Falls From Height 082020
Falls From Height 082020
Falls From Height 082020
CODE OF PRACTICE
CODE OF PRACTICE
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II
Foreword
This code of practice is issued by the Commission Codes of practice published under the OSH
for Occupational Safety and Health under provisions Act
of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
(the OSH Act). The introduction of the OSH Act Codes of practice published under the OSH Act provide
enabled the establishment of the Commission. It practical guidance on how to comply with a general
comprises representatives of employers, unions and duty or specific duties under the legislation. Codes of
government, as well as experts, and has the function practice may contain explanatory information. However,
of developing the occupational safety and health the preventive strategies outlined do not represent the
legislation and supporting guidance material, and only acceptable means of achieving a certain standard.
making recommendations to the Minister for Mines and
Petroleum; Commerce and Industrial Relations for their A code of practice does not have the same legal force
implementation. To fulfil its functions, the Commission as a regulation and is not sufficient reason, of itself, for
is empowered to establish advisory committees, prosecution under the legislation, but it may be used by
hold public inquiries and publish and disseminate courts as a standard when assessing other methods or
information. practices used.
The Commission’s objective is to promote If there is a code of practice about a risk, either:
comprehensive and practical preventive strategies
that improve the working environment of Western • do what the code of practice says, or
Australians. This code of practice has been developed • adopt and follow another way that gives the same
through a tripartite consultative process and the level of protection against the risk.
views of employers and unions, along with those of
government and experts, have been considered. If there is no regulation or code of practice about a
risk, choose an appropriate way and take reasonable
precautions and exercise proper diligence to ensure
Legislative framework for obligations are met.
occupational safety and health Note: There may be additional risks at the workplace
not specifically addressed in this code of practice. The
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 OSH Act requires identification and assessment of them
The OSH Act provides for the promotion, co-ordination, and implementation of control measures to prevent or
administration and enforcement of occupational minimise risk.
safety and health in Western Australia. It applies to all
workplaces with the exception of mining and petroleum.
Scope
With the objective of preventing occupational injuries
This code of practice applies to all workplaces in
and diseases, the OSH Act places certain duties
Western Australia covered by the Occupational Safety
on employers, employees, self-employed people,
and Health Act 1984. It provides detailed guidance
manufacturers, designers, importers and suppliers.
on the prevention of falls from height at workplaces.
These broad duties are supported by further legislation,
However, it is not possible to deal with every situation
commonly referred to as regulations, together with non
that may be found at workplaces, where there is the
statutory codes of practice and guidance notes.
potential for a person to fall from, through or into any
https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes. place or thing.
nsf/law_a555.html
See Appendix 1 for standards and other documents that
supplement the information provided in this code.
Occupational Safety and Health Regulations
1996
Who should use this code of
The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996
(the OSH Regulations) set out specific requirements practice?
of the legislation. They prescribe minimum standards This code should be used by everyone who has a
and have a general application, or define specific duty to prevent, as far as practicable, falls from height
requirements related to a particular hazard or type of at workplaces. This includes employers, employees,
work. They may allow licensing or granting of approvals self-employed people, architects, engineers, designers,
and certificates. builders, manufacturers, suppliers, safety and health
If there is a regulation about a risk in the OSH representatives and safety and health committees. The
Regulations, it must be complied with. practical guidance in this code of practice should be
considered in conjunction with the general duties in the
https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes. Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984.
nsf/law_s4665.html
III
Definitions
For the purpose of this code of practice:
IV
Contents
Foreword ......................................................................................................................................................................... III
1 General duties at the workplace.......................................................................................................................... 1
2 Hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control – the risk management process for the
prevention of falls................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 An overview........................................................................................................................................................................ 2
2.2 Identifying hazards........................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.3 Assessing and analysing risks....................................................................................................................................... 3
2.4 Controlling risks................................................................................................................................................................. 4
2.5 Monitoring and review of control measures................................................................................................................ 5
4 Supervision.............................................................................................................................................................. 8
7 Edge protection....................................................................................................................................................12
12 Forklift trucks........................................................................................................................................................37
18 Tree climbing........................................................................................................................................................47
Appendix 1 References............................................................................................................................................51
Appendix 2 Job safety analysis (JSA)..................................................................................................................53
Appendix 3 Terms used in fall injury prevention systems................................................................................57
Appendix 4 Components of fall arrest and restraint systems.........................................................................59
Appendix 5 Contacts for further information......................................................................................................65
V
1 General duties at the workplace
The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (the Self-employed people must take reasonable care to
Act) contains general duties which describe the ensure their own safety and health at work and, as far
responsibilities of people who affect safety and health as practicable, ensure their work does not affect the
at work [Section 19 of the Act]. These duties apply to safety and health of others [Section 21 of the Act].
the prevention of falls. The Act and the Occupational
Safety and Health Regulations 1996 (the Regulations) Employment or engagement of contractors and their
should be read in conjunction with this code of practice. employees
The person (called the principal in the Act) must ensure
Employers must, so far as is practicable: the safety and health of anyone they engage (called the
contractor in the Act) to do the work. The principal is
• provide a workplace and safe system of work so
considered to be the employer of a contractor and any
employees are not exposed to hazards
people employed or engaged by the contractor to carry
• provide employees with information, instruction, out the work. Thus the principal has an employer’s ‘duty
training and supervision to enable them to work in a of care’ to contractors and their employees for matters
safe manner over which the principal has control [Section 23D of the
• consult and cooperate with safety and health Act].
representatives (if any) and other employees in
matters related to safety and health at work Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers
of plant must ensure that plant intended for use in
• provide adequate protective clothing and equipment
a workplace is safe to install, maintain and use at
where hazards cannot be eliminated
workplaces. Safety and health information must be
• ensure plant can be used, cleaned, maintained, provided when plant and substances are supplied for
transported and disposed of safely. use at work, and whenever requested for substances.
1
2 Hazard identification, risk assessment
and risk control – the risk
management process for the
prevention of falls
2.1 An overview more open-ended appraisal of a group of related work
processes. Generally, a combination of methods will
Employers have a duty to ensure, as far as practicable, provide the most effective results.
that employees are not exposed to hazards at the
workplace [regulation 3.1]. They can do this by following Hazard identification tools commonly used are the Job
a risk management process to identify hazards and safety analysis (JSA) and Safe work method statement
assess and control risks. (SWMS). See Appendix 2 for an example of a completed
JSA form.
In addition, there is a specific requirement for employers
to carry out this risk management process for the You should check your records of previous injuries and
prevention of falls [regulation 3.49]. This involves a three ‘near miss’ incidents related to falls. Information and
step process to: advice about fall hazards and risks relevant to particular
industries and work activities is also available from
• identify hazards regulators, industry associations, unions, technical
• assess risks specialists and safety consultants.
• control risks.
To assist in identifying hazards where a person may fall Common fall hazards checklist
and assessing and controlling the risks, consideration
should be given to: Key things to check at the workplace include:
2
hazards and develop effective control measures. Risk
assessment is not an absolute science – it is a ‘best
• hand grip (places where hand grip may be
estimate’ on the basis of the information available. It is
lost)
therefore important that:
• openings or holes which will require
identification or protection or unguarded • the risk assessment is conducted by people with
shafts or excavations information, knowledge and experience in the
• proximity of employees to unsafe areas process
– where
loads are placed on elevated • workers participate in the development of the risk
working areas assessment
– when
objects are below a work area, • once completed, the risk assessment is
such as reo bars and star pickets communicated to the work group performing
the task to ensure they understand the job steps,
– where
work is to be carried out above
hazards and controls, and agree to the controls.
workers (e.g. potential hazards from
falling objects) [Section 3 of the Act and regulation 3.143(5)]
– power lines near working areas
– when
workers are establishing edge In carrying out a risk assessment, it is necessary to
protection or fall restraint systems break down each activity or process into a series of
parts or smaller tasks and assess each one separately.
• movement of plant or equipment (ensuring A Job Safety Analysis can assist with this [See
there is no sudden acceleration or Appendix 2 Job Safety Analysis].
deceleration)
• access to, egress from and movement
around the working area (checking for
obstructions)
Information for risk assessments
• structural integrity (may be compromised Ways to determine the likelihood and potential
by chemicals, welding, weather) consequences of each hazard include:
• manual handling (checking safe work
• looking at similar workplaces or processes
practices for carrying awkward materials,
such as plaster boards and roof sheeting, • looking at the workplace’s previous incident
which may be caught by the wind) and injury reports and data for falls
• lighting • consulting with safety and health
representatives (if any) and other employees
• weather conditions (when heavy rain, dew or
wind are present) • looking at the way tasks/jobs are performed
• footwear and clothing (suitability for • looking at the way work is organised
conditions) • determining the size and layout of the
• ladders (where and how they are being used) workplace
• young, new or inexperienced employees • assessing the number and movement of all
(i.e. employees unfamiliar with a task) people at the workplace
• determining the type of operation to be
performed
2.3 Assessing and analysing risks • identifying the type of machinery/plant to be
used
Risk, in relation to any injury and harm, means the • assessing adequacy of inspection and
probability of that injury or harm occurring. This involves maintenance processes Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
looking at the chance or likelihood of a fall occurring
• examining the way all materials and
and, if a fall did occur, the extent of any harm or injury
substances are stored and handled
(i.e. the consequences). This is a way of deciding which
hazards need to be tackled first (i.e. where there is the • assessing what knowledge and training
highest risk of falls). is needed to perform tasks safely and the
adequacy of current knowledge and training
This step should provide information on: (e.g. gap analysis)
• examining adequacy of procedures for
• where, which and how many employees are likely to all potential emergency situations (e.g.
be at risk of incurring injuries accidents and rescues.
• how often this is likely to occur
• the potential severity of any injuries.
3
2.4 Controlling risks Table 1 Preferred order of control measures to
eliminate or reduce the risk of falls
The next step is to implement control measures to
1. Elimination – removing the Most
eliminate or reduce the risk of a person being injured
hazard or hazardous work effective
or harmed (e.g. eliminate or reduce the likelihood of
practice from the workplace (e.g. control
a person falling) and to ensure those measures are
eliminating the need to access measure
monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis.
the fall risk area such as by
There is a preferred order of control measures, ranging installing air conditioning units in
from the most effective to the least effective in the centre of the roof).
eliminating or reducing the risk of falls. This is outlined 2. Substitution – substituting or
in Table 1. replacing a hazard or hazardous
work practice with a less
The preferred way of controlling risk is by design,
hazardous one (e.g. providing
substitution, redesign, separation or administration.
an alternative means of access
These control measures generally eliminate, reduce or
such as a safe walkway so
minimise risk more effectively than personal protective
the risks of falls are avoided;
equipment.
or installing an elevating work
Specific regulations set out certain mandatory methods platform for work at heights).
that are required to control the risk and some of these,
3. Isolation – isolating or
such as the protection of holes and openings, are
separating the hazard or
outlined later in this document.
hazardous work practice from
Examples of control measures include: people involved in the work or
people in the general work areas
• designing, planning and modifying plant, buildings (e.g. barricading or enclosing
and structures to prevent falls, including job the fall risk area with edge
planning to ensure, where practical, the need to work protection, installing handrails
at heights is designed out or mitigated (e.g. building and covering floor penetrations).
edge protection onto structures at ground level, then
4. Engineering control – if the
install them in place)
hazard cannot be eliminated,
• looking at the way jobs can be done safely to substituted or isolated, an
eliminate or reduce the likelihood of a fall (e.g. engineering control is the next
checking that ladders are safe and used correctly) preferred measure. This includes
• minimising the potential for dropped objects and the use of a fall injury prevention
establishing exclusion/drop zones system designed to restrain or
• organising and sequencing work so that people do arrest a person’s fall from one
not interfere with or increase the risk of a fall for level to another and minimise
themselves or others the risk of injury or harm to a
person if they fall (e.g. a restraint
• identifying, collecting and presenting information
system or fall arrest system,
and knowledge required by employees and
catch platforms, safety nets
contractors to enable them to work safely
and safety mesh). It may also
• identifying the training required to work safely if include modifications to plant or
there is the risk of a fall providing guarding to machinery
• identifying areas requiring non-slip surfaces for and equipment.
stairs or ladders.
Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
4
Other means of reducing the risk Maintenance of plant, equipment and
structures
Other means of reducing risks may be more appropriate
to a particular case than the ones mentioned in this Maintenance and repair programs should be reviewed
section, if they can eliminate or reduce the risk of a fall. regularly to ensure their effectiveness. Performance
testing and evaluation standards should be established.
For example, the erection of different communication
towers and masts (many of which may require multi Incorporating the manufacturer’s recommendations,
guy lines) and advertising and other types of signage on repair and maintenance programs should specify:
towers and structures will require consideration of other
means of reducing the risks of falling. • where servicing is required
• the extent of servicing required
The risks associated with maintenance and servicing
plant and buildings must also be considered. • the nature of the servicing required
• the frequency of servicing
In all cases, the three basic steps of hazard
• who is responsible for maintaining repair and
identification, risk assessment and risk control must be
maintenance programs
carried out.
• how defects will be corrected.
2.5 Monitoring and review of control In order to keep accurate maintenance records, a
recording or reporting system should be developed,
measures implemented and maintained.
Deciding on and implementing a risk control measure
is not the end of the risk management process. It is
important to constantly monitor and review control
measures to ensure that they continue to prevent
or control exposure to hazards or hazardous work
practices.
5
3 Instruction and training
Employers must provide proper safety and health Induction
instruction and training to employees [Section 19(1)(b)
of the Act]. Induction programs are essential:
In providing training, it is also essential to address the In addition to providing general safety and health
intent of the Act and Regulations so that employees information, an induction should include:
understand that, in some instances, the prevention of • ‘on the job’ training, including how to carry out a job
falls depends on them doing a particular work activity or task in a safe manner and not be exposed to falls
in a particular way, such as when using ladders and fall
injury prevention systems and working on fragile and • information on the hazards and risks from falls at
brittle roofs. that workplace
• information on the selection, fitting, use, care,
For examples of regulations for specific work activities, maintenance and storage of personal protective
see regulation 3.26 (ladders), regulation 3.55 (edges) clothing and equipment, such as fall injury
and regulation 3.57 (fragile and brittle roofs). prevention equipment
The type of instruction and training given should • emergency rescue procedures.
include:
• general safety and health induction, including the Further training or re-training
‘duty of care’ responsibilities under the Act and
Employees may need further training where:
Regulations and workplace policies and procedures
• task specific induction • n
ew methods, equipment, hazards, policies or
• ‘on the job’ training procedures are introduced
• ‘in house’ training programs designed to address • the type of operation or environment changes
specific needs, such as specific training for working • their particular job requirements change.
from heights and correct use of ladders
• industry-based or formal training, such as
accredited or certificated courses. Certification or accreditation
There may be occasions when a person is required
to obtain a licence to preform high risk work, or other
Training programs formal certification or accreditation (e.g. certificates of
In developing and implementing an effective training competency are required under the safety and health
program, employers should include: legislation for scaffolders, riggers and doggers).
• analysis of training needs, including the Where a particular type of accreditation or certification
identification of the tasks to be performed and is required before a job or task can be carried out,
Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
associated hazards and risks employers must ensure that such accreditation or
certification is valid and current.
• identification of any pre-requisites or entry
standards Employers must also ensure that people who are
• definition of learning objectives and clear being trained to obtain accreditation or certification are
identification of the extent/level of competencies to supervised during the training.
be achieved, such as what will be covered
The possession of a certificate of competency does
• selection of appropriate training aids depending on
not provide any exemption from the requirement for
the environment and the targeted trainees (use of
fall protection to be provided for a person working at
hardware, graphics, videos and printed materials)
heights.
• adequate assessment (e.g. the assessment
includes a practical component where the trainee
has to demonstrate applied skills)
• recognition of skills attained where applicable (e.g.
accreditation or certification)
• delivery of training by a competent person
• evaluation of effectiveness of training.
6
Prevention of falls training
Training in the prevention of falls should include:
7
4 Supervision
Employers must provide supervision to ensure that Employees must follow instructions
employees are not exposed to hazards and that they are
taking reasonable care where there is a risk of falling It is also important to ensure employees understand
from, through or into any place or thing. that they must comply, so far as they are reasonably
able, with instructions given by their employer, where
Supervision by a competent person is important, those instructions are for their own safety and health or
especially if the people being supervised are undergoing for the safety or health of other persons [section 20 of
training or are unfamiliar with the working environment. the Act].
Competent person is defined in the Foreword.
8
5 Design and planning of plant, buildings
and structures
Any person designing and planning a plant, building The elimination or reduction of risks of falls from plant
or structure has a general ‘duty of care’ to ensure that might include:
the design and construction allows people to properly
construct, maintain, repair, service or use the plant, • providing adequate steps and handrails on a
building or structure in a safe manner [Section 23 of the transport vehicle
Act]. • incorporating a fall injury prevention system in silos
and overhead conveyors
The aim of the duty of care obligation is to ensure that
• ensuring workers who will be maintaining or
designers and builders of buildings and structures or
cleaning the plant are able to do so safely
designers, manufacturers, importers or suppliers of
plant eliminate completely or significantly reduce risks • considering the safety of passengers.
before they actually reach the workplace.
Careful manufacture can also ensure the plant is as
This duty of care also extends to any person who may safe as the designer intended it to be, thus significantly
be involved in the modification, renovation, maintenance reducing the chances that people may be exposed to
or normal operation of a plant, building, structure or risks of falls.
plant.
Providing information on hazards and safe use of plant
Therefore, at the design and planning stage, it is is vital. This can make users aware of any risks the
important to give consideration to prevention of falls designer has been unable to eliminate and ensure that
systems, not only for use during the construction stage, users do not create any new risks of falls by not using
but also for use during the maintenance of the plant, the plant properly.
building or structure.
To ensure that risks to safety and health are considered 5.2 Buildings and structures
fully during the design and planning process, designers
or architects should: Designers or constructors of buildings or structures
must ensure that workers who will be involved with
• identify hazards associated with the design of the the construction, use or subsequent maintenance
plant, building or structure that may arise while it is work are not exposed to risks of falls. Therefore, at the
constructed and maintained, to which a person at design and planning stage, it is important to consider
the workplace is likely to be exposed providing fall prevention systems as part of the building
• assess the risk of injury or harm to a person or structure.
resulting from the hazards arising as a result of the A ‘building or structure’ is defined in the Regulations as
design any erection, edifice, wall, chimney, fence, bridge, dam,
• consider the means by which the risk may be reservoir, wharf, jetty, or ship or other floating structure,
reduced. and includes any part of any of these things.
9
Design and planning checklist
Safety considerations for the design and
planning stage include:
10
6 Access to and egress from work areas
If people are required to work in areas where there is the
risk of falling, employers must provide a safe method
for people to get to and from and move around that
work area. This should take into account the tools and
equipment which people will be required to carry to,
from and around the work area and areas where plant is
being used [regulations 3.6 and 3.7].
11
7 Edge protection
Edge protection (often referred to as a ‘guard rail AS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and
system’) is used to reduce the risk of a person falling ladders – Design, construction and installation provides
from one level to another. further information.
12
Different degrees of roof slopes
With different degrees of roof slopes, the guard rail
systems should incorporate the following:
• a top rail, mid rail and toe (fender) board, when roof
slopes are between 0 degrees to 15 degrees from
horizontal
• a top rail, mid rail, bottom rail and toe board, when
roof slopes are between 15 degrees and 35 degrees
from horizontal. The bottom rail should be fitted
midway between the mid rail and the roof
• a top rail, mid rail, bottom rail, toe board and infill
mesh panel to mid rail height, when roof slopes
are between 35 degrees and 45 degrees. The infill
mesh panel may assist in reducing injury to a
person sliding down the roof into the railing and will
minimise the possibility of objects falling from the
roof. Where people are likely to be working below
the edge of the roof at ground level, consideration
should also be given to the use of infill mesh on
roofs with flatter slopes
• where roof slopes exceed 45 degrees, the slope is
unsuitable to work on without a support system,
such as a fall arrest/restraint system or a scaffold
catch platform, to prevent injury.
13
8 Fall injury prevention systems and
anchorages
8.1 An overview
• ensuring the lanyard and harness are
‘Fall injury system’ means a system designed and actually connected to the fall injury
tested to arrest a person’s fall from one level to another prevention system is critical (rather than just
and also minimise the risk of injuries or harm during the wearing the equipment)
fall. ‘Anchorage’ means an anchorage point for a fall
• fall arrest equipment must not be used
injury prevention system (i.e. the means for attaching a
after it has arrested a fall until it has been
lanyard, lifeline or other components of the system to a
inspected and certified as operational by a
secure point) [regulation 3.48].
competent person
Fall injury prevention systems include: • fall injury prevention equipment should be
appropriately stored when not in use.
• restraint systems
• fall arrest systems
• catch platforms The AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall arrest systems and
• scaffolding devices series provides further information on fall arrest
systems.
• safety nets
• safety mesh. Marking of fall arrest systems with instructions and
other relevant information.
A fall injury prevention system must be used where a
person could fall three metres or more from an edge at It is recommended that the AS/NZS 1891 series is
a workplace, unless edge protection complying with the consulted for requirements for personal fall arrest
Regulations is used [regulation 3.55]. and restraint equipment to be permanently marked
or labelled to indicate their purpose, correct use and
Consideration should also be given to slip resistance limitations.
surfaces or coatings that render the surface trip or slip
free to eliminate, where possible, any chance of a slip or The aim of this marking and labelling is to reduce the
trip or fall. incidence of misuse or misfitting of the equipment. It is
important to maintain the legibility of these instructions
through the life of the equipment.
Key points on the use of the fall injury
prevention systems 8.2 Restraint systems
Choosing the most appropriate fall injury A restraint system comprises:
prevention system is essential. Points to
consider include: • anchorage point(s)
• a static line or restraint line of appropriate strength
• correct selection, installation and use of
and length
equipment is critical to their effectiveness
when arresting a fall • a harness or restraint belt.
Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
• the fall injury prevention system and Its purpose is to limit horizontal movements from an
the anchorages must be designed, anchorage point or a horizontal life line or life rail so that
manufactured, constructed, selected or the user is totally restrained from reaching a position
installed so as to be capable of withstanding where either a free fall or limited free fall is possible.
the force applied to them as a result of a Preventing a person from falling by use of a restraint
person’s fall [regulation 3.50] system is the preferred method.
• correct fitting of the equipment worn
by a person is equally important as the A restraint system is suitable for use where:
connection of the equipment to the fall
arrest system • the user can maintain secure footing without
having to tension the restraint line and without the
• fall injury prevention systems should be such aid of any other handhold or lateral support. When
that a person falling travels the shortest deciding whether secure footing can be maintained,
possible distance before having the fall consider:
arrested
– the slope of the surface
– the supporting material type
– the
surface texture of the surface and whether it
is likely to be wet, oily or otherwise slippery
14
• the static lines are fitted with an industrial shock 8.3 Fall arrest systems
absorber when required
• the restraint system conforms with the AS/NZS Individual fall arrest systems are designed to arrest
1891 series. an accidental fall and consist of some or all of the
following:
• anchorages
Use of a fall arrest system instead of a • lifelines
restraint system • inertia reel
A fall arrest system should be used instead • lanyard that will not allow a person to fall more than
of a restraint system if any of the following two metres
situations apply: • retractable lifelines
• the user can reach a position where a fall is • rope grabs
possible • wire grabs
• the user has a restraint line that can be • rail system
adjusted in length so that a free fall position • shock absorbers – both personal and industrial
can be reached
• harness
• there is a danger of the user falling through
• snap hooks (double or triple action to prevent
the surface (e.g. roofing material)
rollout)
• the slope is over 15 degrees
• karabiners (double or triple action to prevent rollout)
• there is any other reasonably likely misuse of
• rescue equipment.
the system which could lead to a free fall.
Right Right
Wrong
Worker can reach
the edge and may
fall.
Left and centre: acceptable use of a restraint system. Right: unacceptable use of a restraint system.
2m
to
2.2 m
Columns Floor
Fixed static line fitted with a shock absorber for use with safety harnesses and lanyards.
See Appendix 3 and Appendix 4 for more details on fall arrest systems.
15
• provision of a safe means of access to an
anchorage point. This should take into account the
Fall arrest system installation checklist possibility of a fall prior to the operator connecting
When planning the site layout and sequence of securely to the anchorage and after disconnection
construction for installing a static safety line at the conclusion of the task.
system, the safety considerations include:
A person using a fall arrest or industrial rope access
• selection of the most appropriate fall arrest system should not work alone.
system and method of installation
• provision of anchorage points (see Appendix Signage
4 for details of static lines capable of
supporting imposed loads) Signage should be in place permanently at entry
points of static line systems to advise users on the fall
• requirements for lateral and vertical mobility
prevention system and inspection details.
whilst a person is connected to the system
and working The signage should include statements on:
• potential for different types of falls (e.g. free
fall and restrained fall) • the system it has been designed for (e.g. a restraint
system or a fall arrest system)
• fall distances and clearances (both vertically
and laterally) • h
ow many people should use the system at any one
time
• provision of safe access to and egress from
a work area for persons installing anchorage • any personal protective clothing and equipment the
points operator should wear
• installation in a location where it will be • the date of the last inspection
possible to assist or rescue a person • the date of the next inspection
• development of emergency rescue • the name of the person doing the inspections.
procedures before setting up and ensuring
appropriate emergency equipment is
available on-site, including a self-rescue kit 8.4 Inspection of fall injury
(if training in its use has been provided), prevention systems
although these should not be relied on as the
main means of rescue. Users of fall injury prevention systems must be aware
that fall prevention depends upon the continued
Fall arrest and industrial rope access systems efficiency and durability of fall injury prevention
should be only installed where it is possible to systems.
provide prompt assistance or rescue if required.
See Section 19 Emergency Rescue Procedures. It is essential that all equipment is correctly maintained,
with inspections and examination of all components
Refer to the specifications in the AS/NZS 1891 by a competent person at regular intervals [regulation
series for further information. 3.51]. Competent person is defined in the Foreword.
All fall injury prevention system equipment should
have an established inspection regime for an effective
Safe access to and egress from the work inspection by a competent person.
area
Before work commences, the employer or person who
has control of a workplace and employees should
Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
16
Inspection of fall injury prevention • consideration is given to environmental
systems checklist factors that may have affected the condition
of equipment, such as water, oil, grease,
The safety requirements and considerations sharp edges and grit
include: • there is consultation with the manufacturer
if there is any doubt that a belt or harness
• the inspection regime should include details could be affected by cleaning materials,
of: atmospheric contaminants or hazardous
– e
quipment to be inspected (including its substances.
unique identification)
– f requency and type of inspection (pre- If a fall injury prevention system has been
use checks, detailed inspections and, used to arrest a fall, it must be withdrawn
where appropriate, interim inspections) from service immediately and inspected by a
competent person.
– d
esignated competent people to carry
out inspections
– a
ction to be taken on finding defective
equipment
Inspection of anchorages
– means of recording the inspections Employers must ensure that a permanently fixed
– training of users anchorage is inspected by a competent person and it is
regularly inspected, at not less than six month intervals,
– t he system of monitoring the inspection
if it is permanently fixed and in regular use [regulation
regime to verify that inspections are
3.53].
carried out appropriately.
If a permanently fixed anchorage is not in regular use, it
Employers should consult the manufacturer
must be inspected before it is used.
and/or supplier of the equipment for any
product-specific requirements. When the competent person doing an inspection
assesses the anchorage as being impaired, the
• the employer must ensure that each
employer must ensure that:
component of the system and its means of
attachment to an anchorage is inspected by • the anchorage is not used and is tagged to indicate
a competent person: it is not to be used
– after it is installed but before it is used • the repaired anchorage is not used until it is
– at regular intervals inspected by a competent person who can confirm
– immediately after it has been used to that it is safe to use.
arrest a fall [regulation 3.51].
All anchorages should be visibly checked prior to use.
If any signs of wear or weakness are found
during the inspection, the employer must
ensure that the components or means of
attachment are withdrawn from use until
they are replaced with properly functioning
components. The manufacturer’s specifications
for inspections should also be checked for their
recommendations on inspection intervals:
Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
• all safety belts and harnesses, which are not
in regular use during any six month period,
are inspected before use
• the fall prevention systems are inspected at
least once every 12 months and after any
extended storage period
17
Inspections for faults and condition
Inspections before work starts
Inspections of inertia reels checklist Items in the fall injury prevention system to
inspect or check before work starts include:
Inspections of inertia reels by the competent
person should include inspecting: • lifeline lanyards or rope grabs are attached
as per manufacturer’s instructions
• the rope or webbing including anchorage Note that some harness attachment points
lines in Type 2 and 3 fall arrest devices (e.g. may not be rated for fall arrest
inspecting for any defects or damage and
• if a lifeline is being used with a rope grab,
checking the anchorage)
ensure that the rope and all rope grabs are
• the fall arrest device body (e.g. inspecting compatible, especially with regard to rope
for any damage to the mounting ring or diameter and direction
the body, checking the activation of the fall
• when setting up the fall arrest equipment,
arrest indicator and that labels are present)
inspect it for sharp edges, pinch points and
• the locking mechanisms and rope guides sources of heat, which could wear, cut or
(e.g. inspecting the visible rope guides for burn through the lanyard if a worker should
excessive wear and checking that the rope fall and be left dangling
runs freely through the anchorage and that
• ensure an emergency rescue procedure is in
the locking mechanisms work properly)
place
• the hardware (e.g. checking that the snap
• ensure that there is always assistance
hooks or links work properly)
from another person when the fall arrest
• the snap hooks and double or triple action equipment is in use. People who are working
karabiners (e.g. inspecting for any damage at a height or an elevated position should not
and checking the movement of the latch). work alone. This is important if there is a risk
of a fall
• ensure that there is no climbing above the
anchorage point of a fall arrest lanyard since
Inspection of harnesses checklist the falling distance could double
• ensure that fall restraint components are
The inspection of the harnesses by the not mixed with fall arrest components. Fall
competent person should include inspecting: arrest components must incorporate a
shock absorber
• the webbing (e.g. inspecting for any damage
• do not allow fall restraint anchorage
or defects)
points, which have a much lower strength
• the D rings (e.g. inspecting for any damages requirement, to be confused with fall arrest
or wear and tear and checking the vertical anchorage points. Attach signs at each
movement) anchorage point indicating the type of
• the buckles and adjusters (e.g. inspecting for anchorage point (i.e. whether it is for fall
any damage). restraint or fall arrest)
• always inspect the snap hook visually after
attaching it to a harness or anchorage point;
Consulting the inspection checklist for possible faults merely hearing it click is not enough. There
and the condition of fall arrest devices, belts and have been fatal accidents in which it was
Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
harness in AS/NZS 1891.4 Industrial fall arrest systems later found that the connector had not been
and devices – Selection, use and maintenance is closed properly
recommended, as well as the inspection checklist for • always set up the attachment point for fall
static lines and anchorages in AS/NZS 1891.2 Supp. 1 arrest or fall restraint between the safe
Industrial fall arrest systems and devices – Horizontal access point and the hazard. If a worker
lifeline and rail systems – Prescribed configurations for has to walk past the hazard to reach the
horizontal lifelines. attachment point, the purpose of the whole
fall arrest system is defeated
See also Appendix 4 Components of fall arrest and
restraint systems. • always inspect all fall prevention equipment
and hardware before use and, if there are
any doubts about the equipment, it should
not be used because the boundary between
safe and unsafe equipment is not well-
defined. If the item is damaged, it must be
taken out of service and inspected by a
competent person prior to reuse.
18
Welding and the protection of fall injury Swing back
protection systems
With the hazard of swing back, in a fall, particularly from
A large part of the equipment and components of fall a perpendicular edge, the worker will swing back into
injury prevention systems consists of material which the building structure and collide with any obstructions
may be badly damaged and weakened by hot particles in the path of the swing.
or sparks from welding or any allied process. Therefore,
people using the system and the system itself must be
protected from hot particles or sparks [regulation 3.52]
with, for example, fire retardant harnesses and lanyards,
lanyards with a cable wire core or fire retardant
blankets.
• install guardrails
• put the anchorage point at a right angle to the 8.6 Catch platforms Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
position of the line at the perimeter edge. The use of
a mobile anchorage will assist A catch platform is a temporary platform located below
a work area. It may be constructed of scaffolding
• install a second anchorage point and belay devices,
components.
which are intermediate anchorages.
Catch platforms must be solidly constructed and
designed to withstand the maximum potential impact
load.
19
Different duties for scaffolding
Scaffolding work platforms are generally rated as light,
medium or heavy duty.
ch
f pit
Roo
900mm Scaffolding checklist
The safety requirements and considerations
1000mm is the maximum
distance of platform below include:
roof edge when performing
Normal scaffold work on platform
guardrailing
Rails at 500mm • scaffolding must conform to AS/NZS 4576
centres for scaffold
guardrailing
Fully planked
scaffold deck and AS/NZS 1576 series
• if scaffolding is to be erected or dismantled
at a height exceeding four metres, the
Example of a combination of work platform and catch scaffolding must be erected or dismantled
platform for roof pitch of 26 degrees or less. by a person licenced to perform high risk
work
8.7 Scaffolding • a person must not alter scaffolding without
authority from the main contractor
• modular scaffolds must be of the same type,
not mixed components. Mixed components
from different manufacturers have resulted
in scaffold incompatibilities and failures,
posing significant risks to persons using the
scaffolding
• mobile tower frame scaffolds can be used to
provide safe working platforms
• scaffolding that is incomplete and left
unattended should have danger tags and
warning signs attached at appropriate
Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
20
Figure 1 Figure 2
Scaffold platform at Inside standards
edge of roof with hop-up supporting guard railing.
bracket for other trades.
Figure 3 Figure 4
Scaffold platform below Outside standards
edge of roof. supporting guard railing.
Figure 5 Figure 6
Inside standards Inside standards
supporting guard railing supporting guard railing
with hop-up bracket for adjacent to a flat roof
other trades. structure.
Example of 'advanced edge protection' where guard Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
Edges of a roof
Scaffolding may be used as fall protection around the
edge of a roof by incorporating guard railing as edge
protection into the scaffolding. The following diagrams
show common examples of acceptable roof guard
railing arrangements on scaffolding. The toe boards are
not shown for clarity of diagrams.
Figure 7
Inside standards
supporting guard railing
adjacent to a roof
structure that slopes
away from the top edge.
21
8.8 Safety nets Wall bracket
22
8.9 Safety mesh
Galvanised safety mesh securely fixed provides fall
injury protection for roof installers and offers long-term
protection for maintenance and repair workers.
Means of installing safety mesh across the roof, prior to fixing it in position. Rope is used to pull mesh across the roof
purlins. Do not walk across open purlins to draw the mesh. Edge protection is not shown for clarity of diagram.
23
Joining of wires in the safety mesh Longitudinal wires
Adjacent runs of mesh must be overlapped one opening The joining of longitudinal wires must be done in a
width. way that develops the strength of the connection of
longitudinal wires to roof members.
24
Step 1 Step 2 Cross wires
The runs of mesh should be side lapped by at least 150
Longitudinal wire
mm (one opening width). If the purlin spacing exceeds
1.7 metres, the runs of mesh should be fixed with 2 mm
Coss wires Approx. steel staples or by tying or twitching at intermediate
300 mm spacings. This is to prevent people falling through the
meshed bays.
Step 3
Step 4
25
9 Ladders: portable and fixed
Many falls from heights result from using items Positioning of portable ladders
such as crates, stools or desks to access heights
instead of properly setting up a ladder. However, each
type of ladder has specific safety requirements and
considerations.
Portable ladders
Extension or single ladders should be used as a means
of access to or egress from a work area, not as a
working platform [regulation 3.26].
26
Always position the ladder so that the rungs are at a
right angle to the edge of the working platform (i.e. • the ladder is not too close or too far from
the roof, scaffolding or gutter). The diagram below the support structure. The ratio must be one
illustrates this point. to four. The distance between the ladder
base and the supporting structure should
be about one metre for every four metres of
Swivel coupler Self closing gate working ladder height (see the diagrams on
the previous page)
• the ladder is secured against displacement
(i.e. slipping or sliding) and/or there is
another person holding the base of the
ladder
600 mm • if used at a construction site, the ladder
max
must not be suspended from a parapet hook
• the ladder is not placed so that the weight of
900 mm the ladder and any person using the ladder is
above
landing supported by the rungs (see the diagram on
the next page)
• all the locking devices on the ladder are
secure
• the ladder is always faced while climbing up
or down
Ladder lashed
with ties to • materials or tools are not carried while
Note: Kickboards not shown prevent climbing the ladder. Tools should be carried
for clarity of diagram slipping in a tool belt or side pouch
• only light duty work is undertaken while on
the ladder, where three points of contact can
be maintained and tools can be operated
safely with one hand
Ladders checklist • no person should stand on a ladder any
higher than 900 mm from the top of the
If a ladder is used, check that: ladder
• the type of ladder is appropriate to the task. • no other person is allowed on the ladder at
Industrial-rated ladders must be used in the the same time
workplace. Do not use ‘domestic’ or ‘home- • slip resistant base, rungs or steps are
made’ ladders provided
• all ladders must comply with • slip resistant shoes are worn
AS/NZS 1892 series and users should follow • metal or wire bound ladders are never used
the manufacturer’s recommendations on close to energised power lines; non-metallic
safe use ladders should be used instead
• the ladder is in good condition. Before it • ladders are not used in access areas, next
is used, the ladder should be inspected to doors when the work involves hot work
for faults, such as broken rungs, rails (e.g. welding or oxy cutting), on scaffolding
and footing. Consult the manufacturer’s or an elevating work platform, next to power Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
checklist, if available lines, in very wet or windy conditions and
• damaged ladders are removed from service next to traffic areas unless the working area
• the ladder is on firm, stable and level ground is barricaded.
27
Access or egress
Where fixed/extension ladders are used for
access or egress, check that:
28
Step and trestle ladders Ladder bracket scaffolds
Step and trestle ladders should be used only in the fully Alternatives to ladder bracket scaffolds should be
open position. considered because there are safer means of accessing
heights of two metres, such as light duty scaffolding
A step ladder may be used in the closed position by and elevating work platforms (e.g. scissor lifts).
leaning against a support; however, care must be taken
to ensure that the load is carried by the front stiles only. Ladder brackets must not be used for general
construction work.
Do not use step ladders as a working platform.
Ladder bracket scaffolds may be used only for very light
Alternatives to trestle ladders should be considered. work, where an alternative is not practicable, such as
There is a wide variety of working platforms now sign writing.
available for use in all circumstances, including small
scissor lifts, light duty aluminium mobile scaffolds, When ladder brackets are used, their use must be in
boom arms and modular scaffolding. accordance with clause 10.2.5 of AS/NZS 4576.
450 mm
width
Less than
2 m height
75o
2.4 m max
29
Fixed ladders
Ladder and tower safety systems should be installed on
fixed ladders (e.g. rung ladders). More information on
these systems is provided below and on the next page.
30
Double lanyards
Ladder and tower safety system
An alternative to ladder and tower systems is the use
checklist of a double lanyard (also known as a twin tail or ‘Y’
lanyard). The diagram below shows how the use of a
Safety considerations include:
double lanyard means that the person climbing can
• temporary systems should comply with the always be connected to the ladder or structure and, if
requirements of droplines (see Appendix 4) there is a fall, it should be a short distance.
• the locking device should be attached to However, double lanyards are easy to misuse. A
the side or frontal attachment point of the common and widely accepted method of misuse for a
harness and the lanyard assembly should be double lanyard is the incorrect stowing of the unused
a maximum of 300 mm length leg which could result in equipment failure in the event
• the locking device should not be capable of of a fall. There should be no back hooking, they are not
damaging the line in the event of a fall suitable for frequent use (because of possible misuse
• the point of connection onto the ladder or muscle injury) and the ladder or structure points
by the climber must be near the base of must be capable of arresting forces generated by a
the ladder to allow the connection before fall with the double lanyard. Adequate training must be
ascending begins and also to provide provided on their use.
continuous connection to the disconnecting
point when at a safe higher level
• limited free fall should be to a maximum of
600 mm
• permanent systems should be of wire or
rail construction and should be installed
according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• the entire device should be capable of
sustaining a load of 12 kN (approximately
equivalent to 1200 kg).
It is recommended that:
• wire systems are in accordance with AS/ An example of a double lanyard. These must have double
NZS 1891.3 Industrial fall arrest systems and action hook gates.
devices – Fall arrest devices and
AS/NZS 1891.4 Industrial fall arrest
systems and devices – Selection, use and
maintenance, and sited in the middle or side
of the ladder
• rail devices are anchored in accordance
with AS/NZS 1891.3. They should be sited
to allow clearance of the self-locking device.
Junction points may be installed to allow
both vertical and horizontal movement.
31
10 Building maintenance units
During the planning stage, consideration should be
given to the methods by which maintenance, repairs or
cleaning will be undertaken on buildings or structures.
Building maintenance units checklist
The safety considerations include:
Consideration of future maintenance requirements at
the early design stage will avoid the possibility of unsafe • the platform must have sufficient, clearly
work practices occurring during routine maintenance. designated safety harness anchorage points
Sloping building exteriors and decline windows require designed to withstand the forces caused by
priority consideration to ensure safe maintenance may a fall of any person located anywhere on the
be carried out. platform
A building maintenance unit is a power-operated • building maintenance units should be
suspended working platform that is fixed permanently operated by trained and competent
to a building or structure. It is used for access for operators
building maintenance or window cleaning. • AS 1418.13 Cranes (including hoists and
winches) – Building maintenance units and
Both the design of the building maintenance unit and AS 2550.13 Cranes – Safe use – Building
the actual unit must be registered with WorkSafe. maintenance units should be consulted for
guidance on design and safe use.
32
11 Other types of temporary working
platforms
Depending on the situation, other types of working • if it is not practicable to do either of the above, in
platforms can be considered. These include elevating accordance with AS 2550 series or AS 1418 series.
work platforms (e.g. mobile elevating work platforms, However, there are exclusions for certain types of
scissor lifts and order pickers), personnel carrying elevating work platforms (refer to regulation 4.54(4)
devices (e.g. work boxes), bosun’s chairs, light duty for more details).
suspended stages (e.g. swing stages) and false cars
(i.e. platforms used for work in lifts before lift cars are The Australian Standards applicable to elevating work
installed). platforms are AS 2550.1 Cranes, hoists and winches –
Safe use – General requirements and parts of
For an example of a bosun’s chair, see the descender in AS 2550.10 Cranes – Safe use – Mobile elevating work
the diagram in Section 17. platforms.
Where these devices are being used, ensure signage is Refer to AS 1418.1 Cranes, hoists and winches –
used to warn people of work above. General requirements and parts of and AS 1418.10
Cranes (Including hoists and winches) – Mobile elevating
work platforms for additional guidance.
Elevating work platforms
Elevating work platforms (EWPs) are available in a wide
variety of types and sizes. They include scissor lifts and Elevating work platforms checklist
boom type elevating platforms or mobile elevating work
The safety requirements include:
platforms (MEWPs), as depicted in the diagram below.
Some are only designed for hard and flat surfaces, while • workers operating the platforms must be
others are designed for operation on rough terrain. trained and instructed in safe operating
procedures for the particular brand and type
of equipment
• the platforms should only be used as
working platforms not as a means of access
to and egress from a work area
• unless designed for rough terrain, the
platforms should be used only on a solid
level surface
• the surface area should be checked to
make sure that there are no penetrations or
obstructions which could cause uncontrolled
movement or overturning of the platform
• when designed as rough terrain platforms,
the manufacturer’s instructions must be
consulted for information on safe operation
• the training provided should include safe use
Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
of the fall arrest equipment and emergency
rescue procedures
• people working in MEWPs must wear
An example of a MEWP with a safety harness and an anchored safety harness and lanyard
lanyard assembly. The lanyard should be as short as incorporating a shock absorber as
possible and must be attached directly to the designated precaution against mechanical failure of the
anchor point, not attached to the handrail. basket. The lanyard should be as short as
possible. Fall arrest systems are not required
The person in charge of the workplace must ensure that to be worn on scissor lift type elevating work
the elevating work platform is maintained, inspected platforms
and operated:
• people operating MEWPs with boom lengths
• in accordance with the manufacturer or designer’s exceeding 11 metres must have a current
written instructions licence to perform high risk work.
• if it is not practicable to obtain those instructions, in
accordance with written instructions approved by
the WorkSafe Western Australia Commissioner
33
An example of a boom arm platform with safety harness
and lanyard assembly. The lanyard should be as short as
possible and must be attached directly to the designated
anchor point, not attached to the handrail. People must
not climb into or out of the bucket when it is an elevated
position – it is a working platform, not a means of An example of a scissor lift elevating work platform. A
access and egress. fall injury prevention system is not required on this item
of plant, unless advised by manufacturer or person in
control of the workplace and a suitable anchor point is
provided.
Work boxes
A work box is a personnel carrying device designed to
be suspended from a crane for the purpose of providing
a working area for persons elevated by and working
from the box.
34
• workers should not enter or leave the – t he secondary rope should be attached
workbox when it is elevated unless a risk independently to the suspension rig and
assessment is conducted (except in an have the strength of not less than the
emergency) relevant suspension rope
• the crane is fitted with the means to safely • edge protection (top rail, mid rail and toe
lower it in an emergency or a power supply board or top rail, mesh panel and toe board)
failure complies with regulation 3.55(5)
• the crane is suitably stabilized at all times • people installing or servicing a light duty
while the work box is used suspended stage should hold a current
• the crane has ‘drive up’ and ‘drive-down’ licence to perform high risk work as per Part
controls on both the hoisting and luffing 6 of the Regulations. Persons operating light
motions and those controls are used. No duty suspended stages must be trained in
declutching allowing free fall to be used safe operation
while a workbox is in use • safety harness and restraint lanyard,
• an effective means of communication, attached to an independent anchored life
between any person in the work box and the line, should be worn by any person working
operator, is provided in a swing stage suspended with one wire
rope to each winch
• the crane is fitted with a safety hook and
moused accordingly • where the swing stage is suspended by two
wire ropes to each winch, a safety harness
• the operator remains at the controls of the
and restraint lanyard should be attached to a
crane at all times.
suitable anchor point of the swing stage
• the maintenance should be in accordance
with the manufacturer’s specifications and
Regulation 4.53 and AS 2550.1 and AS 1418.17 performed by a competent person
Cranes (including hoists and winches) – Design and
construction of workboxes and should be consulted • refer to AS/NZS 1891.4 Industrial fall arrest
for more requirements. Refer to AS/NZS 1891.4 for systems and devices – Selection, use and
additional guidance. maintenance for guidance on fall protection
on moveable platforms.
Light duty suspended stage (i.e.
swing stages)
• the suspension and secondary rope should ropes to each winch. A vertical lifeline should be used. It
be: must be ensured that the platform remains horizontal,
when moving it up or down.
– terminated at the rig end with a thimble
eye splice or ferrule secured eye
termination or other rope coupling device
that does not damage the rope and gives
a strength of not less than 80 per cent of
the breaking load of the rope
– a
rope clamping device should be
fitted to the tail end of the rope (where
appropriate)
– t he rope should be long enough so that
the system will not run out of rope. It
should extend one metre beyond the
motor in the fully extended position
35
False cars
False cars are platforms used for work in lifts before lift
cars are installed.
36
12 Forklift trucks
Forklifts fitted with personnel carrying devices (i.e.
mancages or work boxes) provide a safe means of
raising personnel and equipment to an elevated work
area, when they are correctly attached to the forklift
carriage and engineer-designed and constructed in
accordance with AS 2359 series Powered industrial
trucks.
37
13 Protection of holes and openings
All holes and openings (other than a lift well, stairwell
or vehicle inspection pit) with dimensions greater than
200 mm x 200 mm, but less than 2 metres x 2 metres
or with a diameter greater than 200 mm, but less than 2
metres, must be protected.
38
14 Grid mesh and checker plate flooring
panels
Grid mesh and checker plate flooring is used for
walkways, access ways and working platforms.
Grid mesh and checker plate flooring
The hazards associated with this type of flooring are: panels checklist
• panels are easy to dislodge if not fixed securely The safety considerations include:
• missing grid mesh panels are a severe hazard and,
• flooring panels must be securely fixed
consequently, access to areas with missing panels,
and assembled in accordance with
except for repair work, must be denied
manufacturer’s specifications
• if multiple levels are used, a person working on one
• where possible, they should be fitted to
level can become disoriented.
the structure, prior to it being lifted into
permanent position
• each panel must be fixed securely before the
next panel is placed in position
• during installation, this type of flooring
should be secured by tack welding, panel
grips or other means to prevent movement
before being fixed permanently
• if panels of grid mesh or checker plate
flooring are removed, and there is a risk
of falling more than three metres, edge
protection must be provided. Dimensions of
the removed panels may result in openings
or holes and these must be protected in
accordance with regulation 3.54.
39
15 Brittle or fragile roofing
Brittle or fragile roofing materials include roofing made
of asbestos, cellulose cement roof sheets, glass,
fibreglass, acrylic or other similar synthetic moulded or
fabricated material used to sheath a roof or in a roof,
which are likely to endanger a person standing on them.
40
• before the roof is removed, the brittle or
fragile areas are identified and the stability
of the structure and soundness of the roof
is assessed as part of the risk management
process.
41
16 Freight transport and general plant
Generally, the hazards from falls from freight transport Where people are required to gain access to high areas
and general plant are encountered during either: of trucks, road transporters, tankers or rail cars for
purposes of securing, restraining, loading or unloading
• access to and egress from vehicles and plant freight, and there is a risk of falling, employers must
• loading and unloading work, including positioning provide a safe system of work for them to get to and
loads, securing freight, moving tarpaulins and minor from the work area.
maintenance work.
Using the preferred order of risk control measures,
The risks include: the risks of falls may be eliminated or reduced by
implementing the following control measures:
• a fall from the top of the load
• a fall when climbing on or off vehicles, trays or • elimination of hazards is the preferred control
gates, etc. measure wherever practicable; e.g. as much work as
possible should be carried out from ground level
• impact injuries from jumping down from the load or
equipment • substitution by replacing a hazard or hazardous
work practice with a less hazardous one is the next
• a fall or slip due to poor lighting
preferred control measure; e.g. implementation of
• a fall when climbing up the outside or on top of a safe load restraining methods
stock crate
• if the hazard cannot be eliminated, substituted or
• a fall or slip due to loading on uneven ground isolated, engineering controls should be introduced,
• a fall while accessing the top of rail cars because of with consideration given to providing safe access to
the heights involved. and egress from farm machinery, trucks and heavy
plant and equipment, such as steps, permanent
Severe injuries have also resulted from workers access ladders, walkways, loading gantries, guard
stepping off moving vehicles, such as rubbish removal rails and slip resistance surfaces or coatings
trucks carrying out kerbside rubbish collection, instead that render the surface trip or slip free. Wherever
of waiting for the vehicle to come to a stop. This is an practicable, access and egress should be located to
unacceptable practice. ensure egress does not entail a ‘backward drop’ by
the operator from the last step to the ground
• administrative controls are the least preferred
Large trucks control measures. They include providing
Serious injuries may result from falls from large trucks, information, instruction, training and a safe system
such as milk tankers and petrol tankers while, for of work for preventing falls, supervising workers
example: who are required to work at heights and monitoring
the risks to ensure they remain as low as possible.
• accessing or opening tank hatches
In some instances, a combination of control measures
• accessing the top of freight containers on road
may be appropriate.
transporters
• fitting ‘hungry boards’ to increase grain storage See the table on preferred order of control measures in
capacity or using vacuum loaders on grain Section 2.4.
transporters.
Plant equipment
Fall injuries may occur during access to and egress Employers must also give consideration to the
from large items of plant, such as farm machinery, equipment and facilities available at both the initial
large vehicles and earthworks equipment (e.g. loading point and unloading destination to ensure safe
bulldozers, scrapers, graders and excavators) and heavy access and egress is provided to workers involved in
equipment, including during manufacture, maintenance the operation.
and cleaning.
42
Farm machinery Tankers
The provision of seating for passengers in farm
machinery is important to prevent falls from equipment,
especially when traversing uneven ground. Using
the cab window to lean against for support will not
be sufficient to prevent a fall under uneven ground
conditions. Consideration should also be given to
the servicing and maintenance requirements of the
machinery to ensure there is safe access and egress.
Tarpaulins
A safe method for placing tarpaulins on large road
transport vehicles, with the use of a forklift truck is
shown on the following pages. This method avoids
the need for personnel to access the top of the truck.
Other methods might include installing large permanent
ramps from which personnel work at each side of the
truck at the loading bay or the provision of purpose
designed gantries.
Vehicle cabs
For safer access to and egress from the cab, operators
should:
• climb in and out of the cab and not jump down from
the cab
• always maintain three points of contact when
climbing
Confined spaces
The Regulations have specific requirements for the
entry into confined spaces and compliance with
AS 2865 Confined spaces. AS 2865 provides guidance in Tanker showing fold down handrails. Midrail and toe
eliminating or minimising the need to enter a confined board are not shown for clarity of diagram.
space and in avoiding exposure to hazards that may
be experienced where entry to a confined space is
necessary.
Specific emergency rescue procedures will be required Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
when persons are required to work in confined spaces.
First aid facilities must be available.
43
Road transporters Sheeting vehicles
Bulldozers
Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
44
Tarpaulins
Counter balance
45
17 Industrial rope access systems
(abseiling)
Industrial rope access systems are used for gaining
Safety line
access to a work face, usually by means of vertical
suspended ropes. Other methods of accessing a work
Working line
face should be considered as these systems require
skill and can be dangerous. Elevating work platforms
and building maintenance units are a preferable means Helmet
of accessing a work face.
Descender
Chest harness
Industrial rope access systems
checklist
Tool
Where it is necessary for industrial rope access attachment
systems to be used: strap
Work
• personnel must receive training and positioning
instruction in the technique and be Rope grab harness
competent (back-up)
• operators must be adequately supervised Rope grab
• operators should not work alone, in case
they require assistance in an emergency Lanyard
• industrial rope access systems should assembly
be installed only in a location where it is Swing seat
possible to provide prompt assistance (optional)
or rescue if required (see also Section 19
Emergency Rescue Procedures)
• all equipment must be checked regularly by
a competent person
• prior to use, all fixed anchorage points must Operator using descender in an industrial rope access
be checked by a competent person before system. Where the task requires it, appropriate personal
attaching the rope access lines protective equipment must also be used, such as gloves,
• a back up system must be used to protect hearing protection, goggles and mask.
the operator
• two independently anchored ropes must be Refer to AS/NZS 4488 Industrial rope access systems
used for each person series for guidance on competencies, training,
checklists and specifications.
• any person within three metres of an
unguarded edge must be adequately
secured
• all operators should wear a full body harness
Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
46
18 Tree climbing
Tree climbing for tree pruning and trimming may
present hazards, which will require specific training
and careful planning of activities. There are certain
basic requirements concerning equipment and method
of operation which must be followed by personnel
involved in climbing trees for the purpose of pruning
and trimming.
47
• when ascending large trees, it may be
necessary to reset the climbing line several
times, often requiring the climbing line to
be set in a crotch of the tree well above
the climber’s head. One way to reset the
climbing line is to throw the rope over the
limb. Training should include a range of
methods for resetting climbing lines
• consider using a supporting structure, such
as an elevating work platform, for activities
such as pruning and trimming (however, site
access difficulties and tree configuration
will often make the use of work platforms
impracticable, necessitating tree climbing)
• where a boom-type elevating work platform
is used, all personnel working from the
platform must wear a safety harness and
fall arrest lanyard connected to a sufficient
anchor point
• use of a stepladder to access the lower
portion of a tree and free climbing to higher
levels should not be permitted.
Electrical safety
The dangers of electricity must be considered
prior to any work being carried out in the vicinity
of power lines, whether it is from an elevating
work platform or when using climbing ropes and
safety harnesses.
lines
• metal ladders must never be used for tree
climbing near electric wires.
48
19 Emergency rescue procedures
Appropriate rescue procedures must be in place for
the rescue of a person in an emergency situation. • the installation of individual fall arrest
Employees must be provided with: systems and individual rope access systems
in locations where it is possible to assist or
• information on emergency rescue procedures
rescue a person quickly if required
• procedures in the event of different emergencies
• ensuring that all workers who will be working
such as rescues, accidents or injuries
with the fall injury prevention system
• an induction on the emergency rescue procedures receive information, instruction and training
• training in the emergency rescue procedures in emergency rescue processes and are
• training in the use of fall arrest systems (where familiar with fall arrest systems and devices,
used). prior to work commencing
• ensuring that any persons using a fall arrest
system or industrial rope access are not
First aid facilities working alone. This is important if there is a
risk of a fall
Employees must be provided with first aid facilities
and first aid training for those who may be required to • the availability of and access to first aid
provide first aid. facilities or services, including trained first
aiders. The rescue team should include a
The Commission for Occupational Safety and Health’s person or people trained in the provision of
code of practice, Codes of Practice First Aid Facilities first aid so that it can be administered to the
and Services, Workplace Amenities and Facilities, fall victim in the event of an injury occurring
Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment should be during a fall
consulted for guidance on the legislative requirements • the details of additional support facilities,
for first aid facilities and workplace amenities. including the location, contact information
and availability (hours open) of emergency
Refer to Safe Work Australia, Managing the risk of falls services, such as fire brigade, ambulance
at workplaces Code of Practice, section 10 (October and hospitals
2018) for additional guidance.
• an effective and readily available means of
communication.
19.1 Fall arrest systems
19.1.1 Suspension trauma
Emergency rescue procedures for fall ‘Suspension trauma’ can occur when a person’s legs
arrest systems are immobile in an upright posture for a prolonged
period because the lower legs have a large storage
Emergency rescue procedures should be
capacity for blood and gravity pulls blood into them.
developed before setting up a fall arrest or
The return blood flow to the heart is reduced as blood
industrial rope access system. Procedures
accumulates in the legs. Because the blood supply to
should take into account the need for:
the heart is then restricted, the body suddenly slows the
• a plan and timeframe to carry out any heart causing the person to faint.
Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
rescues
With the use of a fall arrest system, suspension trauma
• the immediate rescue of a person after may occur when a person has an arrested fall because
an arrested fall, without the need to rely they are suspended and caught in an upright, vertical
on emergency services. See the following position and the harness straps cause pressure on
section for information on suspension the leg veins. The blood flow to the heart is reduced,
trauma, which can occur when a person is resulting in fainting, restriction of movement or loss of
suspended in a harness consciousness in a few minutes. This may lead to renal
• the necessary equipment required to failure and eventually death, depending on a person’s
carry out a rescue. This should include an susceptibility. The condition may be worsened by heat
emergency rapid response kit with synthetic and dehydration.
fibre rope (see AS 4142.3 Fibre ropes – Man-
made fibre ropes for static life rescue line Susceptibility to suspension trauma may be unrelated
specifications and AS/NZS 4488.2 Industrial to fitness level or any other obvious physical conditions.
rope access systems – Selection, use and Therefore, the quick rescue of a person suspended in
maintenance for auto-stop descent devices) a full body harness, as soon as is possible, is vital. For
this reason, workers should be capable of conducting
a rescue of a fallen worker and be familiar with onsite
rescue equipment and procedures.
49
Workers and emergency response personnel must
be trained in the rescue procedures and be able to
Training for rescues
recognise the risks of suspension trauma and act
quickly in the rescue of a person. The training for rescues of persons who have
fallen and are suspended in an upright position
Refer to Australian Resuscitation Council Guideline 9.1.5 should address the following factors to prevent
– Harness Suspension Trauma (July 2009). suspension trauma:
50
Appendix 1 References
Legislation AS/NZS 1892.5 Portable ladders – Selection,
safe use and care
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/ AS 2317.1 Lifting points – Collared
law_a555.html eyebolts and collared eyenuts
– Grade 4
Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996
AS 2319 Rigging screws and turnbuckles
www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/
law_s4665.html AS 2424 Plastics building sheets
– General installation
requirements and design of
Standards roofing systems
51
Codes of practice DMIRS
Commission for Occupational Safety and Code of practice for personnel electrical safety for
vegetation control work near live power lines (2012)
Health www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-and-energy/code-
Code of Practice: Excavation (2005) practice-vegetation-worker-electrical-safety
www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/ WorkSafe Bulletin – Domestic construction: Controlling
files/code_excavation.pdf falling risks while working on roof structures (2014)
Plant in the Workplace: Making it Safe: a Guide for www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/
Employers, Self-Employed Persons and Employees files/domestic_construction_0.pdf
(2001)
www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/ Safe Work Australia
files/guide-plant_hazards.pdf
Managing the risk of falls at workplaces – Code of
Plant Design: Making it Safe: a Guide for Designers, Practice (October 2018)
Manufacturers, Importers, Suppliers and Installers of www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/system/files/
Plant (2001) documents/1810/model-cop-managing-the-risk-of-falls-
www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/ at-workplaces.pdf
files/guide_plant_design.pdf
Guidelines
Codes of Practice: First Aid Facilities and Services;
Workplace Amenities and Facilities; Personal Protective Australian Resuscitation Council
Clothing and Equipment should be consulted for
guidance on the legislative requirements for first aid Guideline 9.1.5 – Harness Suspension Trauma (July
facilities and workplace amenities (2002) 2009)
www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/ resus.org.au/guidelines/
files/code_first_aid_0.pdf
Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
52
Appendix 2 Job safety analysis (JSA)
Working with a JSA In the Persons responsible column, write down the
name of the person who has to make sure the risk
Safety management is about reducing the risk of injury controls are actually carried out on the site.
or harm for any person who may be affected by the
work. This includes employers, contractors, all workers, Make sure everyone understands that the JSA should
visitors and members of the public who may be at or be changed if there is a change to the site and different
near a work site. risk controls are required. The JSA should be reviewed
and updated regularly.
The work should be organised so that all of these
people can carry out their usual activities safely.
Training and supervision
Coordination A JSA provides a written record of the way a particular
task should be done.
A JSA is one way of providing information to everyone
involved in a particular task. It sets out the method that The JSA does not replace the information, instruction,
will be used and the way that hazards associated with training and supervision that are required to ensure the
the task will be managed on that site. task is done that way.
JSAs also provide the information that is needed for It is up to the employer/principal contractor to ensure
principal contractors and site supervisors to coordinate that each person has the skills to work safely and there
the work. They can refer to the JSAs to ensure that is adequate supervision of the work underway at each
everyone is following the steps to be taken to complete site.
the job safely.
Introducing JSAs
Preparing for work It is a good idea to start with high risk work activities.
JSAs are an important part of preparing for each job. Gradually the number of situations where JSAs are
used will grow and they will become a regular part of
JSAs should be completed before work begins. managing safety on the site.
53
• the qualifications and training (if any) required for
persons doing the work.
54
Job safety analysis example: cleaning gutters
Note: this is only an example and may not address all the hazards for this particular work activity at a specific site. A JSA that is relevant to an individual site should be prepared.
Name of organisation completing the work: ABC Gutters Job name: Smith’s residence
Task: Cleaning gutters on a single-storey house using a portable ladder Job number: Project 001
Date the JSA was prepared: 20/05/20 Number of pages in this JSA: 2
This JSA has been reviewed by: Joe Bloggs, Site Supervisor This JSA has been discussed with:
Joe Bloggs, Site Supervisor and Jack Brown, Employee
Item number Work activity Hazard Risk control Persons responsible Completion
Break the job down into What could harm What can be done to make Who will make sure it Date and signoff
steps someone? the job safe? happens?
1. Move ladder from vehicle Back injury (twisting and Assistance by another Jack Brown (employee)
to location. over- reaching). person. Plan lift to avoid Joe Bloggs (supervisor)
Being hit by oncoming back injury. Park vehicle in
traffic. safe area to avoid being
hit by oncoming traffic and
Hitting other people.
hitting persons.
Keep safe distance from
power lines.
2. Check ladder. Ladder collapse. Use industrial type ladder. Jack Brown (employee)
Ladder conforms with Joe Bloggs (supervisor)
AS/NZS 1892.
Inspect ladder for
cracks and damage
in accordance with
the manufacturer’s
instructions.
55
Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
56
Item number Work activity Hazard Risk control Persons responsible Completion
Break the job down into What could harm What can be done to make Who will make sure it Date and signoff
steps someone? the job safe? happens?
3. Set up ladder on gutter. Power lines nearby. Ensure ladder is not close Jack Brown (employee)
Uneven ground. to electrical danger zone. Joe Bloggs (supervisor)
Sun exposure. If needed, use boards or
suitable material to ensure
Public being hit.
a firm footing.
Use sun protection.
Bunt the area around
ladder to isolate the public.
Set up ladder at 1/4
distance from the height
of the gutter (i.e. if the
gutter is four metres high,
the foot of the ladder
should be one metre away
from the gutter line).
4. Climb ladder. Slip, trips and falls off Ladder secured at the Jack Brown (employee)
ladder. gutter or have someone Joe Bloggs (supervisor)
Ladder slipping or sliding. else footing the ladder.
Three points of contact
with the ladder at all times
(two feet and one hand).
Wear shoes with good, slip
resistant soles.
Use bag or pouch to carry
tools and equipments.
Appendix 3 Terms used in fall injury
prevention systems
Systems Terms
Active fall protection – is a system where individuals Anchorage – means an anchorage point for a fall injury
must take action to use equipment either to prevent prevention system. It is the means for attaching a
them entering a fall hazard area or to arrest their fall lanyard, lifeline or other components to a secure point.
(e.g. a fall arrest or fall restraint system).
Arrest force – is the force imposed upon the worker
Individual fall arrest systems – are designed to arrest and the anchorage point, the moment the fall arrest
an accidental fall and consist of some or all of the system stops the fall, measured in kilonewtons (kN).
following:
Body containment devices – are designed to contain
• anchorage the body of a falling worker and to distribute forces
• lifeline resulting from an arrested fall to minimise the likelihood
of injury. They consist of a full body harness (parachute
• inertia reel
type) together with associated components such as a
• lanyard lanyard and personal energy absorber. Harnesses can
• retractable lifeline be used for restraint systems and work positioning
• rope grabs systems according to relevant sections in
AS/NZS 1891.1 Industrial fall arrest systems and
• wire grabs
devices: Harnesses and ancillary equipment and
• rail system AS/NSZ 1891.4 Industrial fall arrest systems and
• shock absorbers – both personal and industrial devices – Selection, use and maintenance.
• harness.
Droplines – are vertical lifelines.
Passive fall protection – is a system where the
Double or triple action device – is a self-closing hook
equipment installed provides fall protection, such as the
or karabiner with a keeper latch which will automatically
installation of edge protection, safety nets and catch
close and remain closed until manually opened. These
platforms, and individuals using the system do not have
units have a minimum of at least two distinct and
to take action to use equipment specifically designed to
deliberate consecutive actions to manually open them.
prevent falls. See also the above definition of active fall
protection. Fall arrest devices – there are three types: Type 1 fall
arrest devices, Type 2 and Type 3 fall arrest devices (see
Restraint systems (individual travel restricting
definitions on following page).
systems) – these systems are designed to prevent the
user from moving into a fall hazard area and consist of: Fall indicator – is a visual indicator that shows that the
fall arrest system or device has been used to arrest a
• anchorage
fall.
• lanyard
• belt or harness Fall injury prevention system – means a system
designed to arrest a person’s fall from one level at a
• horizontal lifeline.
workplace to another and minimise the risk of injury
or harm to a person who falls from one level at a Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
Work positioning systems – provide a primary means
of support in relative comfort and consist of: workplace to another.
57
Inertia reel (also known as a self-retracting lanyard or Static line – is a horizontal or substantially horizontal
fall arrest block) – is a mechanical device that arrests line to which a lanyard may be attached and which is
a fall by locking onto a dropline and at the same time designed to arrest a free fall.
allows freedom of movement.
Total fall distance – is the total distance a person is
Job Safety Analysis (JSA) – these are a means of likely to fall during both the free and restrained parts of
setting out the ways that hazards associated with a a fall and includes the maximum dynamic extension of
task will be managed on a site and the work methods all supporting components.
that will be used. They are usually a standardised form
produced by an association, employer or government Type 1 fall arrest device (includes rope and rail
agency. Refer to Appendix 4. grabs) – this is a fall arrest device that travels along an
anchorage line and, when loaded, locks to the line. The
Karabiners – these are metal types of connectors that user is connected via a short lanyard to the activating
can be attached to anchorage points. They come in a lever, which locks the device in the event of a fall. A
variety of sizes, shapes and locking mechanisms to suit typical use of a Type 1 device is as a ladder fall arrest
various applications and provide the most convenient system, using a rigid rail or a flexible line attached to the
type of connector as they can be easily attached and ladder.
detached. They should be self-closing and self- or
manual-locking and capable of being opened only by at Type 2 and Type 3 fall arrest devices (also known as
least two consecutive deliberate manual actions. an inertia reel or self-retracting lifeline) – this is a fall
arrest device from which a spring loaded anchorage line
Lanyard – is a line usually used as part of a lanyard pays out, and which locks when loaded and releases
assembly to connect a harness to an anchorage point when the load is removed. When incorporating a
or static line in situations where there is risk of a fall. retrieval winch, it becomes a Type 3 fall arrest device.
58
Appendix 4 Components of fall arrest and
restraint systems
(ii) Cable end (termination of the fixed static lines)
Key points on components of fall arrest and
The termination of the cable should be by the
restraint systems include:
installation of a thimbled eye. Where practicable, the
• all components of a fall arrest system must ends should be secured by one of the means depicted
be compatible below.
• do not ‘mix and match’ systems with
different components made by different
manufacturers
• check with the manufacturer and/or supplier
to ensure compatibility of components.
59
(iii) Anchorage points
The following types of anchorage points are acceptable (iv) Tumbuckles (to adjust the tension in the fixed
when used in concrete: static line)
• anchorage points cast in situ: Turnbuckles are an open body consisting of two integral
rods connecting two bosses that are threaded internally
– a wall tie (she-bolt) purpose designed
on the central axis in opposite hand and into which end
– an engineer-designed anchorage point fittings of optional with screwed clamps type (e.g. round
• chemical-type anchorage points incorporating a eye, elongated eye or clevis) are fitted.
16 mm diameter bolt and 110 mm embedment and
used in shear The safety requirements for the use of turnbuckles
include:
• friction-type anchorage points with a collared eye
or eyebolt, used in shear, with the threaded section • the threaded section shall be a minimum of 12 mm
being no less than 16 mm diameter. The collared diameter
eye nut should be fastened tightly against the
• turnbuckles should be of a type that will allow visual
concrete surface.
inspection of the condition and extension of the
Chemical or friction-type anchorages should be used in threaded sections
shear only; i.e. the bolt should be at right angles to the • the frame should be locked or moused (lashed) to
static cable. the eye bolt to prevent slackening due to vibration,
shock or spin in the line attached.
For information on inspection of anchorages, see
Section 8.4. Refer to AS 2319 Rigging screws and turnbuckles for
guidance.
Anchorages should have a design capacity of 15 kN
(approximately equivalent to 1500 kg) each, except Closed length
where verification of a lesser design load provides for a
minimum safety factor of 10.
60
• tension may be achieved by using a self-tensioning Safety requirements for the use of a temporary static
block, which must be capable of automatically line and rail system include:
locking the line and manually releasing the line.
Too much tension on the line will affect the overall • unless there is a ground clearance under the
strength of the system, too little will affect the temporary static line of at least 6.5 metres plus the
ground clearance required distance of sag in the line under load, the user of
fall arrest equipment will probably not have their fall
• for shock absorption, the self-tensioning block must
arrested and will strike the ground. (See the diagram
be designed to reduce shock loading by means of a
on the right below)
dynamic friction facility which guarantees that the
maximum force generated on the line will not be • inertia reels (self-retracting lanyards) on temporary
greater than 6 kN (approximately equivalent to 600 static line systems could be used. These will
kg) significantly reduce the 6.5 metre ground clearance
due to the inertia reel lock-out. (See the diagram on
• the line end (termination of the temporary static
the left below)
line) should be secured by one of the following:
• in some circumstances, the ground clearance might
– a hand splice with a thimbled eye
be reduced. Using the ‘preferred order of control
– a machine splice (ferrule) measures’, a combination of different equipment
– a figure of eight knot (such as a restraint system, elevating work platform
• the maximum span between anchorage points for a and scaffolding) should be considered to give
temporary static line should be no greater than four different results and create maximum ground
metres, unless specifically designed by an engineer clearance
to be a longer length. This is due to the dynamic sag • personal energy absorbers must be worn at all
factor of the temporary static line and should be times where there is a possibility of a fall.
taken into account when calculating the maximum
ground clearance (MGC) requirement for a fall arrest AS/NZS 1891.2 Supp. 1 provides further information.
system
Inertia reel (no landyard)
• total fall distance is defined in the Static line deflection = ∆ S
AS/NZS 1891.1 Industrial fall arrest systems and
devices: Harnesses and ancillary equipment as the
total distance a person is likely to fall during both
the free and restrained parts of a fall and includes
the maximum dynamic extension of all supporting
Intertia reel
components. = 1.4 m Minimum clearance below
the static line = 4.2 m + ∆ S
Designers of temporary static lines should ensure the
system is designed so that persons falling will not crash
to the ground. Calculations should consider:
Height of person = 1.8 m
• tension on the static line
• a person’s height Clearance = 1.0 m minimum
• lanyard length and extension
• shock absorber extension Landyard
Static line deflection = ∆ S
• personal energy absorber of the person’s lanyard
• slide of the D ring.
61
(vi) Harnesses, lanyards and equipment
Defects and damage to lanyards
checklist
Waist-type belts and sit harnesss must not be
used as a fall arrest system. Lanyards should be checked for defects or
damage, including:
The lanyard is a line, usually used as part of a lanyard • cuts of 1 mm or more at the edges of the
assembly, to connect a fall arrest safety harness to an webbing lanyards (e.g. where the lanyard
anchorage point or permanent or temporary static line, may have been choke hitched around
in situations where there is a risk of a fall. steelwork)
• surface abrasion across the face of
The safety requirements for the use of harnesses, the webbing and at the webbing loops,
lanyards and equipment include: particularly if localised
• body-type harnesses of the parachute-type should • damage to stitching (e.g. cuts or abrasion)
be used • a knot in the lanyard, other than those
• length of any lanyard assembly should not exceed intended by the manufacturer
two metres • chemical attack resulting in local weakening
• harness should be connected to the lanyard or and softening, which is often indicated by
temporary static line at the top dorsal (back) flaking of the surface. There may also be a
position or front (sternum) fall arrest attachment change to the colour of the fibres
point • heat or friction damage indicated by fibres
• if a temporary or permanent static line and rope with a glazed appearance, which may feel
grab device are used on steeply sloping surfaces, harder than surrounding fibres
the user needs to have the device in the front fall • UV degradation, which is difficult to identify,
arrest attachment point. This will allow safe manual particularly by visual appearance, but there
operation of the mechanism may be some loss of colour (if dyed) and a
• l anyards should be checked for the faults listed in powdery surface
the defects and damage to lanyards checklist • a partially-deployed energy absorber (e.g.
• a
nchorage points shall not be sited below the short pull out of tear webbing)
attachment point of the harness; e.g. not below the • contamination (e.g. from dirt, grit, sand or
dorsal (back) position paint etc.) which may result in internal or
• t here should be a minimum of slack in the external abrasion
temporary static line between the person and • damaged or deformed fittings (e.g.
attachment to the anchorage. The fall arrest system karabiners, screw link connectors, scaffold
should be so designed to limit a free fall to a hooks or shackles, etc.)
maximum of two metres • damage to the sheath and core of a
• l anyards must incorporate a shock absorber and Kernmantle rope (e.g. rucking of the core
be fitted with double action devices. For use as an detected during tactile inspection)
assembly, see AS/NZS 1891.1 Industrial fall arrest • internal damage to a cable laid rope.
systems and devices: Harnesses and ancillary
equipment for guidance For additional information, refer to the
• the attachment hardware should be checked for AS/NZS 1891 series and/or the manufacturer’s
susceptibility to roll-out. A possible problem with the recommendations.
Prevention of falls from height at workplaces – CODE OF PRACTICE
62
Snaphooks or karabiners without a double or
triple locking device or action must not be used.
Roll-out on small diameter eyebolt. • when fall arrest equipment is used while operating
chainsaws (e.g. tree pruning, trimming or removal
operations), pole straps or belts should be steel core
to minimise the effects of accidental cutting
• equipment must be inspected regularly, including
inspecting for signs of any damage from cutting,
abrasion or heat sources. See also the defects and
damage to lanyards checklist in vi) Harnesses,
lanyards and equipment
• workers using safety harnesses, who are outside
the safety of handrails, must be attached to an
anchorage point or a fall arrest safety system at all
times
Roll-out on rope. • workers using safety harnesses should not work
alone
• emergency rescue procedures must be developed
before work commences.
63
Operator should work
so that the safety line
remains within the
cone
30o approx.
Vertical lifelines
64
Appendix 5 Contacts for further
information
Chamber of Commerce and Industry
180 Hay Street
EAST PERTH WA 6004
Telephone: 1300 422 492
Web: www.cciwa.com
UnionsWA
Level 4, 445 Hay Street
PERTH WA 6000
Telephone: (08) 9328 7877
Web: www.unionswa.com.au
WorkSafe
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Mason Bird Building
Level 1, 303 Sevenoaks Street
CANNINGTON WA 6107
Serious incident and fatality reporting line:
1300 307 877
Web: www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/WorkSafe
65
Government of Western Australia
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety