The fields
What a compliant load notice must show
AS 4084:2023 sets out the minimum information every load notice must carry. The Standard's goal is simple: any forklift operator entering an aisle in a QLD or NSW warehouse should be able to read the safe loading limits without ambiguity, in metric units, before they place a pallet.
| Field | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum pallet weight (kg) | Limit per individual pallet placed | 1,200 kg |
| Maximum bay load (kg) | Total of all pallets across all levels in one bay | 8,000 kg |
| Maximum beam-level load (kg) | Total per single beam level (UDL) | 2,000 kg |
| Date of notice | When the rating was issued or last revised | 06 / 2026 |
| Installer / engineer name | Who is accountable for the rating | Pallet Racking Maintenance — QBCC 1234567 |
| Standard reference | Anchors the rating to the current edition | AS 4084:2023 |
Where it goes
Placement, sizing and visibility
A load notice that nobody can read is worse than no notice at all — it gives the appearance of compliance without the safety benefit. AS 4084:2023 ties placement to the operator's line of sight.
- Mount one notice at every aisle entry, on the first upright the operator sees.
- Add a notice mid-aisle for runs longer than 30 m.
- Keep the notice between 1.4 m and 2.0 m above floor level — eye-line for a seated forklift operator.
- Use a minimum text height of 25 mm for the primary load figures.
- Anchor mechanically (rivets or bolts), not adhesive only — adhesive fails in cold storage.
- Use a contrasting colour that stays legible under warehouse lighting (yellow on black or black on yellow is standard).
When to replace
Triggers that require a new load notice
Load notices are not "install once, leave forever". A reconfiguration, a re-rating or even a change in pallet type can invalidate the figures. Replacement is a small job — leaving the old notice in place is a real WHS breach.
| Trigger | Action |
|---|---|
| Beam levels moved up, down or removed | Re-rate the bay and replace the notice |
| Heavier pallets introduced (e.g. moving from CHEP to euro) | Re-engineer and replace |
| Beam or upright replaced with a different profile | Re-rate and replace |
| Notice faded, damaged or removed | Replace within 14 days |
| Annual audit confirms current loads | Endorse with new date stamp |
Common mistake
What inspectors check
The 60-second load notice audit
When a competent person arrives for an annual AS 4084 audit, the load notices are usually the first thing photographed. Operators can rehearse the audit themselves with this short checklist before booking the formal inspection.
- One legible notice visible from every aisle entry.
- All six minimum fields present and filled in.
- Units shown in kilograms.
- Date within the last 12 months or matching the last reconfiguration.
- Installer or engineer name traceable to a real, licensed business.
- AS 4084:2023 (not the older 2012 edition) referenced.