Forklift attachments are used across warehousing, manufacturing, construction and mining in Australia to lift, transport and position loads that would otherwise be dangerous or impractical to handle. A forklift attachment is any device that connects to the tynes or carriage of a forklift to extend its capability — including forklift jibs, forklift man cages, forklift safety cages, and work platforms.
Because forklift attachments alter how a forklift handles — shifting the load centre, reducing rated capacity, and in some cases carrying personnel — they are subject to strict design and manufacturing requirements under Australian Standards. Choosing a non-compliant attachment puts operators at risk and exposes businesses to serious WHS liability.
In this article we explain which Australian Standard governs forklift attachments, what it requires, and how Bremco ensures every product we manufacture meets or exceeds these requirements.
AS 2359.1 — The Australian Standard for Forklift Attachments
Forklift attachments in Australia are governed by AS 2359.1 Powered Industrial Trucks. This standard sets mandatory requirements for the design, manufacture, load rating and certification of forklift attachments — including jibs, work platforms and man cages.
AS 2359.1 applies because these devices fundamentally change how a forklift behaves. A jib extends the load centre beyond the standard tyne position, reducing the truck’s effective lifting capacity. A man cage introduces personnel risk that requires additional structural and safety measures. Without compliance to AS 2359.1, neither device can be legally or safely used on an Australian worksite.
Key requirements under AS 2359.1 include:
- Design must be carried out or reviewed by a qualified engineer (a “competent person” under the standard)
- The attachment must be proof load tested before being put into service
- A forklift compliance plate must be affixed showing the rated capacity, applicable standard, and unique serial number
- Load rating charts must be supplied and displayed on or with the attachment
- Structural integrity must be verified through fully welded construction and appropriate material selection
Where a forklift attachment is used to lift people — such as a man cage or work platform — additional requirements apply under AS 2359.1 in conjunction with AS 1891.4, which governs industrial fall-arrest systems and harness attachment points.
How Bremco Meets AS 2359.1
Every Bremco forklift attachment is individually designed and tested for compliance with AS 2359.1. Requirements vary depending on the type, capacity, and intended use of the attachment, but our standard compliance process includes:
- Fully welded construction for structural integrity under load
- Independent tyne locks to prevent accidental disengagement during operation
- Safety harness attachment points rated to AS 1891.4 on all man cages and work platforms
- Visible load rating charts supplied with every attachment
- Proof load testing carried out prior to dispatch
- Forklift compliance plate affixed to every unit showing the relevant standard and serial number
Our forklift man cages and work platforms include additional compliance measures: 25×25×3mm mesh infill panels, checker plate tub sections, handrails and toe kicks. These features are specifically required to protect elevated operators and control the risks associated with lifting personnel.
Designed with Qualified Engineering Input
AS 2359.1 requires that forklift attachments be designed with input from a qualified engineer — typically a structural or mechanical engineer with relevant industry experience. This requirement exists because attachments must be assessed for load distribution, structural stress, and safe operating limits before they can be rated for use.
Bremco has been designing and manufacturing forklift attachments for over 30 years. All attachments requiring AS 2359.1 compliance are designed in collaboration with our local engineering partners, ensuring our products are structurally sound, correctly load-rated, and safe for the applications our customers work in — from general warehousing to mine site shutdowns.
This engineering input is also central to our custom forklift attachment service. If you need a non-standard attachment for a specific application — unusual load geometry, confined access, specialised lifting points — Bremco can design, engineer, manufacture, test and certify a custom solution to AS 2359.1.
100% Australian Designed and Manufactured
All Bremco forklift attachments are designed and manufactured in Australia at our Brisbane facility in Rocklea, QLD. We use Australian steel throughout, and our finishes — galvanised or powder coat — are selected for durability in harsh industrial environments.
Local manufacturing matters for compliance. When you purchase a Bremco attachment, you receive complete documentation — compliance plates, load rating charts, test records and certificates — from the same team that designed and built the product. Every Bremco attachment is designed for AS 2359.1 from the ground up, not adapted from an overseas equivalent.
If you need to modify an attachment, require replacement documentation, or have questions about compliance for a workplace audit, our team is directly accessible — no distributor chain, no delays.
Protect Your Operators — Choose Compliant Forklift Attachments
Using a forklift attachment that does not comply with AS 2359.1 is not just a regulatory issue — it is a safety risk. Non-compliant attachments may be under-rated for the loads they are used with, lack the structural features needed to prevent failure, or expose your business to WHS liability if an incident occurs.
Bremco supplies a full range of AS 2359.1-compliant forklift attachments for warehousing, manufacturing, construction and mining applications across Australia. We also manufacture custom attachments when standard products do not meet your requirements.
Contact the Bremco team to discuss your requirements or browse our full range of forklift attachments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Australian Standard governs forklift attachments and work platforms?
Forklift attachments in Australia are governed by AS 2359.1 Powered Industrial Trucks. This standard sets mandatory design and manufacturing requirements for attachments such as forklift jibs, forklift cages, and forklift man cages. Because these devices alter a forklift’s handling characteristics and pose risks to workers, they must meet strict engineering and safety criteria to be used on any Australian worksite.
Why must forklift attachments comply with Australian Standards?
Forklift attachments must comply with Australian Standards because they change how a forklift handles — shifting the centre of gravity and reducing rated load capacity. If used without proper design and certification, they can pose serious risks to operators and bystanders. AS 2359.1 ensures every forklift attachment is engineered, tested, and rated for safe use, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and WHS liability in Australian workplaces.
Who is qualified to design forklift attachments under AS 2359.1?
Under AS 2359.1, forklift attachments must be designed with input from a qualified engineer — typically a structural or mechanical engineer. This ensures the attachment is structurally sound, correctly load-rated, and safe for its intended application. Manufacturers that do not involve a qualified engineer cannot legitimately claim AS 2359.1 compliance, and businesses should not use forklift attachments that lack certified engineering sign-off.
What safety features must compliant forklift attachments include?
To comply with AS 2359.1, forklift attachments must include independent tyne locks to prevent accidental disengagement, visible load rating charts, and fully welded construction. Forklift man cages and work platforms must also include safety harness attachment points compliant with AS 1891.4, 25×25×3mm mesh infill panels, handrails, toe kicks, and checker plate tub sections. All compliant attachments must carry a forklift compliance plate and be proof load tested prior to use.
Can forklift attachments be custom manufactured to meet AS 2359.1?
Yes — forklift attachments can be custom designed and manufactured to comply with AS 2359.1, provided a qualified engineer is involved throughout the design process. Custom attachments must be proof load tested and carry a compliance plate showing the applicable standard and a unique serial number. Custom designs suit workplaces with unique load handling requirements that standard off-the-shelf attachments cannot accommodate.
Are Australian-made forklift attachments better for compliance?
Australian-manufactured forklift attachments are designed specifically to meet Australian Standards rather than being adapted from overseas equivalents. Local manufacturing means faster access to compliance documentation, direct manufacturer support for audits or modifications, and easier returns or re-certification — particularly important when compliance records are required by a workplace safety auditor or principal contractor.
What safety features are required on a forklift man cage or work platform?
A compliant forklift man cage or work platform under AS 2359.1 must include safety harness attachment points rated to AS 1891.4, fully welded construction, independent tyne locks, 25×25×3mm mesh infill panels, checker plate tub sections, handrails, and toe kicks. The cage must carry a load rating chart and a forklift compliance plate, and must be proof load tested before being put into service.