Safe Work At Heights

Aloft or over the side

Significance of Fall Injuries

Falls in Australia are the second highest
cause of fatalities in the workplace
They are the highest cause of fatalities
and major injuries in the construction
industry.

LEGISLATION
Marine orders
Code of safe Work practice for Australian
seafarers
Australian/New Zealand Standards 4488.1
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Advisory Standard/Code of
Practice
Not a statutory document
Provides practical advice that can be
applied within a workplace
Deals with risk assessment and
management
Provides options
Admissible as evidence in court
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TERMINOLOGYS
Free Fall- Under the unrestrained influence of
gravity, either vertically or on a slope which it is
not possible to walk without the assistance of a
handrail or hand line

Restrained Fall - Where a fall is under less

than the full influence of gravity, due to the
action of a restraining device such as a pole
strap, or sliding down a slope less steep than
indicated above for a free fall
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TERMINOLOGYS
Fall Factors- Fall factor of 1 is where a fall

can be no greater than the distance of the

lanyard
- Fall factor of 2 is where the distance of fall
may possibly be twice the distance of the
lanyard
Total Fall Distance- The total distance of fall
including free fall and restrained parts of a fall
and including the maximum dynamic extension
of all supporting components
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Harnesses/Belts
Fall -arrest harness
Free or restrained fall
Confined Space harness
For confined spaces & as a fall arrest
harness
Restraint belt
For restraint only

Lessons to learn

Require in the HSE-plan that users of Safety Harnesses are properly

trained for how to wear and use a harness.

Test users in their first period on site about their knowledge on use and
risks of safety harnesses. And take appropriate actions if needed. When
in doubt, do not allow them to continue their use of the harness until
instruction misunderstood.

Use your inspections to specifically focus on the use of harnesses.

Demand/provide a toolbox how to wear, use and inspect Safety

harnesses for
the first use by the worker on a project.

Always require 100% tie off.

Think about and discuss rescue possibilities during LMRA/SPA

preparation to
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Lanyards
Lanyard-line used as part of a lanyard
assembly connected to a fall arrest harness
and an anchor where there is a risk of free
fall (the working slack length of a lanyard is
not to be more than 2 meters

Energy Absorber- reduces the

deceleration forces imposed by an arrested

fall

Lanyard Assembly- assembly

of lanyard and energy absorber, used as for

the lanyard above. (as with the lanyard, the
working slack length is not to be more than
2 meters

Retractable Lanyard-

retracting lanyard used as for the lanyard,

though allows greater movement for the
operator. Also known as a type 2 fall arrest
device
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Workplace Health and Safety Act

For the employer to provide a healthy
and safe workplace by:
identifying hazards
assessing risks
implementing control measures
monitoring and reviewing effectiveness

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Height Safety
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OH&S Regulations State

> 2-metres
requires workers to be trained
requires inspection of the system.

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Use of ladders
Defines permitted work from ladders, which
restricts:
Objects carried which restrict persons
movements
Loss of balance while doing work
Persons trunk to be centred between stiles of
ladder.
Equipment used by one hand only.

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Use of ladders
Have 3 points of contact at all times or,
Use pole strap, or
Use fall arrest harness system.
Also requires ladders to be secured top
and bottom.

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When do we need Safety

Systems in place
2.0 meters

2.0-metres

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AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS
(AS/NZS)
Set the benchmark for how equipment is
designed, manufactured and used.
Are not statutory documents however,
they can be used as such if referred to
by the Regulations.
Can also be used in court to provide
evidence of unsafe equipment and
unsafe practices.
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Australian Standards (AS)

We are concerned with the following AS:

AS1891.1

Safety Belts and Harnesses

AS1891.2

Static Lines

AS1891.3

Fall Arrests Systems

AS1891.4

Selection use and

maintenance

AS4142.3

Static Life Rescue Lines

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REQUIREMENTS OF AS1891.1:
The full body fall arrest harness is designed to do
the following:

Arrest the fall

Distribute the load to reduce injury

Ensure the wearer is head up

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AS 4142.3 requirements are

as follows

min. rope strength >3000kg

kernmantle design

low stretch

min. diameter 11mm

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Hazard ID and Risk Assessment

Identify all hazards
Assess the risk of each hazard based on:
Likelihood
Consequence

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Hierarchy of Control
Elimination-on the ground
Substitution- elevated work platform
Engineering-permanent work platform
Administrative- exclusion zones & PTW
Fall arrest

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Restraint v- Fall Arrest

Travel Restraint System

Fall arrest System

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The maximum free fall distance

allowed under AS1891.1 is:

2 metres

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Why does it hurt?

If you weigh 100Kg, and fall 2 meters,
the force is similar to 1.5 tonne.

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Fall Factor
Fall factor of 1 is
where a fall can be no
greater than the
distance of the lanyard
Fall factor of 2 is
where the distance of
fall may possibly be
twice the distance of
the lanyard
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Forces in Falls
The maximum allowable force the body is
to be subjected to under AS 1891.1 is:

6kN (600kg)
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Limiting the Force

Dont fall as far (shorter lanyard)
Use a retracting lanyard
Use Inertia Reel
Use Shock Absorber

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Dos and Donts

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Fall Arrest System

Anchorage
Lanyard
Harness

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Anchorage Point

= 15kN
= 1,500kg
= 1.5 tonne
= Family car

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Anchor Points
Fixed
Horizontal life lines
Vertical life lines
IF IN DOUBT, STOP AND ASK FOR A
PROPER ASSESSMENT

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Safe Anchors
Anchorage point - a secure point of attachment to a
structure to which a fall arrest device or anchorage line
(horizontal safety line, vertical rope grab device) may be
attached
Structure Anchor- Use of existing structure for anchorage
point
Constructed Anchor- Designed anchor constructed for the
specific purpose of being and anchorage point
Select and locate anchors, so that:
safety lines can be attached prior to being at risk of fall
anchor point is capable of withstanding 15kN in a
direction that simulates the loading likely to be placed on
the anchor in the event of a fall
the anchor is checked for deterioration
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Attachment hardware:
Must have Double Action Hooks
Karabiners- must be at least double
locking
This reduces risk of Rollout & depression
of gate
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Horizontal Safety Lines

Horizontal Safety Line-

Creates an anchor point that

allows for freedom of movement
Can be a permanent fixture or a
temporary life line system
(temporary lines generally run a
maximum distance of up to 20
meters)
Anchorage lines can be fibre
rope, webbing, steel cable, or
rigid rail
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Vertical Rope Grab Systems

Vertical Rope Grab Device Used to arrest a fall when
making vertical ascents
and/or descents using
ladders etc.
Type 1 fall arrester is
typically used with these
devices
Lanyards used must not be
longer than 300mm
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Type 1,2 & 3 Fall Arrest Devices

Type 1 Fall Arrest Device

fall arrest device that travels

along an anchorage line, locks
onto the line and can only be
loaded in the direction of the line

Type 2 Fall Arrest Device

a spring loaded anchorage line

pays out and locks when loaded
and releases when load is
removed, e.g. inertia reels
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Type 1,2 & 3 Fall Arrest Devices

Type 3 Fall Arrest Device
a spring loaded anchorage line
pays out and locks when
loaded and releases when load
is removed, and may be wound
back up to effect recovery if
required

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Inertia Reels
Inertia reels should be anchored above the head,
with the user operating within a 30 degree angle as
follows:

60

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Correct Use of Equipment

Set up fall arrest systems so that a person with a fall arrest
harness can not fall more than 2 meters
Don harness and ensure it is correctly adjusted
Type 1 device used on roofs, the user needs the device in
front in order to manually operate the mechanism,
connection to the D ring on side of harness is appropriate
for this operation
Maintain a minimum of slack in the lanyard between the
person and attachment to the anchorage
Do not connect snap hooks (karabiners) to each other
Do not use lanyards in conjunction with inertia reels (type 2
& 3 fall arrest systems) Type 1 fall arrest system maximum
length of lanyard is 300mm
Do not use inertia reels as working supports
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Pre & Post Operational Checks

Componant

Prior to and on
completion of use all
equipment is to be
inspected

Condition/fault to be checked

Webbing

Cuts or tears
Abrasion damage
Excessive stretching
Damage due to heat, corrosives, or solvents
Deterioration due to rot, mildew, ultrviolet exposure

Snap hooks

Distortion of hook or latch

Cracks or forging folds
Wear at swivels and latch pin
Open rollers
Free movement of the latch over its full travel
Broken, weak or misplaced latch springs
Free from dirt or other obstructions, eg rust

D-rings

Excessive vertical movement of the straight portion of the D ring at its

attachment point on the belt. Note: This may lead to snap hooks
accidently rolling out of the "D" under load
Cracks, especially at the intersection of the straight and curved
portions
Distortion or other physical damage of the "D" ring
Excessive loss of cross-section due to wear

Buckles &
adjusters

Distortion or other physical damage

Cracks and forging laps
Bent tongues
Open rollers

Sewing

Broken, cut or worn threads

Damage or weakeneing of threads due to contact with heat, corrosives
solvents or mildew

Ropes

Cuts,Abrasion, Stretching, Heat, Corrosives, Solvents, Exposure to

UV, Mildew etc

Chains

Physical damage
Security of attatchment to snap hooks, rings and similar componants

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Donning A Harness
Correctly fitted when:

Dorsal D ring between shoulder blades

A pointing up
Shoulder straps firm
Chest strap firm mid
chest
Chest loops sit
behind chest strap
Leg straps firm
No twists

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Fall Arrest Hazards

Pendulum Effect

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Fall Clearances
Lanyard Length

Shock absorber
Extension

Height of user
1-m Safety
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Fall Clearances
Length of lanyard

Extension of shock
absorber

height of user
1-m Safety
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Fall Clearances
Length of lanyard

Extension of shock
absorber

height of user
1-m Safety
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Fall Clearances
Length of lanyard

Extension of shock
absorber

height of user
1-m Safety
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Fall Clearances
Length of lanyard

Extension of shock
absorber

height of user
1-m Safety
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Fall Clearances
Length of lanyard

Extension of shock
absorber

height of user
1-m Safety
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Fall Clearances
Length of lanyard

Extension of shock
absorber

height of user
1-m Safety
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Fall Clearances
Length of lanyard

Extension of shock
absorber

height of user
1-m Safety
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Fall Clearances
Length of lanyard

Extension of shock
absorber

height of user
1-m Safety
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Fall Clearances

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Fall Clearances

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Fall Clearances

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Fall Clearances

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Fall Clearances

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Fall Clearances

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Fall Clearances

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Fall Clearances

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Storage and Care of Harnesses

The following will damage personal fall
protection equipment:
Direct sunlight for extended period
Acid and alkaline
Heat/flame over 170 degrees
Damp conditions
Keep them in a ventilated cabinet or kit bag.
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Inspections
User inspection of all equipment:
Before and after use

Periodic Inspection of all equipment- log

completed.
Fall Arrest Devices- 3 months
Harness/lanyard- 6 months
Horizontal lifelines and rails- 12 months
Anchorage- 12 months
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Maintenance
General cleaning is to be with luke warm
soapy water
Be weary of stronger cleaning agents,
seek advice from the manufacturer
Self locking hooks may require occasional
lubricating of spring with penetrating oil
Equipment is to be sent back to
manufacturer for full service requirements
as per the manufacturer specifications
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What to look for

Webbing- cuts, tears, burns, weld marks,
chemical contamination
Stitching- loose or damaged stitches
Metal components- corrosion, distortion
and cracks
Withdrawal from service date
Australian Standards 1891.1 certification
Fall Indicator, if applicable
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What will cause you to fall?

Changing surfaces
Hand grip lost
Surfaces slippery or weather conditions
Obstructions in work area
Ladders or fall arrest systems used
incorrectly
Moving surfaces
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Rescue Requirements
Must be capable of effecting rescue within
20 minutes
Work in pairs
Persons may need training in vertical rope
access
Consider equipment and rescue
procedures required to effect a rescue.
This includes appropriate harness
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