Height Safety FAQ

Height safety is an umbrella term referring to the measures, systems and procedures implemented to prevent falls or injuries when working at height. Height safety can include the use of personal protective equipment such as safety harnesses, the installation of fall protection systems such as guardrails, as well as implementation of safety protocols such as regular safety inspections, employee training, and hazard identification and management.

In Australia, employers and employees are obligated to abide by Australian workplace height safety laws, as well as a number of height safety codes and standards that are supported by the Working At Height Association (WAHA).

The hierarchy of control measures is a risk control system that provides a clear pathway to how identified risks should be dealt with in accordance with Safe Work Australia’s guidelines on managing risks. The system ranks control measures from the highest to lowest levels of protection for the worker.

The Hierarchy of Control for Working at Heights is;

1. Elimination of the risk
2. Reduce the risk through; Substitution, Isolation or Engineering Controls
3. Personal Protective Equipment
4. Administrative Controls

Read more about the Hierarchy of Control for Working at Height here.

Fall protection is legally required in Australia whenever there is a risk of falling from a height that could result in injury or death. 

The Work Health & Safety Regulations 2011, Chapter 6, Part 6.1, state that working from a surface that is 2M or more above the surrounding level is classified as “high-risk work” and must be controlled using the risk management hierarchy of control. However, the Work Health & Safety Regulations, Chapter 4, Part 4.4, makes it clear that any risk of a fall from one level to another, even if less than 2M which would cause an injury, needs to be controlled.

For more information read our post; Fall Protection; Staying Safe & Compliant at Height

A person may be required to be continuously connected to a height safety system when working within 2m of a fall edge at heights of 2m or more above ground level where no passive fall protection systems such as guardrails or scaffolding have been erected.

The Australian safety standards also recommend that "slopes in excess of 15° from the horizontal should always be checked for the risk of fall". Therefore, if you are working on a roof pitch that exceeds 15° and you cannot maintain secure footing, it is advisable to be continuously attached to a restraint system throughout the job to minimise the risk of a fall.

The four methods of fall protection are:

1. Elimination - involves removing the hazard of falling altogether. For example, by using equipment that eliminates the need to work at heights, such as extending tools to reach high places instead of using a ladder.
2. Fall prevention - involves the use of physical barriers or guardrails to prevent falls from occurring. For example, installing guardrails around a roof edge or an elevated work platform.
   
3. Fall restraint and fall arrest - involves the use of personal safety equipment that is designed to either prevent a person from accessing a fall zone or stop a fall after it has occurred.
   
4. Administrative controls - involves the use of policies, procedures, signage, and training to manage the risk of falls. For example, providing worker training on safe work practices at heights or fixing a warning sign near a fall edge/hazard. 

Choosing the right type of height safety system for your workplace can be a crucial decision that requires careful consideration of several factors. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult with a professional height safety advisor to ensure the height safety system is compliant, fit for purpose and safe.

To choose the right height safety system a professional will

1. Identify hazards and conduct a risk assessment
2. Consider the type and frequency of work being carried out
3. Evaluate the height of the work area
4. Consider the potential number of persons using the systems
5. Consider all relevant Australian laws, standards and codes of practice
6. Consider the hierarchy of control for working at height

According to Australian work health and safety laws and regulations, training is required for using height safety systems. Employers are legally responsible for ensuring that their employees receive adequate training and instruction on how to work safely at height, including how to properly use any equipment intended to minimise the risks of working at height.

Additionally, employees must be trained in the specific procedures and equipment present in the height safety systems they are expected to use. The level of training required will depend on the type of work being performed and the equipment being used. For example, passive fall protection may require less formal training than fall arrest systems.

As a worker, you have the right to refuse to work at height if you believe the work environment is unsafe and poses a risk to your health and safety. However, it is important to follow the proper protocol and notify your employer or supervisor immediately. They are required to investigate the situation and take appropriate action to address any safety concerns. 

Refusing to work without following the proper protocol may result in disciplinary action, so it is important to communicate your concerns in a professional manner and follow the correct procedures.

A Safe work method statement is a document that is to be completed for all ‘high-risk construction work’ Working at heights is considered high-risk work and a SWMS is always required to be prepared before any work of this type is carried out.

An SWMS must:

ü  identify the work that is high-risk construction work

ü  specify hazards relating to the high-risk construction work and the risks to health and safety

ü  describe the measures to be implemented to control the risks, and

ü  describe how the control measures are to be implemented, monitored and reviewed.

Click here to view an SWMS Template.

Australian Standards and legislation mandate that all height safety systems and equipment be inspected by a qualified height safety certifier within the following timeframes;

• Lifting Slings  

Lifting slings require inspection by a qualified height safety equipment inspector every 3 months and visual inspection by a competent operator before and after each use.

• Safety Harnesses & lanyards

Harnesses, lanyards, and ropes require inspection by a qualified height safety equipment inspector every 6 months and visual inspection by a competent operator before and after each use.

• Anchor points, static lines and fall arrest systems

Anchor points, static lines and all permanently mounted fall arrest safety systems require inspection and tagging by a qualified height safety equipment inspector every 12 months and visual inspection by a competent operator before and after each use.

• Height Safety Systems

Height safety systems such as guardrails, walkways, access ladders, stairway systems and skylight protection systems are recommended by manufacturers to be inspected & recertified every 12 months.

All height safety systems and equipment must be visually inspected for damage by a competent operator before each use. If there is any obvious deterioration or deformation of the components or the structure, the system must not be used and should be tagged ‘Do Not Use’ until corrective action by a competent person has been completed.

Under AS/NZS 1891 any anchor point used in fall protection, fall arrest or abseil systems must be inspected and marked compliant annually by a qualified height safety certifier. AS/NZS 1891.4 clearly states that anchor points should have details of the installer, install date and other data relevant to the user. If an anchor point has not been tagged, it must not be used. 

Anchor Safe provide scheduled testing, certification and tagging services for anchor points and other height safety systems. We can also manage the necessary rigorous record-keeping through our cloud-based reporting system.

When performing a safety harness inspection, you should look for the following:

1. Damage: Check for any signs of damage to the webbing, stitching, or metal components of the harness. Look for cuts, tears, burns, or abrasions that could compromise the integrity of the harness.
   
2. Wear and Tear: Look for any signs of wear and tear on the harness, such as frayed edges or stretched webbing. Also, check for any signs of rust or corrosion on the metal components.
   
3. Fit: Ensure that the harness fits properly and is adjusted correctly for the wearer. The harness should be snug but not too tight, and all straps should be fastened securely.
   
4. Buckles and Connectors: Check that all buckles and connectors are in good working condition and are fastened correctly. Ensure that the connectors are properly aligned and seated securely in the anchor point.
   
5. Labels and Markings: Check that all labels and markings are legible and visible. Look for the date of manufacture and the inspection date, as well as any other relevant information such as weight limits and usage instructions.

It is important to conduct a thorough inspection of the harness before each use, and to replace any harness that shows signs of damage, wear and tear, or other defects.

A harness may be required for working at height scenarios where an operator is working within 2m of a fall edge or working 2m or more above ground level and no passive fall protection systems such have guardrails or scaffolding have been erected. Any work undertaken at a height of 2 meters or more is considered “high-risk” in which case the risk of fall must be controlled or eliminated in line with the hierarchy of control measures. 

In general, it is recommended to use a full-body harness for all general height safety work. There are various harnesses designed for specific purposes, and it's crucial to determine which one fits your job requirements. 

A full-body harness typically features front and rear D rings, and adjustable straps, and is appropriate for general tradespeople, construction workers, roofing, vertical climbing, and access equipment such as an EWP.

Harnesses with rescue loops on the shoulders, extra padding, and sitting attachment points are primarily designed for confined space work, rope access, window, and façade cleaning.

Fitting a harness correctly is essential to ensure maximum safety when working at height. The following are general guidelines for fitting a harness:

1. Select the appropriate size harness for the worker's body type and weight.

2. Put on the harness, making sure that all straps are untangled and properly adjusted.

3. Fasten the waist belt securely, ensuring that the D-ring is centred on the worker's back.

4. Adjust the leg straps so that they fit snugly around the worker's thighs without being too tight or too loose.

5. Tighten the shoulder straps, making sure they are properly centred and not twisted.

6. Adjust the chest strap so that it is snug against the worker's chest.

7. Once the harness is fitted, inspect it thoroughly for signs of wear, damage, or other issues that could compromise its effectiveness.

It is important to note that these are general guidelines, and each harness may have specific instructions and requirements for fitting. Workers should always follow the manufacturer's instructions and receive training on proper harness fitting and inspection before use.

The standard for safety harnesses in Australia is AS/NZS 1891.4:2009 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices - Part 4: Selection, use and maintenance. This standard specifies requirements for the selection, safe use, and maintenance of industrial fall-arrest systems and devices, including harnesses, lanyards, anchor points, and connectors. It is important to ensure that any safety harness used in Australia complies with this standard to ensure maximum safety and protection for workers at height.

The lifespan of height safety PPE including harnesses and retractable lanyards is 10 years, according to AS/NZS 1981.4 – 2009. Once the 'remove from service' date has been reached, the equipment must be taken out of service and destroyed. If a harness & lanyard has been involved in a fall they should be immediately removed from service, even if they have not reached their ‘remove from service’ date.

No, it is not recommended to connect two lanyards together to extend their length as this can increase the risk of a fall. Connecting two lanyards together can allow access to a fall zone or increase the distance of a fall depending on the system in use. A height safety system should always be used as intended by the designer to maintain compliance and safety.

To ensure that existing roof safety equipment is in compliance with current standards, it is recommended to have a qualified height safety professional inspect and evaluate the equipment. The professional should be able to provide a comprehensive report detailing the current state of the equipment, identify any potential hazards or non-compliant aspects, and provide recommendations for corrective action if necessary. It is important to also regularly maintain and inspect the equipment to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.

Anchor Safe provides industry-leading height safety inspections and audit services for our clients across Australia. Our experienced team will ensure your systems and equipment meet strict compliance criteria for all relevant Australian Standards, Legislation, and Codes of Practice.

Rooftop walkways are passive safety systems that increase worker safety and the efficiency of access. Having permanent safety walkways in place reduces the risk of falling by highlighting the safest path across the roof, eliminating the risk of workers falling through skylights or off an unprotected edge. Walkways also prevent damage to roof sheets and membranes in high-traffic areas, providing a safe path of access across the roof for maintenance of rooftop systems and equipment.

No, it is not safe to walk on skylight mesh. The purpose of skylight mesh is to protect workers from falling through the skylight in case of a slip, trip, or fall. If used as a walkway, it can bend and apply pressure to the fixings, potentially causing roof leaks in the future. To eliminate the need to walk on safety mesh, a roof walkway crossover system should be installed. It is recommended to install a guardrail and walkway system to highlight the path workers should take instead of walking on the safety mesh or other dangerous parts of the roof. Clear signs alerting workers of the potential danger of falling through fragile roofing should also be installed.

The Australian standard for roof walkways is AS 1657:2018 "Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders - Design, construction and installation". This standard provides guidelines for the design, construction, installation, testing, and maintenance of fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders to ensure safe access and egress from and within buildings and structures. It also includes provisions for roof walkways and platforms to ensure safe movement on roofs.

The use of a portable ladder for work at height should only be considered if it is not reasonably practical to use a higher-order control measure such as scaffolding, elevating work platforms, or temporary work platforms. A portable ladder should not be used for working at heights of four metres or more. For heights above four metres, a ladder should only be used for access purposes. 

According to the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011, a portable ladder can be used to perform work at heights if the height is less than four meters, and the ladder is secured, stabilized, and footed. However, if the height is greater than four meters, a risk assessment must be carried out. It is important to note that the use of ladders at heights greater than four meters requires strict adherence to safety procedures and precautions to prevent falls and injuries.

For more information on the safe use of ladders, please refer to our Ultimate Guide to Ladder Safety page.

According to the Working at Heights Association (WAHA) industry code, a ladder bracket and portable ladder system should only be used for infrequent access at a maximum height of 4m, and a risk assessment must be completed. If a portable means of access is used, it is suggested to install a system that allows the user to step through the top of the ladder (using grab-rails mounted to the roof) instead of stepping around the ladder for heights over 4m but not exceeding 6m.

For greater heights, it is highly recommended to use systems such as a 2m guardrail system or an anchor with a transition lanyard (strop) that allows the operator to attach before getting off the top of the ladder.

For more information on the safe use of ladders, please refer to our Ultimate Guide to Ladder Safety page.

A portable ladder should extend a minimum of 1.0m above the top landing. To transition from the ladder to the roof, it is strongly recommended to use a 2m guardrail system or an anchor with a transition lanyard (strop) that allows the operator to attach before getting off the top of the ladder. The transition strop should be within reach (approximately 600mm) from the front of the roof edge and not be any closer than 200mm to the roof edge.

For more information on the safe use of ladders, please refer to our Ultimate Guide to Ladder Safety page.

A passive fall protection system is a height safety system that is designed to prevent falls from occurring without the need for personal safety equipment. Passive fall protection systems are deemed the safest form of fall protection after elimination in the hierarchy of control. 

This type of system does not require any action from the worker and is usually a physical barrier or obstacle that prevents access to a hazardous area or prevents a worker from falling from an elevated surface. Examples of passive fall protection systems include guardrails, walkways, skylight covers and stairway access systems. 

View Anchor Safe’s passive fall protection systems

• Guardrails
• Walkways
• Skylight Protection
• Access/Plant Platforms
• Access Stairs

A fall restraint or work positioning system is designed to prevent a person from accessing an unprotected edge where a fall can occur. This is achieved by using a combination of equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, anchor points and static lines. 

For example, the user will attach to a static line that is positioned 3m away from a fall edge via a 2m fixed-length lanyard. When attached like this you are working in fall restraint because the lanyard length does not extend past the fall edge, preventing a free fall situation from occurring.

If you're not sure which system to choose, you can view our fall arrest vs. fall restraint page for more information.

A fall restraint system should only be used when circumstances do not permit a higher level of control. It is particularly useful in situations where it is not possible to provide a physical barrier or guardrail to prevent a fall. For this reason, fall restraint systems are common for work on rooftops where the visual appearance of permanent roof guardrails may be detrimental to the property.

Installing fall restraint anchor points requires expertise and accreditation from height safety professionals. The proper installation and positioning of the anchor points play a critical role in ensuring the effectiveness of fall restraint systems and preventing fatal accidents. It is essential to hire trained and experienced personnel to handle the installation process. Many anchor point manufacturers recommend accredited installers for their products, which is a reliable source for finding qualified installers.

A fall arrest system is a height safety system designed to safely stop the worker's fall before they hit the ground. An Energy Absorbing Lanyard is attached to the point on the worker's harness that provides the most appropriate protection for the situation and is secured to a fall arrest-rated anchor point or overhead rail system. It is important to note that a full-body harness must always be worn when working with fall arrest systems. 

A fall arrest system should only be used when circumstances do not permit a higher level of control such as fall restraint or passive fall protection systems. Fall arrest systems require thorough checks and testing before each use and annual recertification. A rescue plan must be in place and ready to be executed in the event of a fall. 

If you're not sure which system to choose, you can view our fall arrest vs. fall restraint page for more information.

Installing fall arrest anchor points requires expertise and accreditation from height safety professionals. The proper installation and positioning of the anchor points play a critical role in ensuring the effectiveness of fall arrests and preventing fatal accidents. It is essential to hire trained and experienced personnel to handle the installation process. Many anchor point manufacturers recommend accredited installers for their products, which is a reliable source for finding qualified installers.

While the Building Code of Australia (BCA) provides some general requirements related to height safety in buildings, the Australian height safety standards provide more specific guidance and best practices for working safely at height in various industries. Compliance with both the BCA and Australian height safety standards is necessary to ensure the safety of workers and the public.

The BCA is contained within the National Construction Code (NCC) and provides the minimum necessary requirements for safety, health, amenity and sustainability in the design and construction of new buildings (and new building work in existing buildings) throughout Australia.

Australian height safety standards are a set of guidelines and standards that specifically address the safety of people working at height in various industries. These standards provide guidance on the design and installation of safety equipment, such as safety harnesses, anchor points, and safety nets. They also include recommendations for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of height safety equipment.

In Australia, height safety codes of practice and industry standards serve different purposes in regulating safety practices for working at height.

Codes of practice provide practical guidelines to assist employers and workers in complying with the legal requirements of the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and Regulations. These guidelines cover a wide range of areas related to height safety, including risk management, control measures, safety devices, emergency procedures, and design considerations. Codes of practice are not legally binding but are considered by the courts as evidence of whether an employer has taken reasonable steps to comply with their safety obligations. They provide practical guidance for implementing safety measures in the workplace, helping to make compliance with the WHS laws easier.

Industry standards, on the other hand, are developed by standard bodies and provide guidelines for specific aspects of height safety practices. These standards are not statutory documents but can be used as evidence to demonstrate that equipment is safe and fit for purpose. Industry standards cover a range of topics, including maximum free fall, rope strengths, testing methods for anchor systems, and other technical specifications. Compliance with industry standards can be used to demonstrate that an employer has taken reasonable steps to ensure that the equipment they use is safe and fit for purpose.

NSW

Safe Work NSW has a dedicated page for working at heights which outlines the acts, standards and codes that apply to fall protection View here

VIC

Work Safe Victoria has a page that provides the latest codes & regulations regarding fall prevention View Here  

QLD

The Queensland work health and safety regulation sets out specific control measures that are required where there is a risk of a fall of at least three meters in housing construction work and two meters in other construction work. This page also outlines the standards and guidelines for working at heights View here  

SA

South Australia’s standards and regulations can be found on this page View here. This page outlines control measures and also provides a snapshot of falls from height fatalities for the previous year.

A Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) has a legal obligation to ensure reasonable health and safety while working at heights under the Work Health & Safety Act 2011. 

According to Safe Work Australia, fall hazards are observed anywhere where a job is being done at height. This can be working on a pre-existing roof, building a new building, stacking shelves, unloading stock, working near skylights, working on ladders and more.

This means that as the PCBU, you have a duty to undertake an adequate risk assessment and act on those risks with risk elimination, safety systems, and procedures in order to meet compliance criteria. It is also the legal duty of the PCBU to ensure safety systems themselves are compliant and above all safe.

The unintended consequences of negligence can be extreme, both personally and professionally. If you are caught neglecting these duties it can lead to large fines and imprisonment. The highest penalty under the WHS Act is $600,000 and 5 years imprisonment for individuals and $3,000,000 for a company.

Height safety is a shared responsibility that everyone should take seriously. You have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure a safe work environment, particularly in high-risk areas. It doesn't matter if you are an employer, supervisor or coworker, you are responsible for ensuring the safety of others. 

Additionally, it is essential to provide adequate training on height safety systems to workers to prevent accidents. Always assume that workers may not have proper training, and ensure they receive the necessary training before starting work at heights.

In Australia, the hierarchy of legislation for working at heights is as follows:

1. Work Health and Safety Act 2011

2. Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 

3. Industry Codes of Practice

4. Australian Standards
   
   

These regulations, standards and codes provide guidance on managing risks associated with working at heights and provide a framework for ensuring that workplaces are safe for workers. It is important for employers and workers to be aware of these regulations and to implement appropriate safety measures to prevent falls and other accidents while working at heights.

Designers

WHS Act 2011 states that: “The designer must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the plant, substance or structure is designed to be without risks to the health and safety of persons who carry out any reasonably foreseeable activity at a workplace in relation to inspections, operations, cleaning, maintenance or repair of plant”

Builders

WHS Act 2011 states that: “the persons conducting business or undertakings that install, construct or commission plant or structures must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that the way in which the plant or structure is installed, constructed or commissioned ensures that the plant or structure is without risks to the health and safety of persons who install, use or carry out any reasonably foreseeable activity at the workplace”

Building Owners & Managers

WHS Act 2011 states that “a person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of other persons is not put at risk from work carried out as part of the conduct of the business or undertaking”

Workers

WHS Act 2011 states “While at work, a worker must:

1. Take reasonable care that his or her acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons; and
2. Co-operate with any reasonable policy or procedure of the persons conducting the business or undertaking relating to health or safety at the workplace that has been notified to workers”

The work health and Safety Regulations 2011 provide details on how to prevent, minimize or eliminate hazards and risks in your workplace. The WHS regulations 2016 states the below:

“The person must minimise the risk of a fall by providing adequate protection against the risk in accordance with this regulation”

Maximum penalty: In the case of an individual—$6 000.
In the case of a body corporate—$30 000.

The person provides adequate protection against the risk if the person provides and maintains a safe system of work, including by:

1. Providing a fall prevention device if it is reasonably practicable to do so; or
2. If it is not reasonably practicable to provide a fall prevention device, providing a work positioning system; or
3. If it is not reasonably practicable to comply with either paragraph (a) or (b), providing a fall arrest system, so far as is reasonably practicable

It is a legal requirement that any PCBU must adhere to what the regulations say. Workplaces must adhere to the below:

• National WHS Act 2011
• WHS Regulations Part 4.4, 78 Management of risk of fall.

Australian Standard 1657:2018 sets out requirements for the design, selection, construction and installation of fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders that are intended to provide safe access to places used by operating, inspection, maintenance and servicing personnel.

Level Walkway: The angle of slope of the walking surface shall not exceed 3° in any direction.

Sloping Walkway: The angle of slope of the walking surface in the direction of travel shall not exceed 20°. 

• The angle of slope of the walking surface perpendicular to the direction of travel (i.e., cross-slope) shall not exceed 7°. 
• Where the angle of slope of the walkway exceeds 10° in the direction of travel, metal cleats not less than 10mm x 10mm shall be provided at evenly spaced intervals as follows
• At slope angles between 10° and 15° cleats shall be provided at intervals of 450mm
• At slope angles between 15° and 18° cleats shall be provided at intervals of 400mm
• At slope angles greater than 18° cleats shall be provided at intervals of 350mm

If roof slope exceeds 12° on the lower side of the walkway, guard railing must be installed.

The AS/NZS 1891.2.2001 specifies design and performance requirements for systems and associated component hardware for horizontal lifelines and rails used for fall-arrest purposes.

AS/NZS 1891.4.2009 specifies requirements and sets out recommendations for the selection, safe use and maintenance of industrial fall-arrest systems and devices.

This standard sets out recommended safe practices and requirements for the selection, use and maintenance of portable ladders. View Anchor Safes guide to safe ladder use here.

There are many legislative requirements that are applied to confined spaces. For designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and constructors of plant and structures, you must eliminate the need for anyone to enter a confined space and eliminate the risk of inadvertent entry. Where this is not possible you must:

• minimise the need for people to enter the space
• make sure it has safe entry and exits
• minimise (or where you can, eliminate) the risks to the health and safety of anyone who enters the space.

WAHA (Working at Heights Association) explains the updated version of the AS/NZS ISO 22846.1.2020 part 1 & 2 in a news article here.

Read the Compliance statement released from WAHA explaining the AS/NZS 5532 standard document.