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Bringing you the latest in height safety news!

  • Industry news
  • Legislative updates
  • Product releases and promos

These articles are here to keep you up to date with the latest industry news and height safety legislation, as well as showcase new product releases and promotions

It’s meant to be everything you need to know about height safety, confined space and rescue all conveniently in one place.

Plus there’s our personal favourite: “Dangerous Things We See Onsite".

Call Height Dynamics on 07 3862 2533 with your technical questions

Dangerous Installations Part 3

Dangerous height safety system on asbestos roof

As predicted in one of our recent newsletters ( Dangerous Installations Part 2), there would be a Part 3. Sad to say this will probably become a regular story until effective regulation is brought into place throughout the industry.

The peak body that is actively pursuing change in the industry in Australia is the Working At Heights Association (WAHA). They have taken action following their recent conference and findings and contacted the respective WorkCover representatives in each state presenting them their latest report

This report mirrors the same concerns that Height Dynamics holds with the poor quality of installed fall arrest systems that are in current use. It outlines the risks associated with unsafe installations and has formally asked the OHS policy makers and regulators to recognise design and installation as high risk work and license accordingly.

Dangerous staticline end anchor Dangerous staticline intermediate anchor
Photo 1 and 2 – The first series of images is of a staticline that is currently in use. The system is constructed of 6mm cable, is hand swaged and uses 12mm eyebolts as end and intermediate anchors. There are no compliance plates installed with these systems.

The Australian Standard clearly outlines the requirements for permanent static high lines in AS/NZS 1891.2. These guidelines state that.

  • End anchors used in prescribed systems that are aligned in shear (rather than pullout) must be at a minimum M22.
  • Intermediates anchors used in prescribed systems are required to be a minimum of M20.
  • The minimum size for cable must be 8mm and limited to use by a single user.

To go on…hand swaging is not acceptable and closer inspection shows that there is no thimble in the eye. The compliance plate is a critical component of the installation. It provides important information such as the number of users allowed on the system and any specific equipment requirements.

Dangerous rope access anchors rust Dangerous rope access anchors
Photo 3 and 4 – These images speak for themselves. The fall arrest anchors were inspected by a Height Safety company two days before these images where taken. They were tagged as safe for use and certified for twelve months.

These images have been taken by our inspectors in the normal course of their work and enforce the need for further regulation and licensing within the industry.

If you have any doubts as to the safety of your system contact Height Dynamics. We can inspect or audit your existing fall arrest systems as well as install new and most importantly safe systems.

Call Height Dynamics on 07 3862 2533