Workers working at a height need to use fall protection equipment so that they do not meet any accidents. It may be the guardrails, the safety harness, the ladder, or helmets you need to provide proper fall protection system to your workers. It is mandatory in Australia to use fall protection equipment while working above a height of 2 meters. Only a certified inspector can give the certificate of compliance after inspecting the work area and the safety measures taken by the contractor or the business house, engaging the employees to work at a height.
Fall protection inspection:
Under the Australian H&S Act of 2011 and Australian Standards of AS/NZS 1891.4, the fall protection equipment inspection should be done at regular intervals of six months. After satisfactory inspection of the lanyards, pole straps, harnesses, ladders, etc., a certificate of fitness is issued. Otherwise, the organization is asked to replace the defective gadgets.
The Consequence Of Failure
Failing to adhere to the fall protection equipment inspection clause and using inferior quality equipment can monetarily penalize the employer by the regulatory authorities. The employer or the user can be sentenced to jail in term failing to adhere to the standards.
Making The Users Aware
Many users in Australia are not aware of the act or the fall protection equipment inspection. They carry on with the old types of equipment that are risky to use while working at a height. Using damaged equipments can injure your workers and you need to provide them full freedom while they work on height. But these employers are not only unaware of the guidelines but also expose the employees to much more risk. In case of any fatal accidents, the employer is in trouble both financially as well as legally. The inspectors are not only issue an certificate for your worksite, but they can also build the trust for your company They can even provide proper training to your employees for using such fall protection equipments.
The Scope Of Work
Fall protection equipment inspection covers the equipment used for anchorage, body support, and descent and rescue tools, connectors as well as inspecting the webbing products. The assessment needs to be done before or after every use or at an interval of six months. Both the inspectors as well as the employer maintain proper records in the logbook. So that they can produce documentary evidence immediately as and when required.
Under every clause of the act, the terms for fall protection equipment inspection guidelines are written, and the employer or the inspector needs to follow them. The activity and the application are written under various clauses of AS/NZS 1891.4. If you do not understand such rules then you can ask the inspector to describe the same.
How would you become a fall protection inspector?
There are many institutes in Australia that are recognized by the competent authority of the country. They have various courses. After completing the course, these institutes issue certificates to the individual to become an independent fall protection equipment inspector.
It is the duty of the inspector to visit the client when called and inspect the equipment, and advice any changes if required. As an inspector, you must certify which equipment is fit for use and which needs replacement.
The inspector can train the employees on how to work safely at height using the safety pieces of equipment. It helps the employees to perform better under an upgraded work environment provided by the employer following the guidelines of the act. One might be an employer or an inspector. Doing a regular inspection of the fall protection equipment keeps the employees safe.
