Fall Prevention and Working at Heights - canberra.edu.au · This procedure shall be read in conjunction with the Permit to Work System ... The most appropriate height safety work

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Custodian: Facilities Management Reviewed: March 2017 Next Review: March 2018

Fall Prevention and Working at Heights

PURPOSE

To ensure correct selection, use and maintenance of all fall prevention equipment and a safe

system of work that prevents people or material from falling from height.

1 SCOPE

This procedure applies to all work at heights and to any use of fall prevention systems located

within areas controlled by the University of Canberra. All persons shall comply with the requirements

of this procedure in respect to the selection, use, maintenance, construction or erection of fall

prevention equipment and systems.

This procedure shall be read in conjunction with the Permit to Work System Guideline POL-1000,

Isolation Lockout and Tagging PRO-1060 and Barriers and Barricading PRO-1080 and any other

relevant Permit to Work procedures.

2 PROCEDURE

2.1 General requirements

2.1.1 A person shall not work more than two meters above the surrounding work level

without approved edge protection (guard rail system) and/or have in place an

approved fall prevention system.

2.1.2 Where this work is occurring on stationary mobile equipment, a risk assessment

shall be undertaken as per POL-3203 Risk Management Plan and Tools, to

determine equivalent or increased level of protection required, and shall be

attached to an authorized Permit to Work prior to task commencing.

2.1.3 Work performed inside the confines of an Elevated Work Platform (EWP) or similar

mobile equipment shall require approved edge protection, approved fall

protection systems and be authorized via a Permit to Work.

2.1.4 In accordance with POL-1000 Permit to Work System – Guideline, an authorized

Work at Heights Permit shall be required prior to undertaking any task that:

Is outside the confines of a permanent platform or edge protection

Is on a roof (in which case an authorized Roof Access Permit shall be

required)

2.1.5 When a Work at Heights Permit is required, the responsible supervisor, or a

competent person in charge of the work shall ensure a risk assessment is




completed. This risk assessment shall address all aspects of the heights work to be

completed including:

Training and competence of all workers involved

The most appropriate height safety work method to utilize for the task

The safe access and egress for workers to the work site

The structure condition and other environmental concerns that may affect

the way in which the work is to be performed

Rescue and recovery preparedness in the event of a fall

The condition and appropriateness of equipment and anchor points to be

used.

Note: Refer to the Appendices for further information regarding this assessment

process.

2.1.6 On completion of the work at Heights, the supervisor shall ensure the work area is

secure and clear of residual equipment and material prior to requesting closure

of the Permit to Work.

2.1.7 Barricades and signage shall be installed prior to starting any work at heights in

accordance with PRO-1080 Barriers and Barricades.

2.1.8 Other persons in the area who may be affected by this work at heights shall be

notified prior to commencement.

2.1.9 Tools, equipment and any other loose items shall be secured against falling from

work areas above ground level. Wrist restraints, tool lanyards and a safety helmet

chin strap shall be considered.

2.2 Work Methods

2.2.1 Work methods considered work at heights include but are not limited to the use

and installation of:

Elevating work platform vehicles

Scissor lift

Scaffolding

Suspended scaffolding

Swinging stages

Personnel lift boxes or “sully” boxes

Bosun chairs

Suspended walkways

Ladders

Fall prevention systems




2.2.2 For all work involving lift boxes or sully boxes, thorough examination and test

records shall be provided to the permit authorizer prior to a permit to work being

authorized for its use.

2.3 Fall prevention Systems

2.3.1 A fall prevention system shall be used if a risk assessment has determined that no

other method or safer means is available to complete the work at heights.

Appendix 1 and AS/NZS-1891 series of standards shall be consulted for detailed

information on fall protection devices. Selection shall consider fall clearance and

swing/ fall pendulum hazards.

2.3.2 Only approved fall protection devices shall be used onsite. Seat belt style, self-

retractable lanyards shall not be used on campus. (Refer to the definitions section

for more detail of what constitutes a seat belt retractable lanyard.)

2.3.3 Due to the consumable nature of fall protection devices, proof that the

equipment is being regularly inspected and repaired by appropriately qualified

persons shall be required to receive authorization of Permit to Work.

2.3.4 Fall protection devices shall be stored and transported:

In a cool dry place

away from direct sunlight

without undue strain or pressure

away from sharp implements

away from corrosives and other chemical agents that may impact reliability

2.3.5 Where a fall protection device was used to arrest a free fall, it shall be destroyed

to prevent reuse.

2.3.6 Fall prevention systems shall include:

Restraint systems

Work positioning systems

Fall arrest systems

Anchorage points

Catch platforms

Scaffolding

Safety nets

Safety mesh

2.4 Restraint Systems

2.4.1 A fall restraint system shall only be used where the worker is totally restrained from

reaching a position where a free fall or limited free fall (not greater than 600mm)




is possible. Where free fall, or limited free fall is possible, or the surface slope is over

15º, then a fall arrest system as described in 2.6 shall be used.

2.5 Work Positioning System

2.5.1 A work positioning system is used when a worker is suspended on a rope (e.g.

abseiling down a rope access system, sloping roof work, pole work etc.) A work

positioning system can only be used if any fall is a limited free fall (not greater

than 600mm). Where a free fall is possible a fall arrest system shall be used as

described in 2.6.

2.6 Fall Arrest System

2.6.1 A fall arrest system incorporates a fall arrest harness with an attachment point at

the front (chest region) or the back between the shoulder blades (dorsal region).

NOTE: Fall arrest systems are designed to limit the impact of a fall to no more than

6kN force; this is the force that is generated by a 100kg person accelerating at 6

times the force of gravity. Given that falls of 600mm can generate forces in

excess of 12kN; personal energy absorbers shall be used at all times.

2.6.2 Personal Energy Absorbers incorporated in a lanyard (lanyard assembly) shall be

used with a fall arrest harness. A risk assessment shall be conducted that considers

the distance of the fall to any obstruction; against the lanyard length being

considered and the height of the user to ensure a safe stop distance from any

obstruction. This assessment shall also consider any obstruction within pendulum

swing range in the same manner.




2.6.3 A twin tail lanyard or dual lanyard system shall be used where there is a

requirement for “unhook from and hook to” situations, when operating from a

static line or moving from one level to another. Correct planning of work and

movement of persons in height situations shall be executed before working at

heights tasks commence.

NOTE: It is not an acceptable practice to unhook a single lanyard to move

between anchorages while at heights. Twin tail lanyards are the minimum

precaution required prior to the commencement of such work.

2.7 Connectors

2.7.1 Harnesses, lanyards and carabiners shall be fitted with approved manufacturer

compatible connector systems. As a minimum all connectors shall include double

action locking mechanisms. As an example this would mean two separate

actions being required to connect or disconnect the lanyard from a harness.

Double action locking prevents a number of risks including gate flutter; shutter

and more significantly roll-out while the mechanism is in use or under strain.

2.8 Anchorage Points

2.8.1 Anchor points are approved devices certified by an engineer, and /or propriety

brand devices installed in compliance with the Manufactures Specifications for

fall restraint and fall arrest systems. Anchor points shall be rated as capable of

withstanding a force of 6kN (single fall restraint) and 15kN (single fall arrest).

2.8.2 Where the anchorage point is required to be used as a dual anchorage or for

other fall prevention systems including horizontal life lines, anchorage point

requirements shall be determined through a risk assessment.

2.9 Rescue/ Recovery Plan & Relief Step

2.9.1 Suspension trauma will occur when persons are suspended in a harness due to

any fall. A rescue/ recovery plan shall form part of the planning process for any

work that requires fall prevention equipment usage and shall be attached to the

permit to work. (Refer to Appendix 5 – Emergency Rescue Considerations.)

2.9.2 Relief straps/ steps shall be attached to the lag strap or body of a harness, to aid

in the rescue/ recovery process. The SALA Suspension Trauma Strap is a

recommended minimum standard for the relief step attached to a fall arrest

system.

2.10 Working on Roofs

2.10.1 Any work on a roof requires:

Part 4 – Roof Work of Work at Heights Permit be completed

and

The Roof Access Permit to be completed and authorised.




2.10.2 Secured roof ladders, walkways with safe access/ egress shall be used where it is

necessary to work on sheeting that is possibly fragile or brittle.

2.10.3 A fall prevention system determined by a suitably competent person shall be

installed and used.

2.10.4 Walking along fixing (screw) lines shall not be permitted on sheeting that might be

brittle or fragile without first completing a risk assessment and attaching it to the

Permit to Work for approval.

2.10.5 Should a fragile or brittle roof be discovered a warning notice shall be mounted

at any possible access point advising of the hazard and access requirements.

2.10.6 Where secured planks, crawl boards, cat /roofed fixed ladders or walkways will

not provide sufficient safety, scaffolding platforms shall be constructed prior to

any other work occurring.

2.10.7 Safety meshing, Safety netting, sarking, scaffolding and cat/ roof fixed ladders

with guard rails shall all be considered as possible controls to implement when

there is a possibility of brittle roofing, a fall or an object falling from or through a

roof or ceiling.

2.10.8 When work is to be performed on other than sheeted roofs (such as tiled roofs)

the following shall be considered:

Roof ladders

A work positioning system

Installation of fall arrest anchorage points or static lines

2.10.9 If temporarily accessing a roof or structure a fall protection/ prevention system

shall be used. Where possible edge protection shall be provided around the

perimeter of the roof while work occurs.

2.10.10 A roof on which people may be required to work shall be designed to withstand

the minimum loads specified in AS/NZS 1170 Part 1 and shall have permanent

edge protection installed.

2.11 Ladders

2.11.1 Any work using a ladder requires an authorized Permit to Work including

completion of Part 5 - Ladders.

2.11.2 Consideration shall be given to a safer system of work before use of a ladder.

Examples to consider include: performance of task from ground level, use of an

EWP, the use of a mobile step platform, erection of scaffolding, use of tools with

extension arms, use of a work positioning system such as rope access.




2.11.3 A risk assessment shall be performed prior to use of a ladder that considers:

Type of and time required to complete

task

Position of ladder. Ensuring that:

extension ladders are able to rest at

a four to one slope and step ladders

used in the fully open position

Physical surroundings and conditions Tools being used

Experience of person performing task Amount of leverage required during

task

Chance of over balancing Nearby services

Likelihood of Heavy-lifting Ladder capacity

Ensuring ladder is long enough Slope, sturdiness of ground ladder

sits upon

Will worker be forced to face away from

ladder at any time going up/ down or

while on ladder

Sturdiness of surface ladder will lean

against

Is the place the worker will attempt to

stand when alighting from ladder safe

Are pedestrians and bystanders

protected from any fall or falling

object

Condition of ladder Protecting ladder from an

accidental hit or knock

Will installation of side or cross braces on

ladder be required

Use of dropped object protection

such as tool lanyards and helmet

chin straps

How effectively can ladder be secured

at both top and bottom.

2.12 Scaffolding, Platforms, Ladders, Stairs and Walkways

2.12.1 Scaffolding and rigging work shall be designed, erected and used in accordance

with PRO-### Scaffolding, Platforms, Ladders, Stairs and Walkways.

2.12.2 Floor plates and gratings shall be installed and designed in accordance with

PRO-### Floor installation and Design.

2.13 Inspections

2.13.1 All fall protection devices shall be inspected prior to any use. Monthly inspections

shall be conducted of harnesses and lanyards using a checklist such as that in

Appendix 2. A formal inspection shall also be completed by a person sufficiently

certified and competent on a six monthly basis, with the results of this inspection

recorded upon a register.




2.13.2 When faulty fall protection devices are identified they shall be destroyed and this

noted within the register.

2.13.3 Scaffolding shall be inspected by a competent person at one month intervals or

less, as directed by a competent person. The SCAFFTAG shall be updated with

this inspection information.

2.13.4 Ladders shall be inspected prior to each use by the user. Defective ladders shall

be tagged with an Out of Service Tag and reported as per PRO-1060 Isolation

and Tagging. A mobile ladder shall then be returned to storage and repair

organized; a fixed ladder shall be barricaded to prevent use as per PRO-1080

Barriers and Barricades and repair organized.

2.13.5 Fixed platforms, stairs and walkways that provide working at heights access shall

be inspected by a competent person at least on 12 monthly intervals.

2.13.6 A register shall be maintained of all permanent engineered anchor points across

campus building and facilities that includes manufacture’s load and impact

rating limit, last inspection and stress testing dates.

2.13.7 A colour coded tagging system is recommended to indicate inspection periods

of all height safety and lifting equipment. This enables the easy identification of

any height safety or lifting equipment that has not been appropriately inspected

for faults. See Appendix 3 for Height Safety and Lifting Equipment Colour Tagging.

Board layouts recommendations.

2.14 Signage

2.14.1 Where a colour coding system is being used to indicate inspection periods of

Height safety and lifting equipment. It is recommended that a sign be erected at

the worksite displaying the current period height safety and lifting equipment

colour. See Appendix 3 for Height Safety and Lifting Equipment Colour Board

layout recommendations.

2.15 Training

2.15.1 Any person involved with working at heights shall have received training in the

requirements of work at heights safety.

2.15.2 Any person required to perform work at heights shall be trained in the areas of

competence associated with the task, such as:

The use of permanent and temporary working platforms

The use of ladders

Safe work practices for working on roofs and other structures at heights

Fall prevention systems including specific wearer training and the effects of

suspension trauma using fall protection devices, mapped to a Statement of

Attainment in the National Competency Standard RIIOHS204A Work Safely

at Heights Risk Management Training.

Height Safety rescue and recovery procedures.




3 DEFINITIONS

Anchorage

Means a secure point for attaching a lanyard, lifeline or other component of a travel restraint

system or fall-arrest system. Anchorages require specific load and impact capacities for the

intended use.

At Heights

Where there is a risk of falling two meters or more from the surrounding work level.

Bosun Chair

A single person light-duty chair suspended by a wire rope scaffold winch or fibre rope block and

tackle.

Competent Person

A person who has acquired through training, qualification or experience (or combination of these)

the knowledge and skills enabling that person to safely perform a specific task.

Elevating Work Platform

Means a telescoping, scissors or articulating device, or any combination of these, that is used to

position personnel, material or equipment at an elevated work area.

Fall Arrest Harness

Means an assembly of interconnected shoulder and leg straps, with or without a body belt, which is

designed to distribute forces to minimize the likelihood of injury from an arrested fall, and to prevent

the wearer from falling out of the assembly straps. It consists of a full body harness (parachute type)

together with associated components such as a lanyard and personal energy absorber.

Fall Protection

Provide personal protective equipment which either prevents a fall or reduces the risk or severity of

a fall, or in the event of a fall minimizes the risk of injury.

Fall Restraint

Operators are equipped with hardware designed to allow access to a work area without allowing

the risk of a fall.

Fragile or Brittle Roof

Fragile or brittle sheeting shall be considered as any sheeting material that if tested would fail the

impact resistance level specified in Australian Standard series AS/NZS 1639. In this procedure, all

ceiling material is regarded as fragile sheeting.

Free Fall

Is any fall or part of a fall where the person falling is under the unrestrained influence of gravity over

any fall distance, either vertically or on a slope on which it is not possible to walk without the

assistance of a handrail or hand line.

Inertia Reel

Is a mechanical device that arrests a fall by locking onto a dropline and at the same time allows

freedom of movement. (Also known as a self-retracting lanyard or fall-arrest block).




Personal Energy Absorber

Means a device, used with a fall-arrest harness and lanyard, which reduces the deceleration force

imposed when a fall is arrested, and correspondingly reduces the loadings on the anchor point

and person’s body. The energy absorber may either be a separate item or manufactured as part

of the lanyard.

Lift Box

A light-duty work stage designed for the purpose of carrying personnel to perform work at a remote

location at height, and is connected to a crane hook via slings.

Restraint Line

Is the line securing workers to a point of anchorage and is used to prevent a person from reaching

a point from which they could fall.

Seat belt style self-retracting Lanyards

Are basically an upgraded seat belt retractor. They are relatively inexpensive, light weight, lock up

very quickly thus allowing very little free fall potential and come in a variety of equipment

variations.

However their deficiencies are extensive. Because of their quick lock up speed they restrict

movement and can be annoying to the point of frustration. If subjected to a fall of any height they

must be disposed of immediately, however this might not be noticeable in the unit so continued

use might occur. Their internal workings and lanyard are routinely exposed to the environment that

may adversely affect their workings and durability. Work areas such as paint shops or any

environment that might result in high particulate contaminate are suspect for the use of this device.

As they get older and become worn they acquire a symptom commonly referred to as the “dog

tongue effect” whereby the device loses its ability to fully retract allowing the lanyard to hang as

much as two feet below the main body of the device. This is a sure sign that the retractor spring has

lost its strength. If not equipped with a swivel either at the main body or the point of connection

there is the possibility of the line becoming twisted so as to restrict the line’s ability to retract fully.

This could cause slack in the system raising the potential of a free fall.

While there are many worthwhile applications for this unit, special attention to inspection care and

maintenance become necessary. For these reasons this type of unit is not to be used on University

of Canberra grounds or work areas.

Sully box

A light-duty work stage designed for the purpose of carrying personnel to perform work at a remote

location at height, being connected to the crane boom or jib by bolts or pins.

Swing Stages

A suspended work stage supported by wire rope scaffold winches or climbers.




4 ACCOUNTABILITIES

Role Responsibilities

General Managers Ensure compliance with the requirements of this

procedure within their Department or school

Maintain and support a risk management culture by

endorsing the risk management requirements within this

procedure

Ensure adequate resources are provided to meet the

requirements as defined within this procedure

Estate and Facilities Management

Manager

Ensure systems are established and maintained to

support the requirements of this procedure

Department Managers Ensure systems are established and maintained to support

and comply with the requirements of this procedure within

their department

Ensure adequate resources are provided to meet the

Departments requirements as identified in this procedure

Ensure that all new items of plant, equipment or systems

shall be designed and installed as per the requirments of

this procedure.

Ensure Training programs applicable to the task being

peformed on the job are recorded appropriately in

Training Plans / Role Requirements

Ensure appropriate Training programs exist applicable to

the tasks being performed

Safety Manager, Officers or

Advisors

Support the Departments Manager to achieve the

requirements of this procedure

Support Department personnel and contractors to meet

the requirements of this procedure

Facilitate and/or participate in any risk management

activities associated with work at heights

Ensure that observations are conducted on a random

basis to ensure compliance with this procedure.

Workplace Supervisor,

Contractors performing work at

heights and any other Work at

Heights competent persons.

Ensure the requirements of this procedure are met during

any work at heights work activities.

Report any potential new risks or hazards that are

identified during work activities

Participate in risk management activities as and when

requested

When a Work at Heights Permit is required, ensure a risk

assessment is completed in accordance with Risk

Management Policy and Tools and attach this to the

Permit to Work prior to requesting Permit authorization.

Ensure this risk assessment addresses all aspects of the

height work to be completed




Ensure a fall prevention system is only used if it has been

assessed as the safest method of performing the task.

Ensure fall protection devices are stored and transported

in accordance with section 2.3.5 of this procedure.

Ensure that if a fall protection device was used to arrest a

fall, it is destroyed.

Ensure Personal Energy absorbers incorporated in a

lanyard (lanyard assembly) are used with a fall arrest

harness. Ensure the risk assessment conducted considers

the distance of the fall to the ground, against the

deployed lanyard length and height of the user to ensure

a safe drop distance from the ground is maintained. Also

consider the effect of rebound and pendulum swing in this

assessment

Ensure that harnesses and lanyards are fitted with

approved manufacturer compatible connectors

Ensure a rescue/recovery plan is included in every

instance where fall prevention equipment is used

Ensure relief straps/ steps are attached to the leg strap or

body of the harness, to aid in the rescue/ recovery

process. (The SALA Suspension Trauma Safety Strap is a

recommended standard for work on UC grounds or

facilities campus)

Inspect fall protection devices at the start of every usage

and/ or shift.

On completion of the Work at Heights task, ensure that the

work area is secure and clear of residual equipment and

material.

Ensure that a formal inspection on all height safety and

lifting equipment within their control has occurred within

the last six months.

Ensure scaffolding is inspected at a one month interval or

less, and ensure the SCAFFTAG is updated with all relevant

information

Ensure fixed platforms, stairs and walkways have been

inspected by a competent person at 12 month intervals or

less




5 REFERENCES

POL-1000 Permit to Work System - Guideline

PRO-1060 Isolation Lockout and Tagging

PRO-1080 Barriers and Barricades

AS/NZS 1639 Design and installation of Corrugated Fibre – Reinforced Cement Roofing and Wall

Cladding

AS/NZS 1170 Part 1 SAA Loading Code

AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding

AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding

AS/NZS 1892 Portable ladders

AS 1891.1 Industrial Fall Arrest Systems and Devices – Safety Belts and Harnesses

AS 1891.2 Industrial Fall Arrest Systems and Devices – Horizontal Lifeline and Rail Systems

AS 1891.3 Industrial Fall Arrest Systems and Devices – Fall Arrest Devices

AS 1891.4 Industrial Fall Arrest Systems and Devices – Selection, Use and Maintenance

AS/NZS 4389 Safety Mesh

AS 1657 Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders – Design, Construction and

Installation

AS 3569 Steel Wire Ropes

AS/NZS 4142 Fibre Ropes

AS/NZS 1639 Industrial Rope Access Systems

SafeWork Australia Code of Practice – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces 2015

SafeWork Australia Code of Practice – Preventing Falls in Housing Construction 2016

SafeWork Australia Code of Practice – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities 2011.

Work Health and Safety Act 2011

Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011




APPENDIX

Appendix 1 Harness and Belt Types

Appendix 2 Example – Fall Protection Device Inspection Checklist

Appendix 3 Example – Height Safety and Lifting Equipment Colour Board Layout

Appendix 4 Example – Brittle or Fragile Roof Checklist

Appendix 5 Emergency Rescue Considerations

Appendix 6 Example – Working at Heights Hazards

Appendix 7 Example – SALA Harness, Attachments and Accessories Chart

Appendix 8 The A, B, C, D and E of Fall Arrest

Appendix 9 Fall Clearance Calculation Chart

Appendix 10 The Pendulum Effect Explained

Appendix 11 Correct Fitting of a Harness

Appendix 12 Example - Rescue Plan

Appendix 13 Example –Roof Work/ Access Checklist

APPENDIX 14 Example - Selection of Height Safety Equipment linked to Hierarchy of Control

APPENDIX 15 Example - Decision Tree for Preventing Falls from Roofs

APPENDIX 16 Examples of Roof and Height Safety Protection systems




APPENDIX 1

Harness and Belt Types




APPENDIX 1

Harness and Belt Types




APPENDIX 2

Fall Protection Device Inspection Checklist




APPENDIX 3

Example – Height Safety and Lifting Equipment colour coding system signage boards

The following examples refer to an Inspection colour coding system that could be used where:

January to June Year 1 – RED

July to December Year 1 – BLUE

January to June Year 2 – Green

July to December Year 2 - Yellow

Sign during Inspection period July to Dec Year 2 Sign during inspection period Jan to June Year 1




APPENDIX 4

Example – Brittle or Fragile Roof Checklist




APPENDIX 5

Emergency Rescue Considerations




APPENDIX 6

Example – Work at Heights Hazards

All hazards that any person may be exposed to as a result of work at heights or falling objects should be

identified. The hazards should be identified prior to work commencing and when changes occur to

systems of work. Factors to be considered include, but are not limited to:

Surfaces

The stability

The fragility or brittleness

The slipperiness (e.g. where surfaces are wet, polished, glazed or oily in the case of new steelwork)

The safe movement of employees where surfaces change

The strength or capability to support loads

The slope of work surfaces

Levels

Where levels change and employees may be exposed to a fall from one level to another

Structures

The stability of temporary or permanent structures

The ground

The evenness and stability of ground for safe support of scaffolding or working platform

Raised areas

Whether it is crowded or cluttered

Scaffolding

The correct erection and dismantling

Edges

Edge protection for open edges of floors, working platforms, walkways, walls or roofs

Hand grip

Places where hand grip may be lost

Openings

Which will require identification or protection or unguarded shafts or excavations




Proximity of employees to unsafe areas

Where loads are placed on elevated working areas

When objects are below a work area, such as star pickets

Where work is to be carried out above workers (e.g. potential hazards from falling objects)

Power lines, electrical energy sources near working areas

Movement of plant or equipment

Ensuring there is no sudden acceleration or deceleration

Access to, egress from and movement around the working area

Checking for obstructions

Manual handling

Checking safe work practices for carrying awkward materials, such as boards and roof sheeting,

which may be caught in the wind.

Lighting

Bad lighting causing poor vision

Weather

When heavy rain, dew, wind or glare are present

Employees

Suitability of PPE worn for the conditions

Not adequately trained/ unfamiliar with task

Ladders

Where and how they are being used




APPENDIX 7

Example – SALA Harness, Attachments and Accessories Chart




APPENDIX 8

The A B C D and E of Fall Arrest

A – ANCHORAGE

Anchorage means a secure point of attachment (structure) for the fall arrest system. Type of anchorage

varies with the industry, the job being performed, the type of installation and most importantly the

structure available. Anchorage connections provide a means of attaching the system to the anchorage

and shall be capable of sustaining a force of 15kN for a single person and 22kN for two person

applications. A variety of anchorage connections are available for all applications. Refer to AS 1891.1 for

a detailed summary of applications and ratings for anchorages.

B – BODY HARNESS

Full body harnesses provide a connection point on the worker for the personal fall arrest system.

Depending upon application, they can be used as part of a system to protect the worker from falling

and to limit the extent of potential injury in case of a fall. Harnesses shall be Australian standards certified,

within the service date, inspected and correctly fitted and adjusted prior to use. It is recommended that

a harness be used with other equipment supplied from the same manufacturer to ensure compatibility

and minimizes risks such as roll out.

C – CONNECTORS

Connectors are devices used to connect the worker’s full body harness to the anchor system.

Connectors include lanyards, snap-hooks, karabiners, deceleration devices and specialty systems such

as self-retracting lifeline, ladder climbing systems, vertical lifelines and rope grabs as well as horizontal

lifelines. Ensure that compatible hardware is used to minimize the risk of roll out.

D – DECELERATORS

By law, every fall protection system shall have an energy absorption component to minimize the impact

of the force created during a fall on the body to less than 6kN. Decelerators include self-retracting

lifelines (otherwise known as SRL’s, blocks and inertia reels) or shock absorbing lanyards. Decelerators

shall be fitted between the anchor point and full body harness.

E – EMERGANCY RESCUE

The retrieval of a fallen worker or the self-rescue of workers is a necessary component of any fall

protection program. Australian standards require that where a worker is exposed to the risk of a fall, a

rescue plan shall be in place for the self-rescue or retrieval of the fallen worker. People left hanging for

even a short amount of time may be subject to the potentially fatal effects of suspension trauma, or

‘orthostatic intolerance’. Have a rescue plan in place that allows escape within 10 minutes and ensures

that the rescue techniques are practiced regularly.




APPENDIX 9 - Fall Clearance Calculation Chart




APPENDIX 10

The Pendulum Effect

Is the swing that occurs when you are wearing a Personal Fall Arrest System (harness, lanyard, anchorage

point) that is not anchored directly overhead. If a fall should occur, you will swing, like a pendulum, back

toward the anchor point. The pendulum effect can result in significant injuries and needs to be

considered when planning any work at heights.




APPENDIX 11

Correct Fitting of a Harness




APPENDIX 12 – Example of Rescue Plan




APPENDIX 13 – Example - Roof Access/ Work Checklist




APPENDIX 14 Example - Selection of Height Safety Equipment linked to Hierarchy of Control




APPENDIX 15 Example - Decision Tree for Preventing Falls from Roofs




APPENDIX 16 Examples of Roof and Height Safety Protection systems

Roof ladder on Brittle Asbestos Roof Safety nets setup under roof construction

Safety Mesh installed prior to roof construction Edge Protection for Roofing work

Safe Work Platform on Brittle Roof Safety Mesh Protection over skylight

Documents

Fall Prevention and Working at Heights - canberra.edu.au · This procedure shall be read in conjunction with the Permit to Work System ... The most appropriate height safety work