WorkSafe Queensland. WHS Regulation 2011 Schedule 5 — cranes over 10 t MRC, plus tower cranes and certain configurations. |
| Western Australia | WorkSafe WA. Work Health & Safety (General) Regulations 2022 — Schedule 5 thresholds. WA's specific definitions can capture lower-capacity cranes than other states; check Schedule 5 directly. |
| South Australia | SafeWork SA. WHS Regulations 2012 — typically over 10 t MRC plus tower cranes. |
| Tasmania | WorkSafe Tasmania. Similar to harmonised model — typically over 10 t. |
| NT | NT WorkSafe. Harmonised model. |
| ACT | WorkSafe ACT. Harmonised model. |
Thresholds and definitions are general guidance — always verify against the current state regulation for your installation. Sorian confirms applicable requirements per project.
What documentation is needed
A complete design registration package typically includes:
- Design certificate signed by the designer accepting professional responsibility
- Engineering calculations to AS 1418, covering structural, mechanical and electrical design
- General arrangement drawings showing capacity, span, configuration
- Structural detail drawings covering critical connections and fabrication
- Identification plate drawing showing rated capacity, duty class, design code reference
- Operating and maintenance manual
- Hazard identification and risk assessment record
- Manufacturing data report (where applicable)
The lodgement form itself is short — most state regulators provide an online application portal. The work is in preparing the documentation pack.
Who signs off the design
The designer must hold appropriate engineering accreditation. In practice this means a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) registered with Engineers Australia, or an equivalent state-recognised registered engineer (NSW PIE, QLD RPEQ, VIC RPE, etc., depending on the state). The designer takes professional responsibility for the design's compliance with AS 1418.
Sorian's approach: we prepare the engineering documentation and design pack in-house under the supervision of our director (B.E. (Mech.)), then coordinate the formal sign-off through appropriately accredited engineers where the project requires it. You get the engineering rigour of an in-house team plus the regulatory standing of an accredited sign-off.
Timeline and cost
Most state regulators turn around design registration applications in 2-6 weeks once the complete documentation pack is lodged. Plan for this lead time in your project schedule — the crane can't legally be installed until the registration number is issued, and the timing can affect your install date.
Cost components:
- State regulator lodgement fee — typically $300-$1,500 depending on state
- Engineering documentation — usually built into the crane supplier's price; standalone documentation work for an existing crane runs $3,000-$15,000+
- Independent third-party engineering review (where required by state) — $1,500-$5,000 depending on crane complexity
What if you're below the threshold?
Below the 10 t threshold (or your state's specific threshold), separate registration isn't required — but the crane is still subject to all the same design requirements under AS 1418 and safe-use requirements under AS 2550. The reduction in regulatory burden is the lodgement step, not the engineering work.
Common misconception: "It's a small jib so we don't need engineering." Wrong. A 250 kg jib in a busy workshop still needs proper duty-class assessment, column sizing, base plate design and anchor bolt design. Skipping the engineering doesn't make the crane safe. It just means the next inspection will reveal the gap.
What this means when buying a crane
Three practical points:
- Ask early. If you're near the 10 t threshold, ask your supplier whether design registration applies before they quote. Registration adds 2-6 weeks lead time and some cost.
- Verify the supplier handles it. Some catalogue suppliers don't manage registration — they expect you to engage your own engineer for it. Confirm in writing.
- Get the documentation pack with the crane. Whether or not registration applies, you should receive engineering calcs, drawings, design certificate, and O&M manual at handover. Without these, future inspections, sales or upgrades become difficult.
Talk to an engineer
Sorian manages design registration as part of every project that needs it. For under-threshold cranes, we still supply the full engineering documentation pack so you have a defensible record. Send us your project details and we'll confirm what applies.
Frequently asked questions
Does my crane need WorkSafe design registration?
In most states, cranes over 10 t Maximum Rated Capacity require formal design registration before installation. Below the threshold, the crane must still be designed to AS 1418 with full engineering documentation, but separate registration isn't required. Some states have additional triggers based on configuration.
What documentation is needed for design registration?
Engineering calculations to AS 1418, general arrangement drawings, structural detail drawings, design certificate signed by an accredited engineer, identification plate drawing, and operating/maintenance manual. Some jurisdictions require a hazard identification and risk assessment record.
Who signs off the design registration?
The designer must hold appropriate engineering accreditation — typically a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) registered with Engineers Australia, or an equivalent state-recognised registered engineer. Sorian prepares the documentation and coordinates sign-off through appropriately accredited engineers where required.
How long does design registration take?
Most state regulators turn around registration in 2-6 weeks once the complete documentation pack is lodged. The crane can't legally be installed until the registration number is issued.
What does design registration cost?
State regulator lodgement fees are typically $300-$1,500 per registration. The engineering work is usually built into the crane price; independent third-party review (where required) ranges $1,500-$5,000.