The 10 Most Common Height Safety Systems for Melbourne Businesses

Working at any height presents a wide range of inherent dangers, with falls and other accidents posing significant risks to workers' safety and the possibility of litigation.

 

For Melbourne businesses looking to improve worker safety, reduce the risk of injury and improve accessibility to roof areas and assets, there are a number of options available to ensure your business meets Australian Safety Standards.

 

The team at Eastern Height Safety has put together this handy guide outlining the 10 most common safety systems and the specific regulations that needs to be met during their testing and installation.

 

It's important to remember that a comprehensive on site audit is vital to help your business understand what's required and allow our team to design a custom solution for your elevated areas.
 

1. Anchor Point Systems

Anchor point systems provide secure attachment points for personal fall protection equipment such as harnesses and lanyards. The main types of anchor points include single-point anchors, multi-point anchors, and horizontal lifelines. 

 

Anchor points should always be installed by trained professionals and tested for strength and stability to ensure their reliability. 

 

Australian regulations, such as those outlined in AS/NZS1891, specify requirements for anchor point systems, including design, installation, and ongoing testing standards.
 

2. Ladder Systems

Ladder systems include fixed ladders, portable ladders, and ladder accessories such as ladder cages and ladder stabilisers.

 

Fixed ladders should be securely attached to a structure and equipped with safety features such as handrails and ladder rung covers. Portable ladders should be inspected regularly for damage and stored properly when not in use.

 

In Australia, ladders must comply with AS/NZS1892 standards, which detail requirements for design, construction, and safe use.

 

3. Plant Platform Systems

Plant platform systems provide safe access to equipment and machinery located at heights. Platforms should be designed and installed according to Australia safety standards and regulations, with features such as guardrails and non-slip surfaces.

 

Regular inspection and maintenance by trained height safety experts are essential to ensure the integrity of plant platform systems.

 

Plant platform systems in Australia must adhere to relevant safety standards, including AS1657 for fixed platforms and AS/NZS 5532 for scaffold platforms.

 

4. Guardrail Systems

Guardrail systems are physical barriers installed along the edges of rooftops or elevated surfaces to prevent falls and improve rooftop walkability.

 

Roof guardrail systems are specifically designed for rooftop applications and may include freestanding guardrails, parapet guardrails, and roof edge protection systems.

 

Guardrail systems for rooftop applications in Australia must comply with AS1657 and AS/NZS 4994 standards, which outline requirements for their design, installation, and testing.
 

5. Walkway Systems

Walkway systems provide safe pathways for workers to access various areas of a rooftop or elevated surface. Roof walkway systems feature non-slip surfaces and guardrails to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

 

Walkways should be specifically designed to accommodate foot traffic and maintain structural integrity under load.

 

Walkway systems in Australia should meet the requirements of AS 1657 for fixed platforms and AS/NZS 1170 for structural design.

 

6. Skylight Protection Systems

Skylight protection systems are installed around skylights to prevent falls through the opening. Options include fixed guards, screens, and covers that are securely attached to the surrounding structure.

 

Skylight protection systems should be installed in accordance with safety regulations and regularly inspected for weather and wear and tear damage.

 

Skylight protection systems in Australia should comply with AS 1657 and AS/NZS 4994 standards, with specific provisions for guarding against falls through skylight openings.

 

7. Stairway Systems

Stairway systems provide safe access between different levels of a structure. They should be designed with proper tread and riser dimensions, handrails, and guardrails to prevent falls. Regular maintenance and inspection are essential to ensure the safety and integrity of your stairway systems over their lifespan.

 

Stairway systems in Australia must meet the requirements of AS1657 and AS/NZS1170, outlining the safe design, construction, and safety features.

 

8. Static Line Systems

Static line systems consist of a horizontal lifeline secured to anchor points on a structure. Workers attach their fall protection equipment to the static line, allowing them to move freely while remaining connected to a secure anchor point.

 

Horizontal lifelines must be installed by qualified professionals, anchored to a structure capable of supporting fall loads, and regularly inspected for wear or damage.

 

Static line systems for fall protection in Australia should comply with AS/NZS1891, which provides guidelines for design, installation, and use.

 

9 Cooling Tower Access Systems

Cooling tower access systems provide safe access for maintenance personnel to cooling towers located at heights. These systems may include access ladders, platforms, guardrails, and safety gates to prevent falls.

 

Cooling tower access systems should meet the requirements of AS1657 and AS/NZS 4994, with additional considerations for access and safety around cooling tower equipment.

 

10. Access Hatch Systems

Access hatch systems provide safe entry and exit points for personnel accessing rooftop areas. Hatch systems may include hinged or sliding hatches, access ladders, and guardrails. Proper installation and maintenance are essential to ensure the safety and functionality of access hatch systems.

 

Access hatch systems in Australia should comply with AS1657 and AS/NZS 4994, with specific provisions for design, installation, and safety features.
 

By understanding and implementing these various fall protection systems, businesses in Melbourne can effectively mitigate the risk of falls and ensure the safety of their workers when working at heights. 

 

It's essential to assess the specific needs and requirements of each work environment and select the most appropriate fall protection system by talking to professional height safety experts like Eastern Height Safety.

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Partner with Melbourne's leading height safety experts

We can help you carefully understand your specific safety needs and design the most appropriate systems to protect your workers and maintenance personnel. Get In Touch with our friendly team for a free on site, no obligation assessment of your elevated areas.