RISK – Falls from height
If a harness is required, raise a work at height permit and submit to the BU Operations Manager for approval.
Use the hierarchy of control (HOC) to ensure the most effective control is implemented and minimise the use of a harness as a primary fall protection control where possible. See guidance for GMR 5.1 for the work at height hierarchy.
A work at height permit must be completed when a risk assessment has determined that:
- A more effective controls is not reasonably practical
- A level 3 or 4 work at height control is required (see GMR 5.1)
- A worker is required to wear a fall restraint / arrest harness as a primary means of fall protection
Once completed, the permit is endorsed by the Workplace Manager and Workplace Safety Professional and submitted to the BU Operations Manager for review and approval along with the following documents:
- Task risk assessment
- Initial review of the task risk assessment
- Copy of the worker qualifications
- Completed harness and lanyard inspection checklist
The work at height permit is the only permit that requires an approver external to the project.
Anchorage Points
All anchorage points must be designed and certified by a qualified person.
All anchorage points must be installed by a trained person and regularly inspected prior to use by a competent person.
The building / structure and anchorage points are to be assessed by an engineer, unless it is clear to a competent person that the anchorage system is structurally adequate. This includes verifying the system has been appropriately installed or has the necessary approvals in place prior to starting work.
Lanyards
It is best practice for lanyards to be obtained from the same manufacturer as the harness to ensure compatibility between components. Mismatches can result in the "roll out" of the hook from the "D" ring.
Lanyard hooks are not be connected directly to the static line. A karabiner must be used.
The harness and the lanyard must be rated to support the weight of a person during a fall. Harnesses must support a minimum body weight of approximately 120kg.
The harness and lanyard manufacturing weight specifications must be checked against the individual using those items prior to donning them and working at height to ensure that the harness and lanyard specifications are appropriate for the person's body weight.
Related GMRs
Related Procedures / Forms