Working high up comes with risks but so does every single job. Do you need safety equipment? The answer can be found in the Working At Height Association (WAHA) Standards And Codes which has all the nitty-gritty you, or your specialist rope access contractor in Sydney, need. However, if the sight of all these codes is making your eyes glaze over, there are helpful highlights after the list:

AS1657:2018 Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders

AS/NZS 1891.1 Part 1: Safety Belts and Harnesses

AS/NZS 1891.2 Part 2: Horizontal Lifeline and Rail Systems

AS/NZS 1891:3 Part 3: Fall Arrest Devices

AS/NZS 1981.4 Part 4: Selection, Use and Maintenance of Industrial Fall Arrest Systems and Devices

AS2625 Safe Working in a Confined Space

AS/NZS 4488 Industrial Rope Access Systems

AS/NZS 5532 Manufacturers requirements for single-point anchors

The highlights below do not replace the above Standards and Codes.

Fall Protection Overview

The first general guideline is: if your contractor is working at 2 metres and above, they must use fall protection equipment. There are different fall protection systems for different hazards.

In our blog on hotel noise, it refers to roof access for soundproofing equipment or related construction. This calls for roof walkways to avoid trip hazards. However, if anyone is traversing or working within 2 metres of a roof edge, you will need static line equipment, fall arrest equipment, or a roof guardrail system.

Equipment Decisions

To comply with the safety standards, it is not merely a case of choosing what you believe is the best option. A certified safety engineer must execute a detailed inspection and issue a report on equipment needs.

They use many deciding factors such as the hierarchy of control procedure, roof safety material, roof pitch, and weather elements (e.g. wind). It is always best to overspecify solutions with safety, such as using Level 1 when addressing a hazard. The hierarchy level factors are:

  1. Eliminate the risk – This is the highest level. Either work on the ground or have a solid fixture in place, e.g. a roof walkway, integrated guardrails and a safety stairway/ladder.
  2. Passive fall protection – This equipment is static after installation, e.g. guardrails.
  3. Work positioning systems – This is kinetic equipment, e.g. rope access systems with roof anchors. These have static lines for use by trained, certified staff.
  4. Fall injury prevention systems – This proactive equipment stops deaths or paralysis from jolting fall arrests.
  5. Ladders and administrative controls – Ladders are the least preferred solution, but space restraints sometimes require them. Administrative controls are the precise documentation of procedures for the usage and maintenance of systems.

The SRAP experts have been providing property owners with certified height safety advice, building renovations, and rope access solutions in Sydney for years. We can assess your safety compliance needs, install and maintain the equipment. Book for a consultation and free quote now!