1980’s Speleology Rock & ice climbing equipment used

for industrial applications

1992 First multipurpose engineered system -TRAC

approved by WorkCover as method of rope access

1990’s Auto stop descenders commonly used reducing

fatalities

2004 OH&S legislation put onus on employers

2011 WHS legislation put onus on all PCBU’s

2018 Latest multipurpose engineered system – Roper

System® launched

First purpose designed helicopter rescue harness & kit . SRTE, Mortdale 1983

Workers and other persons should be given the highest level of protection against harm to their health, safety and welfare from hazards and risks arising from work as is reasonably practicable. Guide to the Model Work Health and Safety act. March 2016. Safe Work Australia.

• Fall arrest is not acceptable • Rescue plan must be executed immediately • Half a point of attachment is not acceptable • Equipment should:

• comply with or exceed Australian Standards • be fit for purpose • be compatible – you must use an engineered system • have appropriate WLL visible on each component

Recurring risks across Sydney Construction sites • Workers & PCBU’s lack an acceptable understanding of the consequence of a fall. • No realistic rescue plan and no rehearsal • Level of protection applied is inadequate e.g. excavation - poorly secured fence

panels, within 450mm of edge of excavation; • FA harness poorly fitted, incorrect or overweight workers wearing FAH which is

only rated for 100kg • FA lanyard connected to Dorsal D with too much slack to anchor to allow

movement for work • Workers not secured when climbing ladders – contrary to SWMS

An engineered Working at Heights system should ensure: Operators are always in work

positioning or fall restraint Operators are already on the rescue

system allowing for immediate rescue Operators are competent & familiar

with it’s operation, reducing the chance of misuse & accidents

The engineered system is the highest level of control. It should be simple and multipurpose, increasing competency and productivity.

Physical Controls

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK

PROVISION FOR RESCUE

Supplementary Controls

EXCLUSION AREA

WORK POSITIONING

RESTRAINT TECHNIQUE

LIMITED FREE FALL ARREST

RETRAINED FALL ARREST

FREE FALL ARREST

The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 imposes a specific duty on officers…to exercise due diligence… The duty requires officers to be proactive in ensuring that the PCBU complies with its duty.

1. Investigate current industry issues 2. Understanding operations and associated hazards 3. Eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety 4. Responding to information about incidents,

hazards and risks in a timely fashion https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/legal-obligations/employer-business-obligations/due-diligence

DON’T WORRY! I CAN SEE THE RESCUE TEAM. THEY SHOULD BE HERE IN ABOUT 30 MIN. THEN 30 MINS TO GET UP HERE AND

AN HOUR TO SET UP. YOU’LL BE OUT OF HERE IN

UNDER 2 HOURS

Very important.. Always re-assure

the casualty

©

Ensure all components compatible WLL on entire system Improves productivity Reduces or eliminates risks Simplifies the system which will

require less training, increased competency

Less chance of misuse

“By using an engineered system we are improving OPAT’s productivity in leaps and bounds without compromising quality…It’s proving to be revolutionary” Theresa O’Dea, OPAT

I know what I know and am taking action

I know I need practice

I know that I don’t know

I don’t know what I don’t know UNCONSCIOUS INCOMPETENCE

CONSCIOUS INCOMPETENCE

CONSCIOUS COMPETENCE

UNCONSCIOUS COMPETENCE

Instructors teaching knots, incorrectly

Sharp teeth on devices are designed

for use in icy conditions

Common back up devices. Which is the most suitable?

Is this working load limit enough? What karabiner is the right shape?

Which sling is a suitable width for the karabiner?

Which shock absorber is safe?

An engineered System ensures all components are compatible

Is your descender rated for a 2 person rescue load and with

which rope?

An engineered System will ensure the correct rope is used

An engineered system reduces the risk of incorrect knots by eliminating them

Shock absorption should be incorporated into an engineered System

Anchor point failure is very common. Anchors must be assessed by an “appropriately qualified” person

This is an Australian Standards compliant harness for fall arrest.

The CE Mark is not a guarantee of safety www.strategicsafety.co.uk/pdf/Technical-Paper-9-Beware-the-CE-Mark.pdf

A standards compliant or CE marked item does not mean the product is suitable for your application.

An unconscious person will fall out of this harness.

Using an engineered system, in fall restraint, you should be able to wear a suitable sit harness

This harness has the CE mark, however does not comply with Australian Standards, because the leg loop webbing is narrower than 50mm. In the event of a fall this harness allows for the pressure to be distributed across the pelvis and legs, significantly reducing organ damage.

The first logo is the official CE symbol; the second is an unregistered mark which can be found on items manufactured in China which stands for “China Export”

Engineered Adjective designed and built using scientific principles - Skilfully and deliberately arranged rather than arising naturally or spontaneously. System Noun a set of connected things or devices that operate together An engineered system is essential to ensure all components are compatible. In order to engineer a system each component needs to be vigorously tested with other components in both a laboratory and in situ environments. The system must work in a variety of situations with the same outcomes. Work processes & systems should be designed to eliminate or minimize hazards & risks . Action Areas & strategic Outcomes by 2022. Safe Work Australia

Ensure all components compatible

WLL on entire system

Improves productivity

Reduces or eliminates risks

Equipment

Anchoring

Knots

Fall arrest

Simplifies the system which will require less training, increased competency

Less chance of misuse

Engineered system must be developed by a competent person with extensive knowledge

• design • Manufacturing • Training • accident investigation etc

Experience; and

Ability based on • research • testing, and • occupation.