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Height Safety Information
FAQ’s
How does this height safety equipment help to reduce injury?
By either preventing you from falling (in restraint mode) or keeping the forces after a fall to less than 6kN.
What is 6kN?
6 kilo newton’s is equal to 600kg of static force.
What is fall arrest?
This is the process when your lifeline stops your free-fall. (Note! - If you are not attached to lifeline, this is when you hit the nearest obstacle below).
Why can’t I use a body-belt in potential free-fall situation?
The risk of injury is high. A broken back and damaged internal organs are common injuries.
Why is the rear attachment point for fall-arrest in such an awkward position in the back?
This position during fall-arrest puts you in a vertical posture that helps reduce injury in a fall.
How often must this height safety equipment be inspected?
Before and after every use. Your life depends on the equipment being in good condition. A six monthly inspection by a competent person is required under the AS/NZS standards for most equipment. For harsh environments more frequently is recommended.
When do I need to use height safety equipment?
Whenever a fall can cause injury, for example even a fall of 600mm into a process machine or chemical tank is a hazard requiring fall protection.
What is safe anchorage?
In terms of strength, a safe anchorage should be confirmed as being able to support
• 15kN = 1 person
• 21kN = 2 people
What is 21kN?
21kN is the same as hanging a heavy-duty four-wheel drive from the anchorage. 21kN equals 2100kg of static force.
Inspection and Servicing of Fall Protection Equipment
Summary of inspection requirements AS/NZS 1891.4
Inspection by operator before and after use
All height safety equipment including harnesses, lanyard assemblies, connectors, fall-arrest devices and anchors.
3 monthly inspection by a competent person
Type 1,2,3, Fall arrest devices. External check only.
6 monthly inspection by a competent person
Belts, harnesses, lanyard assemblies and associated personal equipment.
12 monthly inspection/service by a competent person
• Permanently installed anchorages
• Fall arrest devices (Type 1, 2 & 3) - full service including dismantling where indicated (By manufacturer or approved service agent)
• Horizontal lifelines and rails, including integral components and permanently installed mobile attachment devices.
Inspection on entry or re-entry into service
All items of personal and common use equipment.
Inspection after a fall arrest (and before further use)
All items which have been stressed as a result of a fall.
Removal Criteria
AS/NZS 1891.4 states the following regarding removal of equipment from service:
Any piece of equipment including both personal and permanently installed items, which has been used to arrest a fall or which shows any defect during operator or periodic inspection shall be withdrawn from service immediately and a replacement obtained if necessary. A label indicating the condition or defect must be attached to the equipment, and it must be examined by a competent person who will decide whether the equipment is to be destroyed or repaired/recertified if necessary and returned to service. In the latter case, details of any repair shall be documented and a copy given to the owner.
Additionally:
• Six monthly service and/or periodical inspection is due.
• It has been involved in a fall.
• Labels have been removed, are missing or illegible.
• Excessive abrasive wear (e.g. furry or frayed surface)
• Broken fibres, tears, cuts, snags and splinters.
• Deterioration or stretching of any kind.
• Weld burns.
• Loss of resilience, discolouration or other visible damage that cause doubt as to the strength of the equipment of potential overloading.
• Part mechanisms not moving freely or corroded.
• Reduction in cross-section area of rope or webbing
• Excessive contamination not removed by approved cleaning methods.
• It is more than 10 years old for AS/NZS units.
Storage and Transport
Conditions of storage and transport should ensure that no part of the equipment is subjected to unnecessary strain or pressure or to excessive heat, humidity or moisture and that the equipment is protected from contact with sharp edges, corrosive substances and other possible causes of damage. Equipment should be naturally dried at ambient temperature before storage. Items made from synthetic materials should be stored away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.
