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General Height Safety Questions

• At what height is fall protection required in Australia?

  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

• What is the Hierarchy of Control for Working at Heights?

  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.

  

• When should I be continuously connected to a height safety system?

  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.

• What are the 4 methods of fall protection?

  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. 

• How do I choose the right type of height safety system?

  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

• Is training required to use height safety systems?

  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.

• Can I refuse to work at height?

  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.

• What is a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)?

  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:

  • Identify the work that is high-risk construction work
  • Specify hazards relating to the high-risk construction work and the risks to health and safety
  • Describe the measures to be implemented to control the risks, and
  • Describe how the control measures are to be implemented, monitored and reviewed.

Height Safety Inspections

• How often do Height Safety Systems and Equipment need inspections and maintenance?

  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.

• Do anchor points need to be certified and tagged?

  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 harness inspection what should you look for?

  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.

Anchor Safe’s Audit Process

• Are there temporary solutions to minimise risk until full compliance is achieved?

  Yes, there are temporary solutions to minimise risk until full compliance is achieved. The first step is to restrict access to the non-compliant areas, ensuring they are not used until they meet safety standards. In cases where urgent access is unavoidable, it’s crucial to implement temporary fall protection measures. This could include the use of temporary anchor points, mobile fall protection systems, or guardrails that provide immediate protection to workers.
  
  Additionally, appointing a safety supervisor to oversee any temporary work and ensuring contractors are fully trained in height safety protocols is essential to maintain control over risks during this period. Regular monitoring and reassessment of the temporary measures should also be conducted to ensure ongoing safety. 

• Can we prioritise the non-compliant items based on risk?

  Yes, the Anchor Safe team have implemented an in-depth reporting system, where each non-compliant item is prioritised according to the risk. Priority 1 items include systems where there is high likelihood of major injury, whereas priority 2 items include systems that are medium likelihood and minor injuries. Further to this, priority 3 items include addition safety measures to maximise user safety and protection of assets and are typically just recommendations.

• How can we prevent these non-compliances from happening again in the future?

  Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Ensure that all height safety systems undergo regular inspections by qualified professionals who provide accurate, detailed and consistent reporting. Frequent inspections will help identify issues early and ensure systems remain compliant according to Australian Standards.

• How urgent is it to address these non-compliances?

  Immediate attention is required for very high – risk non-compliant items such as out of pendulum anchor points, static lines, ladders exceeding 4meters. Lower risk non-compliant items such as walkway improvements, signage and additional safety measures can be considered for on-going improvement and safety.

• What are the costs associated with fixing these non-compliances?

  Your designated Business Development Manager (BDM) will be in touch shortly to schedule a consultation meeting with you. Our goal during this consultation is to outline all required and recommended upgrades based on the audit findings and ensure they align with your operational needs, safety requirements and budget. Please feel free to contact your BDM directly if you have any questions or would like to discuss the audit findings before your consultation meeting.

• What are the legal or regulatory consequences of not addressing non-compliances?

  As a building owner or manager, it is your legal responsibility to ensure the health and safety of any worker carrying out activities on your building, as is reasonably practical. Part 4.4 of the  2011 WHS Regulation states:  “A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must, under part 3.1, manage risks to health and safety associated with a fall by a person from one level to another that is reasonably likely to cause injury to the person or any other person.”

• What are the next steps after addressing the non-compliances?

  Ongoing Support – We are committed to providing any further information or assistance to ensure we are taking full responsibility for your height safety needs. We support our clients over the lifespan of a building, acting as a trusted partner, focused on ongoing compliance and reliable height safety for all workers. Anchor Safe can offer a 3-5 year fixed price contract for on-going annual inspections and certification.

• What do these non-compliances mean on my report?

  Non-compliances on your site mean our technicians have tested your existing height safety equipment & systems and have deemed the system non-compliant due to it failing to comply to the current Australian standards or the system has not been installed according to the manufacturers instructions. This system is immediately rendered out of action to alert users of the non-compliance and access to this system or piece equipment should be denied.

• Will business operations be impacted during the remediation work?

  No, the Anchor Safe team have an average project completion timeframe of a few days and within this time there is minimum interference to daily operations.

Height Safety PPE

• At what height do you have to use a safety harness?

  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. 

• What is the standard for safety harnesses in Australia?

  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.

• Can you connect two lanyards together?

  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.

Roof Safety

• How to know if existing roof safety equipment is in compliance with current standards?

  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.

• Why are rooftop walkways necessary?

  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.

• Is it safe to walk on mesh skylight protection?

  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.

• What is the standard for roof walkways in Australia?

  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.

Ladder Safety

• What is the maximum height you can work from a portable ladder?

  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.

• Can I use a ladder bracket at heights greater than 4m?

  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.

• What height should a ladder extend beyond the place of landing?

  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.

Passive Fall Protection

• What is a passive fall protection system?

  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

Fall Arrest

• What is a fall arrest system?

  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.

• Can I install fall arrest anchor points myself?

  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.

Fall Restraint

• What is a fall restraint system?

  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.

• When should a fall restraint system be used?

  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.

• Can I install fall restraint anchor points myself?

  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.

Acts, Codes and Legislation

• What is the difference between Australian height safety standards and the Building Code of Australia (BCA)?

  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.

• What is the difference between height safety codes of practice and industry standards?

  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.

• Where can I find the latest information on height safety acts, standards and codes for my state?

  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.

• Your legal obligations

  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.

• Duty of care

  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.

• Hierarchy of legislation for working 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.

• Your obligations under the Work Health & Safety Act 2011

  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.

• Your obligations under the Work Health & Safety Regulations 2011

  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 regulations

  Maximum penalty: In the case of an individual $6000.
  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 Standards

There are a number of standards that apply when working at heights for Australian workplaces. It is important to note that even though these standards are not mandatory they are referred to in the codes of practice and they establish minimum standards for product manufacturing, product performance & specifications. There are Australian & international standards, as well as Standards developed by professional industry associations. For more information view SafeWork Australia’s Australian standards information sheet.

Standards are not laws, however, if there is a specific law that states that a Standard must comply with it then it is a legal requirement that you conform to it.

Working at heights practices and height safety equipment are governed by the below standards:

• AS 1657:2018 Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways & Ladders

  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.

• Walkways

  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.

• Ladders

  Angle	Type of Access	Considerations	Other Issues	Applications
  20° to 45°	Stairways (straight Flights) Preferred range is 30° to 38°	Frequent access required Suitable for use when light loads, or hand tools need to be carried. Good for low to medium heights Suitable for emergency evacuations Suitable for two-way traffic. Less physical effort required than ladders.	Minimum to risers Maximum Height if single flight is 4050 mm (18 rises at 225mm) Width and angle of stairs to be selected to suit expected use.	Roof Access Access to and between service platforms General plant access Access to service bays Vehicle operator access
  60° to 70°	Step-type Ladder	Periodic access 6m maximum vertical distance between landings Use if there is no need to carry loads or large tools The structure precludes other preferred methods of access	Ensure that persons using the ladder can only do so when facing the ladder. Consider need for restricted access or locked -off	Mobile plant access Vehicle load access Access to low level landings or platforms Step-over for pipework or other obstructions
  70° to 90°	Rung-Type Ladder  (Twin stiles) preferred range 70° to 75°	Infrequent access 6m maximum vertical distance between landings There is a need to carry large tools or equipment Not specifically intended for evacuation purposes Physically harder to use than other types of access	Ladders exceeding 6m in a fall distance require a cage or fall protection device Generally intended for single person use Consider need for restricted access or locked-off	Access to plant or structure where limited space precludes other forms of accessTowers or mastsMobile plant
  80° to 90°	Individual Rung -type Ladder preferred range is 80° to 90°	Infrequent access Used in near vertical distance between landings 6m maximum vertical distance between landings Provisions required for safe access onto and off the ladder.	Ladders exceeding 3.5 m in fall distance require some form of fall arrest systemSingle persons use onlyMust be restricted access or locked-offCorrosion protection required	Access to plant or structure where space precludes other forms of accessStorm water and sewerage access pitsElectricity cable pits

• Selection of access – limits of slope

  

• AS/NZS 1891.2.2001 Industrial Fall Arrest Systems & Devices

  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 Industrial Fall Arrest Systems & Devices

  AS/NZS 1891.4.2009 provides guidance for the selection of equipment and safe use procedures for industrial fall arrest systems and equipment such as harnesses, horizontal lifelines & rails.  AS/NZS 1891.4.2009 states that Regardless of the type of system to which the wearer is connected, if there is a likelihood of a free fall greater than 600 mm, a full-body harness shall be worn.

• AS/NZS 1892.5.2000 Portable Ladders

  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.

• AS/NZS 2865.1995 Confined Space

  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.

• AS/NZS ISO 22846.1.2020 Personal Equipment for protection against falls

  AS/NZS ISO 22846.1:2020 outlines the principles for the use of rope access systems as personal protective equipment (PPE) for preventing falls. This standard focuses on ensuring safety during rope access work by detailing key requirements for planning, supervision, equipment use, and worker competence. It emphasizes minimizing risks through proper system design, redundancy, and adherence to safety protocols. The document applies to all industries using rope access, promoting consistent practices to protect workers operating at height.

• AS/NZS 5532-2013 Manufacturing requirements for Single Point anchor devices used for harness-based work at height

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