Question 1

All personnel who work for me are fully trained.

Accepted Answer

Wrong! You must never presume that all your personnel are trained and skilled in the installation and use of height access and fall protection equipment, even if they have been working in the industry and/or at your company for years. As the employer it is your duty of care to ensure all those employed by you are qualified for the tasks they undertake. They must be fully up-to-date with Australian Standards, Codes, regulations and guidelines if installing height access and fall protection equipment. If working at height they must additionally be trained in the use of the appropriate equipment and hold current copies of all relevant industry cards/qualifications. Make sure that you have copies of all their applicable licenses and provide training when and if required and requested. It is also vital that all young or inexperienced workers are supervised at all times.

Question 2

It is perfectly OK to use or install components from different manufacturers in height safety systems.

Accepted Answer

Wrong! You should never design, install or use a height safety system that has components from different manufacturers. Performance results, load ratings and certifications are only valid if you use all the correct system components as specified. Not only will you void any manufacturer warranties, you also run the risk of endangering the lives of those persons who will be using the systems. Substituting other products may cause the system to react unpredictably and in the worst instance provide inadequate fall protection should it be required. If you have any doubts about the compliance of your current systems, please do not hesitate to contact the team at Kattsafe on 1300 301 755 or sales@kattsafe.com.au who can organise to have a system audit conducted to ensure you and your workers are protected.

Question 3

Safety wire mesh under skylight protectors is sufficient fall protection.

Accepted Answer

Wrong! Many skylights have safety wire mesh installed but unfortunately this is no guarantee that should a worker fall on the skylight that the mesh is strong enough to stop them falling through. Throughout the years there have been many instances of tragic deaths as a result of falls through inadequately protected skylights and roof lights. There are many factors to consider when assessing whether the mesh under your skylights is satisfactory as fall protection. Safety mesh needs to comply with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4389 Safety Mesh, which specifies the minimum requirement for the design, construction, testing and installation of the product. It needs to be structurally sound and show no signs of corrosion. The method of installation must also comply. Is it securely connected, overlapped and joined in order to arrest a fall?

Question 4

All anchors can be used for both fall arrest and rope access applications.

Accepted Answer

Wrong! Fall arrest and rope access anchors are subjected to different types of loads and they must be tested and rated accordingly. Determining which anchor to use in which situation is vital to ensure that operators are fully protected. “Understanding anchor selection and why it matters” gives critical information to assist you when installing Kattsafe anchors to ensure you make the correct selection for the desired application. The article also provides definitions on industry terminology such as fall prevention, fall restraint, fall arrest, rope access, static load and dynamic load.

Introducing: Kattsafe industrial modular access

Installers

The reality of working at heights

Common height safety misconceptions

Height safety obligation resources

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