Height Safety Inspections – Why there Critical

As with everything; if it’s not properly maintained then it has the potential to cause problems in the future. When it comes to height safety equipment; it’s actually the law within Australia to have regular audits and inspections (AKA a Height Safety Inspection) carried out to be legally compliant.

What compliance standards does height safety equipment have to meet?

In Australia; there are a number of codes of practice and legislation acts that are enforced around height safety equipment. Specifically they are:

Australian Standards and Codes

• – AS 1657:2018: Fixed platforms. Walkways. Stairs. Ladders
• – AS/NZS 1891.1 Part 1: Safety Belts and Harnesses
• – AS/NZS 1891.2 Part 2: Horizontal Lifeline and Rail Systems
• – AS/NZS 1891:3 Part 3: Fall Arrest Devices
• – AS/NZS 1891.4: 2009: Fall-arrest systems. Selection, Use and Maintenance of Industrial Fall Arrest Systems and Devices
• – AS/NZS 4488: Rope access systems

Australian Legislation

• – WHS Act – Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• – OHS Acts and Regulations – State and Territory Governments
• – Federal and State Workcover or Workplace Authorities
• – Australian Government National OHS Commission
• – National Standards, Codes of Practice and Guidance Material
• – State and Territory Governments – Building Acts and Regulations

Can anyone carry out a height safety inspection and testing? Is it a once off test?

Not just anybody can perform and complete the inspection. It’s required by law that the inspection, testing and audit of height safety equipment be carried out by a fully qualified professional every 6 to 12 months.

If you’re needing an inspection, test or audit performed on your height safety equipment; contact Essential Height Safety today and talk with one of our fully qualified height safety technicians to arrange a time.

What does a Height Safety Inspection involve?

The standard height safety inspection and testing process typically involves:

• Visual inspection of fixed height safety equipment; which includes ladders, steps, guard rails, anchor points and static lines.
• Visual inspection of safety equipment such as harnesses, ropes and lanyards
• Stringent load and force testing
• Inspection of site safety processes and procedures

What happens once the inspection is complete?

After the inspection is complete; the Height Safety Technician that conducted the inspection will submit a full report; outlining what they deem as compliant and what is currently non-compliant against the current Australian Standards, Code of Practice and Legislation.

For any non-compliant aspects; Essential Height Safety is able to work with your business or work site to resolve the issues promptly. If you choose not to resolve the non-compliant areas then you could be fully punishable by law should anyone suffer an injury from a fall on-site.

After everything is signed off as compliant; you’ll receive a certificate of compliance deeming your height safety system as being rated fit for purpose.

More about Essential Height Safety

Essential Height Safety are the leading experts in Height Safety. Our staff are constantly staying up-to-date with all the codes of practice, Australian standards, regulations and legislation. By doing this; we’ve been able to work with more than 1000 businesses, helping them stay fully compliant and ensuring that their workers and contractors return to the ground safely.

For more details on everything we offer around height safety; be sure to check the solutions and services pages.