Air receivers

Hazards
Safety requirements
Registration
Inspection and maintenance
Contact us
Further information
FAQ

An air receiver is a pressure vessel that acts as a reservoir or storage vessel within a compressed air system. They must be fitted with a safety (pressure) relief valve, a pressure gauge, a drain valve and inspection hole or cover. In addition, holes of suitable sizes and locations used for fitting pipes or other devices may be used for inspecting inside the vessel. This may be the only means by which smaller vessels can be inspected that do not have dedicated inspection holes or covers. Periodic inspections should only be carried out by someone qualified to perform this work.

Hazards

Note that the risk of using pressure equipment is determined by their hazard level which relates to the volume, pressure, temperature, location, usage and contents type.

Hazard levels are rated from A through to E, with A being the most hazardous and E the least hazardous. These hazard levels are calculated using Australian Standard - AS 4343 Pressure Equipment - Hazard Levels. The Hazard Level assessment is normally the responsibility of the designer, manufacturer, importer, or supplier.

An air receiver pressure vessel as part of a compressor can be hazardous as it can seriously injure or kill workers. They are considered to be high risk plant. Common hazards include:

Physical Injury (Skin and Body): Compressed air can enter the bloodstream through cuts or navel, causing air embolisms, brain damage, or cardiac arrest. It can tear skin, rupture eardrums, and cause permanent hearing loss. As little as 12 PSI can blow an eye out of its socket.
Explosions and Tank Failures: Air receivers can explode if they are not properly maintained, if they lack functioning pressure relief valves, or if they are operated above rated pressure.
Flying Particles/Debris: Compressed air at high speeds turns dust and debris into dangerous projectiles, posing severe eye and skin hazards.
Hose Whipping: A pressurized air hose that disconnects can whip around, causing serious injury or fatal blunt-force trauma.
Respiratory Hazards: Using compressed air to clean silica dust can make it airborne, leading to severe lung disease (silicosis). Poorly maintained systems can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Electrical/Fire Hazards: Improper wiring or electrical faults can cause shocks or fires. Excessive oil buildup in compressors can lead to combustion

Note: some older Air Receiver design registrations and their associated vessel inspection reports may state non-harmful gas (NHG) when the maximum design temperature is above 120 °C. According to AS 4343:2014 which is prescribed under WHS Regulations - Schedule 5 - Part 2, the current state of knowledge is that air above 120 °C is treated as a harmful gas (HG). This may or may not affect the calculated Hazard Level. In this situation, the inspection report must record the most current review of hazard level and include an explanatory note to inform the plant owner, such as: “The hazard level has been reviewed based on the vessel design air temperature being greater than 120 °C. The result is a Harmful Gas (HG) according to AS 4343:2014".

Safety requirements

consider PPE when using compressed air; goggles, face shield and other eye protection when used for cleaning purposes.
assess the hazards and risks and put controls in place to minimise the risk of injury to people and equipment before using compressed air.
do not point air tools or cleaning tools at people as this can result in injuries. Common injuries include eye and skin damage. They are further exacerbated when broken skin injuries exist.

Air supply

maximum rated pressure must be marked on pipes, hoses and fittings. The pressure rating must be greater than the design pressure for the system for intended use. Air lines should be marked and colour-coded to identify for use with compressed air only.
position air supply isolation valves as close as possible to the point of operation to allow immediate shut off in the event of an emergency.
before disconnecting hand tools, turn off the air. Except where quick disconnect devices are used.

Hoses

keep hoses free of oil and grease to minimise deterioration.
secure air hoses so that the risk of hose end whipping does not occur. Hose end whipping can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
avoid trailing hoses across floors to prevent trips and falls in the workplace.
suspend hoses overhead to allow efficient access and protection from damage.

Static electricity

when using air tools, static electricity can generate. Equipment should be grounded where using such equipment in the vicinity of fuels, flammable vapours or explosive atmospheres.

Cleaning

air should never be used to clean dust off clothing or person’s skin.
for bench cleaning, the pressure should be reduced to 100kPa unless equipped with a diffuser nozzle to provide a lesser pressure. Alternatively, consider using a vacuum cleaner as this is safer and cleans away debris for safe disposal. Cleaning with air only moves the debris from one area to another.

High Risk Work Licence

There is no requirement for a high risk work licence to operate an air receiver.

Registration

You must register both the plant design and the item of plant for air receivers.

Registration costs can be found at Registration Fees.

Design registration

Plant design registration – Guidance notes

To register or alter the design of plant:

Plant design - New or alteration to design

According to WHS Regulation 243, you must register new designs and alterations to designs of air receivers which have a calculated Hazard Level of A, B, C or D when assessed in accordance with AS 4343.

The air receiver can be designed to any internationally recognised published technical standard with the following documents being required for the registration of the plant design:

each model must have a separate design registration application form.
statement signed by the designer of the plant stating:
the designer has complied with their obligations under section 22 of the WHS Act.
the published technical standards and engineering principles used in the design.
design calculations and drawing(s) in English, as referenced in the designer's statement
an independent design verification statement.
payment of the fee which lasts for the life of the design (payable on completion of the online application).

Note:

design registration applies to all plant items manufactured to the same design.
design registration is valid for the life of the plant.
manufacturers, importers, and suppliers of plant are prohibited from supplying plant unless the design of that plant is registered.
design registration in SA is not required if the plant design is registered in another state under a corresponding WHS law (WHS Act 2012 (SA)).
any alteration to the design of registered plant that may affect health, and safety requires an alteration to its design registration.

Importing pressure equipment to South Australia

All pressure equipment coming into South Australia regardless of where it was designed and manufactured is required to be assessed for design registration.

If the design of the equipment has not been registered by the designer or manufacturer, then the responsibility to register is with the person who imported the equipment, or the person with management or control of the item of plant in the workplace.

The importer must:

conduct a hazard level identification and risk assessment as if they were the designer and manufacturer of the plant. Any risks must be eliminated or minimised
provide relevant information relating to the design and safe use of the plant to the end user.

Design registration must be obtained prior to supply or use of the equipment in South Australia. It is an offence to operate or allow someone to operate pressure equipment that is required to be design registered and has not received registration.

Plant registration

Plant registration – Guidance notes

To register the item of plant:

Plant item registration

Plant - Variation / Change of ownership

According to WHS Regulation 243, pressure vessels categorised as hazard level A, B or C according to the criteria in Section 2.1 of AS 4343: Pressure equipment – Hazard levels, must be item of plant registered, except serially produced vessels.

Pressure equipment plant items categorised as Hazard level A, B or C must be regularly inspected by a competent person to ensure it is safe to operate in accordance with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3788: Pressure equipment-in-service inspection.

Once a pressure vessel design is registered, you must permanently mark the design registration number on each pressure equipment item manufactured to that registered design.

You must hold a copy of the design registration certificate for item of plant registration. A supplier must share a copy of the design registration certificate with the purchaser.

To register plant for the first time in South Australia or to renew lapsed registration, the following documentation will be required:

completed online application form including fee payment.
a Design Registration Certificate or a Design Approval Letter issued pre-July 1996, or exemption letter.
statement from competent person that the plant is safe to use or operate (issued with 12 months of application date).
date when plant item was first commissioned or first registered (whichever occurred first).
Commissioning Report (prior to first use in Australia). If the plant being registered has been in service for more than 10 years, attach a copy of the Major Inspection Report (10-yearly) in lieu of a Commissioning Report.
photographs of the orientation of the vessel, and the ID / data plate.
authorisation letter from the PCBU who will have management or control of plant (where the applicant is a third-party acting on behalf of the PCBU).

If you are applying for transfer of ownership of an existing SafeWork SA issued registration(s) the following documentation will be required:

completed online notification form lodged within 14 days of purchase.

date when plant item was first commissioned or first registered (whichever occurred first).
Statement from competent person that the plant is safe to use or operate (issued within 12 months of application date).
if the plant being registered has been in service for more than 10 years, attach a copy of the Major Inspection Report (10-yearly) in lieu of a Commissioning Report.
authorisation letter from the PCBU who will have management or control of plant (If applicable where the applicant is a third-party acting on behalf of the PCBU).
letter from former owner confirming date that transfer of ownership occurred and that they no longer have management or control of the plant.
photographs of the orientation of the vessel, and the ID / data plate.

If you are applying to change the location of an existing SafeWork SA issued registration(s) the following documentation will be required:

completed online notification form lodged within 14 days of becoming aware of the change.

for plant that is fixed in one location, SafeWork SA requires evidence that it has been commissioned at the new location in order to amend the registration. A copy of statement from competent person that the plant is safe to use or operate in the new location (issued with 12 months of application date).
if the plant being registered has been in service for more than 10 years, attach a major inspection report (10-yearly).
photographs of the orientation of the vessel, and the ID / data plate.
authorisation letter from the PCBU who will have management or control of plant (If applicable where the applicant is a third-party acting on behalf of the PCBU).

If you are applying to make changes to other information of an existing SafeWork SA issued registration(s) the following documentation will be required:

completed online notification form lodged within 14 days of becoming aware of change(s).
where the change relates to a design alteration, then a copy of the design registration for the alteration and any relevant changes to recorded information
statement from competent person that the plant is safe to use or operate reflecting the updated information (if applicable).
if the plant being registered has been in service for more than 10 years, attach a copy of the Major Inspection Report (10-yearly).
authorisation letter from the PCBU who will have management or control of plant (If applicable where the applicant is a third-party acting on behalf of the PCBU).
photographs of the orientation of the vessel, and the ID / data plate.

Note:

SafeWork SA will notify plant registration holders in writing around one month prior to renewals being due. In making a decision to grant the renewal of a plant item registration, SafeWork SA will consider whether the plant has been regularly maintained and inspected in accordance with WHS Regulation 213 and 235.

Change of details

You must provide us with written notice within 14 days if:

you change your name or address, or any other information stated on your application for registration.
the plant design has been altered to an extent where it is subject to new control measures.

Inspection and maintenance

According to WHS Regulation 213 - Maintenance and Inspection of Plant, the person with management or control of plant at a workplace must ensure that the maintenance inspection and, if necessary, testing of the plant is carried out by a competent person. In addition, the maintenance, inspection and testing must be carried out:

(a) in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, if any; or

(b) if there are no manufacturer's recommendations, in accordance with the recommendations of a competent person; or

According to WHS Regulation 224 – Pressure Equipment, the person with management or control of plant at a workplace must ensure that:

(a) the equipment is inspected on a regular basis by a competent person.

The inspection must also be in accordance with AS/NZS 3788: In-service Inspection of Pressure Equipment, which outlines the responsibilities for both the inspector and the owner of the pressure equipment. The Standard incorporates a table that details the periods between routine inspections as well as information that leads the inspector through the inspection process for the various types of pressure equipment.

On completion of the inspection, the inspector will provide you with a Certificate of Inspection and a Report. The certificate must include a statement from the inspector indicating that they have conducted the inspection in accordance with AS/NZS 3788 and that the equipment is 'Safe to operate' (where this is found to be the case).

Record keeping

Employers/PCBUs must keep a record of any inspection and maintenance on pressure equipment with a hazard level A, B or C as determined by AS 4343: Pressure equipment - Hazard levels. You must keep the inspection and maintenance records for the period you have management or control of the plant.

Records including maintenance logbooks of the significant events concerning the safety and operation of the pressure equipment must be kept and readily available. Records should be kept in a suitable format and must be transferred with ownership of the pressure equipment. Entries in the maintenance logbook should:

clearly describe the work carried out and parts replaced
be dated
note the name of the person carrying out the work, and
be signed by the person carrying out the work.

The checks, adjustments, replacement of parts, repairs, inspections performed and irregularities or damage concerning the unit’s safe use must be recorded.

Inspection records should include a statement from a competent person confirming the item of plant has been inspected and is safe to operate.

Contact us

Visit: safework.sa.gov.au

Call: SafeWork Licensing Unit on 1300 365 255

Email: licensing.safework@sa.gov.au

Further information

Resources

Legislation

WHS Act 22 - Duties of PCBUs that design plant, substances or structures
WHS Regulation 213 – Maintenance and inspection of plant
WHS Regulation 224 – Inspection and management of pressure equipment
WHS Regulation 237 – Records of plant
WHS Regulation 244 – Altered plant designs to be registered

Australian Standards

AS/NZS 1200: Pressure equipment
AS 2030.1: Gas cylinders – general requirements
AS/NZS 3788: In-service inspection of pressure equipment
AS 4343: Pressure equipment – hazard levels

Codes of Practice

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What should a purchaser ask a supplier before purchasing pressure equipment?

can they provide a copy of the design registration?
what is the after-sales service arrangement?
who takes responsibility for the item of plant registration process?
what are the safety features?
for used plant, can they provide a copy of the inspection(s)?

Q2. What are the registration requirements?

Air receivers (compressed air) require design registration if they have a calculated Hazard Level of A, B, C or D according to AS 4343: Pressure equipment – hazard levels. They require item of plant registration if they have a hazard level of A, B or C according AS 4343.

The air receiver supplier (who may also be the importer) has the legal duty to ensure that the air receiver is design registered, and that they hold a copy of the design registration certificate prior to any distribution and sale.

The design registration number issued by SafeWork SA or an interstate regulator is unique to that model and must be permanently marked on the air receiver.

The owner or person with management control of the air receiver is responsible for the item of plant registration. They will need copies of the design registration certificate, “Safe to Operate” certificate and commissioning report. They can then attach all the supporting documentation to a completed application form and send it to SafeWork SA along with payment of the fee.

Q3. Are there any registration fees?

Air receivers incur a fee when they are first design registered which is valid for the life of the plant.

A design registration fee applies only once for the initial application because upon issue there is no expiry date.

Air receivers incur a fee each time they are plant item registered for a 5-year period. The owner will receive an invoice from SafeWork SA before the renewal date. The invoice will have an associated fee.

Plant registration will remain valid for the 5-year period unless the air receiver is sold, scrapped, or a design alteration occurs to the level of safety requiring a review of risk control measures.

Q4. Who can apply for design registration?

a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) that designs an item of plant may apply to the regulator for the registration of the design of that item of plant.
a person with management or control of an item of plant at a workplace may apply to the regulator for the registration of the design of that item of plant.

Q5. Duties of the Designer and Design Verifier.

The designer must undertake a design risk assessment and be satisfied through engineering calculations that the air receiver is at the appropriate level of safety in accordance with the published technical standards and/or engineering principles being used. The designer must declare that they “have complied with the designer’s obligations under Section 22 of the WHS Act in respect to the design of the plant.”

For design verification under regulation 252, a Design Verifier is a person who has the skills, qualifications, competence and experience to design the plant or verify the design

The Design Verifier has the important role of determining through their own independent assessment that the design satisfactorily complies with design intent published technical standards, and/or engineering principles. They must also declare that “they were not involved in the production of the design; and that the design was produced in accordance with the published technical standards and/or engineering principles specified by the designer’s statement and documents.”

The air receiver original design can be to any internationally recognised published technical standard including calculations and drawings. However, Design verification must declare full compliance with the applicable Australian Standards.

Q6. Can the Designer and/or Design Verifier be located overseas?

Yes. There is no requirement for the Designer and/or Design Verifier to be located in Australia. They must however fully understand their duties under South Australian WHS Legislation. Penalties apply for provision of false or misleading information.

Q7. Can a Designer and Design Verifier be employed by the same business?

Yes, the Designer and Design Verifier can be employed by the same organisation, but the Design Verifier must not have been involved in the production of the design. The design verification process must be independent of the Designer.

Q8. Does each air receiver require individual design registration?

No, once the design is registered, there is no restriction on the number of air receivers that can be supplied, provided they comply with the registered design. The registration holder must ensure the design registration number is provided with each air receiver that is supplied.

Q9. Is interstate design registration recognised in South Australia?

Yes, interstate design registrations issued under a corresponding WHS law (i.e. a law of another Australian jurisdiction corresponding, or substantially corresponding, to the WHS Act 2012 (SA)) are recognised in South Australia. However, it is important to ensure the air receiver design also complies with relevant South Australian Approved Codes of Practice.

There may be Australian States or Territories who have introduced specific variations to the WHS model legislation and while the design may comply with the legislation in those jurisdictions, it may no longer fully comply with South Australian requirements. If this is the case, item of plant registration may be refused (i.e. design registration may not be recognised) because the design does not fully comply through a corresponding WHS law equivalent to that in South Australia.

Q10. Are overseas design registrations recognised?

Every air receiver installed in South Australia must have an Australian design registration.

Q11. When is an Application for Alteration to a Design of an air receiver required?

The WHS Regulations state that “In this regulation a reference to the alteration of a design is a reference to an alteration that may affect health or safety.”

What does that mean?

'Alter' in relation to any plant means to change the design of, add to or take away from the plant where the change may affect health or safety, but does not include routine maintenance, repairs or replacements.

When an air receiver is first design registered, the design is based on certain criteria and specifications that set a minimum level of safety. If that level of safety is altered (i.e. structural integrity, capacity, safe operating limits) then an application for the alteration must be submitted to SafeWork SA.

Note: alterations must be compliant to the latest legislative requirements.

Q12. Does each manufactured air receiver require item of plant registration?

Yes, each applicable air receiver must be individually registered before being placed into service.

The item of plant registration number issued by SafeWork SA is specific to that air receiver.

The design registration number issued by SafeWork SA or an interstate regulator is unique to that model of pressure vessel and must be permanently marked on the air receiver.

Q13. What happens after I submit an application for registration?

After SafeWork SA receives an application and fee payment has been receipted:

SafeWork SA will audit each section of the application form and supporting documentation. It is important that correct information is provided.
If any information is missing, SafeWork SA will contact the applicant. This may cause delays in processing.
Once details are audited and any additional requested information and/or revised documents received the application will be processed and the plant registered.
A registration document (certificate) will be sent to the applicant. The document will contain information as submitted in the application form, the applicant details and the issued item of plant registration number. The registration number must be displayed on the air receiver.
The item of plant registration is valid for a 5-year term. When renewal is due, an invoice will be sent about one month before the registration expires to the recorded address of the registration holder.