Australian Standards Reference Guide

Overview

Knowing which standard, specification or manufacturer instruction applies is an important first step, but a short reference list cannot replace the current controlled document or the scope of an inspection. This guide summarises standards commonly encountered in Australian inspection work.

Key Standards

• AS 2550 — Safe use of cranes, hoists and winches
• AS 1418 — Design of cranes, hoists and winches
• AS 2550.10 — Safe use of elevated work platforms
• AS 3788 — In-service inspection of pressure equipment
• AS 1210 — Pressure vessel design
• AS/NZS 1554 — Structural steel welding
• AS 4100 — Steel structures
• AINDT — NDT personnel certification

Using a Standards Reference Safely

The applicable edition, part, equipment class, material, weld category and acceptance criteria can change the required method and reporting detail. Confirm the current requirement for the asset and jurisdiction before relying on a reference. A standard may describe design, fabrication, operation or test technique; those are different roles and should not be treated as interchangeable.

• Use the asset's design documents, manufacturer instructions and contract specification to define scope
• Separate a test method standard from an acceptance or fitness-for-service requirement
• Record the edition and clause or acceptance basis used in the inspection report
• Escalate uncertain findings to the responsible engineer rather than treating a reference list as approval

NDT Method Selection

Visual inspection is normally a starting point. UT may suit thickness or internal reflectors; MPI suits surface and near-surface indications in ferromagnetic steel; PT suits surface-breaking indications on clean, non-porous materials; ECT suits conductive materials where electromagnetic response and access make it appropriate. The material, likely defect orientation, surface condition and access determine whether methods are used alone or together.