Why WHS Requires a Competent Person—and How ACTS Delivers?
In industrial environments where plant and equipment are critical to operations, safety cannot be left to chance. That’s why the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2020 (WA) and the WHS (General) Regulations 2022 require inspections and assessments to be carried out by a competent person—someone with the necessary qualifications, training, and experience to perform the task effectively and safely.
Person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) and the person with management or control of plant at a workplace must ensure certain work relating to plant must be carried out by, or in accordance with the recommendations of, a competent person; for example, work involving installation, assembly, construction, commissioning, maintenance, inspection, testing, decommissioning and dismantling of plant.
At Asset Conformity Testing Services (ACTS), we provide specialized plant inspection services delivered by qualified and experienced professionals who meet—and often exceed—the definition of a competent person under WHS legislation.
According to the WHS regulations, a competent person is someone who:
• Has relevant training, qualifications or experience to carry out the required inspection
• Understands the applicable Australian Standards such as AS 3788 (pressure vessels), AS 2550/1418 (lifting equipment), and API 653 (storage tanks)
• Can identify hazards, assess risk, and ensure the plant is fit for service
• Is independent where required—particularly for third-party verification or major inspections
For certain plant types, like pressure equipment or cranes, the WHS regulations even mandate that the competent person must be eligible for membership with Engineers Australia or meet specific certification criteria.
How ACTS Meets and Exceeds the Standard
At ACTS, compliance is more than a checkbox—it's a commitment to safety, reliability, and engineering excellence. Our approach includes:
Qualified Professional Engineers: Our team consists of certified professional engineers, accredited by Engineers Australia, with extensive industry experience and deep knowledge of a wide range of plant and critical equipment.
Qualified Inspectors: Our plant inspectors and crane assessors are trained and certified in accordance with industry standards and regulatory frameworks. Many of our team members are registered plant inspectors, ISO 9712 certified NDT technicians, with experience across a range of high-risk industries.
As a NATA-accredited ISO/IEC 17020 Type A inspection body, ACTS is independently assessed for impartiality, technical competence, and quality management—ensuring the highest level of compliance.
Scope of Services
We provide inspections for:
• Pressure vessels and boilers
• Cranes, hoists, and lifting gear
• Design verifier and Plant registration support
• NDT- Advanced and Conventional
• Major inspections for ageing plant or critical risk equipment
• Structural Integrity Program
• Pressure Safety Valve Testing and Calibration
Digital Systems and Compliance Reporting
Using our in-house Computerised Plant Management System (CPMS), ACTS tracks inspection schedules, generates reports, and helps clients manage compliance obligations more efficiently.
The ACTS Advantage
Choosing ACTS means choosing:
• Independent and compliant inspection services
• Professionally qualified and competent personnel
• Full alignment with WHS regulatory obligations
• Transparent and consistent reporting
• A proactive partner in risk mitigation and asset reliability
Ready to Comply with Confidence?
Whether you manage high-risk pressure systems, lifting plant, or fixed equipment, ACTS ensures your plant is inspected by a competent person, in full accordance with WHS laws and Australian Standards.
Contact ACTS today to schedule your next inspection or discuss your compliance needs.