Paper-laminated equipment ID tag

A auditor recently submitted this photo during their Level 3 Audit Inspection. At first glance, it looks decent – manufacturer details, ABN, year of manufacture, and the relevant Australian Standard number are all there.

But here’s the problem: It’s not permanent. Clause 7.1 in AS 4685.1:2021 requires equipment identification to be permanently and clearly marked. Paper laminations won’t survive Australian weather conditions. They’ll fade, peel, and disappear long before the equipment reaches its end of life.

Why does this matter?

Permanent identification isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. It’s essential for:

• Equipment traceability
• Manufacturer recalls
• Safety audits and inspections
• Liability and compliance verification

This might seem like a small detail, but it’s exactly these “minor” oversights that create major compliance gaps and potential safety risks.