Current legislation mandates that personnel who are exposed to a fall risk must be protected to prevent or minimise harm resulting from the fall. In most Australian States and industries, a specific height is nominated above which fall protection becomes mandatory. This height differs between states, industries and individual companies. It is your obligation to ensure you are aware of the legislation that applies to your workplace. According to the hierarchy of fall protection controls, fall protection systems can be defined as either passive or active.
Prudent risk management would require preference to be given to passive fall protection systems where special equipment and active participation from the operator is not required. Examples of passive systems would be engineered walkways, stairways and access systems. Such systems should conform to AS1657-2013 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – design, construction and installation.
In contrast, active fall protection systems are those systems that require specialised equipment and hence require the operator to be trained and assessed in its use. Active systems are recognised as being lower on the hierarchy of fall protection controls. Active fall protection system would include harness based fall protection systems where the operator is required to be connected to an anchor, fixed line or rail system. Such installations should conform to:
- AS1891.2-2001 Industrial fall arrest systems and devices – horizontal lifeline and rail systems
- AS1891.4-2009 Industrial fall arrest systems and devices – selection, use and maintenance
Aligning with these standards, Highpoint Access & Rescue is able to assist you in determining your specific requirements. To do this we specialises in; the design, installation, testing and certification of permanent and temporary height safety systems to suit a wide range of applications.
These systems include:
- Aluminium walkway systems
- Rated anchor points
- Prescribed and proprietary horizontal lifeline systems
- Proprietary horizontal rail systems
- Vertical fall protection systems
To access and download the standards click HERE.
