A SURVIVAL GUIDE TO THE ROOF ANCHOR SAFETY ALERT AND AUSTRALIAN STANDARD AS/NZS 5532

Product checklist

a. Do tests comply (See Test checklist) Pass/Fail

b. Do documents comply (See Documentation checklist)? Pass/Fail

c. Traceability on components? Pass/Fail

d. Independently certified? Pass/Fail

e. Batch tested? Pass/Fail

f. Accredited installers? Pass/Fail

Test report checklist

a. Are the certificates by a NATA accredited laboratory? Pass/Fail

b. Is AS/NZS 5532 within the laboratory scope? Pass/Fail

c. Is the laboratory ISO17025 accredited? Pass/Fail

d. Are 2 dynamic tests recorded, one in each direction? Pass/Fail

e. Are 2 static tests recorded, one in each direction? Pass/Fail

f. Is the specific substrate recorded (Eg. Roof profile)? Pass/Fail

g. Was the system free of pulleys? Vertical? Pass/Fail

Documentation checklist a. Drop distance calculation? Pass/Fail

b. User instructions? Pass/Fail

c. Limitation statements? Pass/Fail

d. Identification marks and traceability through the

manufacturers system? Pass/Fail

e. Inspection advice? Pass/Fail

f. Load rating? Pass/Fail

g. Designed by a qualified person? Pass/Fail

Inspection checklist

a. Inspected by a competent person Pass/Fail

b. An ISO 17020 inspection system? Pass/Fail

c. Traceability of anchors and components? Pass/Fail

d. Compliant inspection checklists? Pass/Fail

e. Reports meet requirements? Pass/Fail

f. Demonstrated competency and training of inspectors? Pass/Fail

the fall prevention specialists

How we help: step by step safety & compliance

Everybody wants to prevent fatal falls but getting height safety right is anything but

straightforward. The intricacies of compliance with height safety codes, standards

and regulations leave most organisations wondering just what needs to be done.

Workplace Access & Safety’s role is to make it all manageable and keep your

people safe. Our practical, commercial solutions take away the worry, frustration

and risk associated with working at heights.

We’ll make your sites and systems safe and compliant, step by step.

Who we are: the height safety specialists

Workplace Access & Safety was established in 1997 to help workplaces meet their

obligations under working at heights legislation.

We were appalled to find that while falls injuries remained one of the top causes of

workplace fatalities, so many workplaces were being sold unsuitable equipment.

Expensive equipment that required special skills to use, that often introduced new

risks, demanded extra administration and didn’t necessarily comply with the OHS

legislation.

Instead, our solutions match the people, the infrastructure and the applications of

each site. This holistic approach genuinely reduces risk and complies with

legislation.

Offering a unique blend of both theoretical and practical experience, Workplace

Access & Safety has established itself throughout Australia as the leading authority

in the provision of OHS risk management and compliance support for working at

heights.

the fall prevention specialists

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What we offer: from advice to installation

Site assessments

Fall prevention risk assessments,

consulting, audits and budgeting.

Design

Equipment design, specification and

scope of works.

Fabrication

Workplace Access & Safety’s factories

in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and

Adelaide build the equipment

specifically for your sites.

Specification development

Documentation of suitable controls for

your sites.

Construction

On-site installation of equipment at

your sites, wherever they may be. We

install in every state in Australia and

travel internationally for clients seeking

consistency.

Testing, inspection and certification

Systems need to be inspected and

tested regularly. Workplace Access &

Safety does all the administration and

work for you.

Documentation

We help clients develop work method

statements, systems of work, permit

system, access and rescue procedures

that compliment the equipment on their

sites.

Training

We offer height safety training for

managers, or practical skills for

tradespeople. Workplace Access &

Safety is a Registered Training

Organisation (RTO) and can deliver

accredited training.

Incident investigation

To establish the root cause of serious

incidents and near misses, to make

sure that they aren’t repeated.

Expert witnesses

Workplace Access & Safety acts as

expert witnesses for leading defence

lawyers.

the fall prevention specialists

Workplace Access and Safety provides the full safety package for fall prevention – from

risk assessments and system design through to installation, training, annual

maintenance and certification.

What they say about uscustomer testimonials

“Workplace Access & Safety are very professional and their workmanship is good.

I’d use them again without a doubt. When I asked for service they were prompt,

professional and flexible. They met our demands and needs completely. The whole

company is good to deal with and everyone was helpful.”

- K. Andrews, Project Co-ordinator, H.J. Heinz Co. Australia Ltd.

“Workplace Access & Safety deliver what they say they’re going to deliver. Their

workmanship is good and they are responsive to our needs. Their reporting and

quotes are far superior to anything else we receive.”

- R Tini, Maintenance Manager, Coles Supermarket

“Workplace Access & Safety are prepared to work with me to find a solution. They

seem to have many representatives who understand our requirements and can

respond accordingly. They have a good understanding of safety requirements for

working at heights, have a good product range and are personable.”

- N. Bright, National Facilities Manager, Office Work Superstores Pty Ltd

“We used Workplace Access & Safety because they offer value for money, have a

good safety record, provide appropriate quality and are able to deliver on time.”

- M. Filby, Team Leader for Project Managers, Melbourne Water

Like to know more about fall prevention?Call 1300 552 984 or visit www.workplaceaccess.com.au

Who we work with: Australia-wide height safety from the falls prevention specialists

Workplace Access & Safety offers specialist height safety expertise and installation

Australia-wide, so no matter where your sites are located, a consistent approach

to safety and compliance is guaranteed. Among our well-known clients are:

Client: Strand Arcade, Sydney

Project: Installation of staircases, walkways, static lines, roof anchors and guardrail system for

maintenance access to cooling towers and mechanical plant.

Client: Coles Supermarkets, nation-wide

Project: Risk assessment and reporting on internal access to mezzanine areas, routine asbestos

labelling, plant room access at 670 supermarkets.

Client: Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Victoria

Project: Risk assessment reports for 37 fire stations, design, fabrication and installation of height

safety systems, followed by ongoing compliance inspections.

Client: Officeworks, nation-wide

Project: Audit, risk assess, and report on 130 bulky good sites. Install height safety systems at 65

sites, followed by ongoing routine compliance inspections of anchor and static line systems.

Client: University of Adelaide

Project: Designed and built height safety access systems for university campuses, followed by

ongoing 6 monthly inspections of fall prevention equipment.

Client: Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (Victoria)

Project: Installation of fall arrest and fall restraint systems over approximately 140 buildings between

2007 and 2010.

Client: Tabcorp (NSW and VIC).

Project Inspect and assess 350 retail agencies. Manufacture and install fall prevention and access

equipment to 160 agencies between 2004 and 2010.

Client: Deakin University

Project: Tested, inspected and certified fall restraint and fall arrest systems (anchors and static lines)

across all campuses, state-wide.

the fall prevention specialists

Fall prevention equipment compliance

Anchors, static lines, harness and ladders

There’s only one way to be sure your roof anchors, static lines and harnesses are ready to save a life. And, by law, roof anchors and static lines need to be tested and recertified every six to 12 months, depending on your state.

“Workplace Access & Safety went through our competitive tendering process and their price, together with their methodology, won them the tender. I’m glad they did because their knowledge and skills are good. They surveyed about 100 buildings for us and overall, they did a good job. They are very good and I would recommend them to anyone.”

- G. Gunachandran, Building Facilities Co-ordinator, Fairfield City Council

Appropriately qualified and competent technicians must carry out the tests and the results recorded so Work-Cover inspectors can verify your equipment’s status.

The requirements are in tandem with those of the Work Health and Safety Act for Persons Conducting a Business Undertaking (PCBU) and company officers to carry out “due diligence” and ensure workplaces are safe.

Be sure of your testing and recertification

Your inspections and certification can deliver so much more than a tick-list.

Proof of your compliance

Whenever your risk management systems come under scrutiny, you’ll be prepared. Certified anchorage points are individually tagged on site.

Workplace Access & Safety’s auditors photograph and catalogue the status of each system component to build an electronic database that makes compliance reporting effortless. You can even log into your asset register online for fast, accurate real-time reporting.

Make existing anchors and static lines compliant

If your anchors are not already matched with certification documents and compliance plates, Workplace Access & Safety can bring them into compliance. We will provide testing, certification, compliance plates and user manuals.

Routine testing to maintain compliance

Each anchor and the static line system must be inspected. Chemically set and friction set anchors must be tested to 50% of their load limits. The cable of the static line needs to be load tested every six to 12 months, depending on your state’s regulations.

Design check to avoid disaster

The correct layout is critical to the performance of safety anchors and static lines. Too close to the edge and your people risk the lethal pendulum effect, too far from the edge and gutters are inaccessible. Workplace Access & Safety will design and assess your fall prevention positioning for user-friendly and safe operation to ensure that the “restraint technique” can be applied.

Rescue plans that comply and really work

If the unthinkable happens and somebody falls from your roof, every moment counts. Even in a harness, there’s only 10 to 15 minutes before the potentially lethal suspension trauma takes its toll. Ask Workplace Access & Safety for a rescue plan that complies with fall prevention standards and could save a life.

Documentation done!

Streamline your administration with fall prevention documentation and a roof access permit written by Workplace Access & Safety. User manuals, site induction, roof layout plans and roof access permits will have your administration in order quickly and efficiently – everything you need for mandatory contractor inductions!

National service for consistent compliance

Workplace Access & Safety’s own OHS-trained trades-people service sites right around Australia, so you can standardise – and simplify – your safety management while being guaranteed a professional approach to every one of your sites.

Systematic and cost-effective

Because fall prevention is Workplace Access & Safety’s specialty, your anchor and static line inspection will be conducted with efficiency and care.

Automated data capture technology means our height safety experts can provide you with accurate and detailed reports in the shortest possible turnaround times.

Database and automatic scheduling tools

To keep you on top of compliance, Workplace Access & Safety provides a reminder service that alerts you to important dates and keeps your systems up to date.

Everything you need in fall prevention

Workplace Access & Safety has you covered when it comes to safe work at heights: ask about our ladder inspections, risk assessment, audits and installations.

Workplace Access & Safety: OHS purity, transparency and real practicality.

What to watch out for: six common failure points

1. Designed and positioned incorrectly

The right equipment needs to be in the right configuration to save lives. For example: don’t allow abseil and fall prevention anchors to be confused. Do a design check.

2. System not certified

Components not identifiable and no history of product or installers, no load rating information.

3. Designed for fall arrest

A technique of work positioning rather than fall arrest must be arranged wherever practicable. Workplace Access & Safety investigates safer, low cost measures that may even avoid roof access.

4. Equipment not matched to users

Consider the resources and skills of the people using the equipment. A vertical ladder line may suit a telecommunications environment where two riggers are working, trained in rescue and doing this on a daily basis. Not so for a school where teachers or grounds staff climb on the roof to retrieve balls. We’ll consult and provide solutions that suit your site and people.

5. Untrained supervisors

Are your people equipped to supervise the management of the system, including the induction of contractors? We will train your people and provide them with the systems they need.

6. Incorrect installation

Safety anchors look like glorified eyebolts but need to save lives. Incorrectly fixed or oriented anchors can fail with tragic consequences. Talk to us to get it right.

Ladder safety inspectionsKeep it simple with a ladder audit by Workplace Access & Safety

Case study: Concrete, cranes and compliance

What the law saysThe national fall prevention regulations and Code of Practice for Managing The Risk Of Falls At Workplaces mandate the regular inspection of ladders. Fixed ladders must comply with AS1657, while portable ladders must meet the requirements of AS/NZS 1892.

The requirements are in tandem with those of the Work Health and Safety Act for Persons Conducting a Business Undertaking (PCBU) and company officers to carry out “due diligence” and ensure workplaces are safe.

Ladders of all shapes and sizes, portable and fixed, are in the regulator’s spotlight after new regulations and a national code of practice mandated regular inspections in line with Australian Standards. Keep it simple with a ladder audit by Workplace Access & Safety.

High above sites buzzing with dozens of concrete trucks, steel access ladders on Excel Concrete silos came under the spotlight during a ladder safety audit by Workplace Access & Safety.

The audit revealed Holcim subsidiary Excel could lift safety standards with a shift from vertical ladders to those with a 75-degree gradient, uniform rung spacings and flatter, more comfortable treads. Eleven ladders were identified for replacement.

Up to 8 metres in length, the steel ladders were so heavy that cranes were needed to carry out the demolition. Careful scheduling and some unusual working hours saw the project completed without affecting the operation of the site.

Result: Reduced liability, conformance with Australian Standards and easier access to plant for staff members and contractors – all without site disruption.

Workplace Access & Safety are experts in the design, specification, fabrication and construction of access equipment for working at heights.

Proof of your complianceWhenever your risk management systems come under scrutiny, you’ll be prepared. Certified ladders are tagged on site. Workplace Access & Safety’s auditors photograph and catalogue the status of each ladder using PDAs to build an electronic database that makes compliance reporting effortless. You can even log into your asset register online for fast, accurate real-time reporting.

A 36-point checkAmong the most common reasons for non-conformance are the placement of the top rung and the clearances behind and in front of the rungs. Among the checks we’ll make for you are:

> installation clearance

> damage, wear and tear

> fixings and dimensional check to AS1657

> suitability for use

Making existing ladders safeAsk Workplace Access & Safety to assess whether your ladder lines to reduce the risk of falls. Our height safety experts will explain the impact on risk, usability and compliance.

They will also produce a plain English report setting out and prioritising what needs to be done to make your ladders safe and compliant.

National service for consistent compliancWorkplace Access & Safety services sites right around Australia, so you can standardise – and simplify – your safety management.

A prioritised and practical planBased on the risk assessment, Workplace Access & Safety will detail a step-by-step plan towards fall prevention compliance.

A risk matrix illustrates the areas of highest priority to make planning simple.

And because our auditors are both trade and OHS-qualified, we deliver recommendations that are dedicated to reducing risk and yet intensely practical.

Budget costingsEvery recommendation by Workplace Access & Safety is costed specifically for your site to assist with budgeting.

Systematic and cost-effectiveBecause fall prevention is Workplace Access & Safety’s specialty, your ladder inspection will be conducted with efficiency and care.

Workplace Access & Safety: OHS purity and real practicality.

Limits of slope

AS1657 Product Certification

AS1657 equipment (guardrail, staircases, ladders, platforms and walkways) is independently certified to Australian standard by SAI Global, and products are individually labelled with the “5 tick” certification. It provides you with third party assurance that our product meets the product standard, guaranteeing you with reliability, quality assurance and safety.

OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety and AS 4801 Occupational Health and Safety

Just like you do, we care about the safety of our people and OHS is more than skin deep at Workplace Access & Safety. Be confident your fall prevention installation is compliant and low-risk, with our systematic and professional OHS procedures.

ISO 9001 Quality

ISO 9001 is by far the world’s most established quality framework, currently being used by over 750,000 organisations in 161 countries. This is the standard that underpins Workplace Access & Safety’s performance.

ISO 14001 Environment

International Standard ISO 14001 is the basis of Workplace Access & Safety’s Environmental Management System (EMS), so you can be sure your fall prevention equipment is green and safe.

CodeMark - BCA approval

The CodeMark scheme assures you of compliance with the BCA (Building Code of Australia) and that our products meet the National Construction Code.

Like to know more about height safety audits?Call 1300 552 984, email audit@workplaceaccess.com.au or visit www.workplaceaccess.com.au

Victoria9-11 Shearson Crescent Mentone, VIC 3194

New South Wales Unit 5, 57a Rhodes Street Hillsdale, NSW 2036

Queensland17 Matheson Street Virginia, QLD 4014

South Australia 84E Stanbel Road Salisbury Plains, SA 5109

Western Australia2-92 Forsyth Street O’Connor, WA 6163

You’re invited to check the details of Workplace Access & Safety’s credentials – all verified by SAI Global – any time. Workplace Access & Safety is dedicated to safety and making your business compliance easier

Some of our many customers

Quality Assurance ISO

T 1300 552 984 Fax 1300 551 612 sales@workplaceaccess.com.au www.workplaceaccess.com.au

Victoria9-11 Shearson Crescent Mentone, VIC 3194

New South Wales Unit 5, 57a Rhodes Street Hillsdale, NSW 2036

Queensland17 Matheson Street Virginia, QLD 4014

South Australia 84E Stanbel Road Salisbury Plains, SA 5109

Western Australia2-92 Forsyth Street O’Connor, WA 6163