The urgency of proper height safety measures was tragically highlighted by a recent incident in Victoria where a representative from the school fell from the roof while collecting balls, resulting in a fatality. This tragic event highlights the critical need for robust height safety systems and vigilant management. To prevent such tragedies, it is imperative that facility managers and business managers in schools take proactive steps to ensure adequate height safety systems are in place. Anchor Safe offers a range of solutions designed to meet the unique needs of educational institutions, ensuring staff can perform their duties safely and confidently.
Tailored height safety solutions for educational institutions
At Anchor Safe, we specialise in installing comprehensive height safety access systems tailored to the specific requirements of educational institutions. Our systems include:
Ladder Brackets:
To ensure a safe entry and exit when a permanent ladder system isn’t practical. This ladder bracket can be wall or roof-mounted and provides a secure attachment point for portable ladders, preventing movement in any direction.
Anchor Points:
Are a vital part of a fall protection system and are the most common system we install for our clients within educational institutions. Our height safety technicians often recommend Anchor Points for a safe solution for accessing gutters and collecting balls safely, however the user must be trained in working at heights and fall arrest systems as a harness and rope line are worn.
Static Lines:
Static line systems provide workers with continuous attachment, providing a high level of safety and effective fall protection across various roof profiles and other elevated areas. A properly designed static line system will allow workers to freely access all areas they require without the need to ever disconnect their rope line or lanyard. This system is highly recommended for large roof areas that require regular access.
Skylight Protection:
Skylights of all varieties, including transparent roof sheeting, stand-alone skylights or roof lights, and rooftop atriums present a potentially deadly fall hazard to rooftop workers. Appropriate skylight protection is an essential element for all roof safety systems in schools. The Anchor Safe team ensure all skylight hazards are accounted for when designing a height safety access system for schools & colleges. Skylight protection includes aluminium lattice covers for transparent roof sheets, skylight cages for raised skylights and walkway crossovers for maximum protection.
Guardrails:
A well-designed and compliant guardrail system is one of the safest ways to protect workers on school roofs. Our roof guardrail systems are highly cost-effective, maintenance-free, ensure maximum protection and can be installed as edge protection along fall edges, on platforms and around access hatches, stairways and skylights.
Permanent Ladders:
All of the ladders we install have non-slip rungs and are compatible with fall protection accessories such as safety cages, safety rails, platforms, and vertical fall arrest lines. We emphasise the importance of these systems being installed with a lockable door to prevent unauthorised access by children.
These systems are vital for carrying out tasks such as cleaning balls out of gutters, servicing HVAC systems, and cleaning solar panels. In some cases, schools may already have some height safety systems installed, however it is extremely important to ensure these are recertified every 12 months and are designed for your exact access needs. The design of a roof access system takes careful planning and understanding of the Australian standards and your access requirements to ensure all exposed fall edges have been taken care of and the user is not at risk of falling greater than 2m. Anchor Safe’s team of highly trained and experienced height safety system designers will assess your school’s specific needs and create a system that complies with AS1657:2018 and state requirements for the prevention of falls when working at heights.
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Working at heights regulations for schools
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (OHS Regulations) outline specific requirements for working at heights to ensure the safety of workers. For schools, this includes:
- Risk Assessment: Before any work at heights is undertaken, a thorough risk assessment must be conducted. This assessment should identify potential fall hazards and evaluate the risks associated with the task. Use the Hierarchy of control for working at heights.
- Control Measures: Employers must implement control measures to minimize the risk of falls. These measures might include:
- Fall Prevention Systems: Such as guardrails, static line systems, skylight protection and fall arrest systems.
- Safe Work Procedures: Establishing and following procedures to prevent falls during work at heights.
- Training: Ensuring that workers are properly trained in the use of fall prevention systems and in safe work practices at heights.
- Inspection and Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of height safety systems (e.g., ladders, static line systems, and anchor points) are required to ensure they remain in good working condition.
- Emergency Procedures: Developing and implementing emergency procedures for rescue operations in case of a fall or other incidents.
- Documentation: Keeping detailed records of risk assessments, safety procedures, and training. This includes maintaining registers of safety systems and their maintenance schedules.
- Safe Access: Ensuring that any access to height work areas (e.g. roofs) is safe and secure. This includes having appropriate access equipment like fixed ladders with safety features (e.g. lockable doors).
For schools, this means adhering to these regulations is crucial not only for compliance but also for protecting staff and contractors who work at heights. Regular reviews and updates of safety systems and procedures, along with effective training and risk management, are essential to maintaining a safe working environment.
Advanced Asset Management with Anchor Safe
At Anchor Safe, our dedication to height safety goes beyond just installation. We understand the demands on school principals and building managers, which is why we’ve developed an integrated compliance app—our Online Asset Management tool. This innovative solution is designed to simplify and enhance the management of height safety assets, saving you valuable time and ensuring peace of mind.
Key Benefits of Our Online Portal:
- Instant Visibility: Gain immediate access to asset registers and details right at your fingertips. No more digging through paperwork or waiting for reports—everything you need is just a click away.
- Timely Reminders: This proactive approach ensures that you never miss a critical deadline, keeping your safety systems up to date and compliant.
- Enhanced Transparency: Enjoy clear and accessible reporting that tracks your compliance status in real-time. With comprehensive and transparent records, managing and demonstrating safety compliance becomes effortless.
By utilising our online portal, you’ll streamline your height safety management, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—managing your school and teaching students. With Anchor Safe taking full responsibility for your height safety compliance, you can rest easy knowing that safety is in expert hands and that you’re saving time and reducing hassle.
Summary
Ensuring the safety of those who work at heights in schools is not just a regulatory requirement but an ethical obligation. Anchor Safe is here to support schools throughout Australia by providing the expertise, systems, and tools necessary to create a safe working environment. Contact us today to learn how we can help protect your staff and create a safer school environment.
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Check out our Case Studies to discover some of the custom height safety systems we've installed for Educational Institutions around Australia
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