Work Positioning Systems
A work positioning system uses equipment to allow a worker to carry out a task while being supported in a harness (in tension) to prevent a fall.
This can include:
• Industrial rope access systems – these allow a worker to be vertically suspended to access a work area (such as the side of a building).
• Restraint systems – these make use of a lanyard and an anchor point or horizontal lifeline (static line).
It is always better to prevent the possibility of a fall than simply providing a fall arrest system because of the serious dangers resulting from a worker being suspended in a harness for too long before rescue (e.g. suspension intolerance).
Work positioning systems require a high level of competency on the part of the user and supervisors to ensure safe use.
Users, including supervisors, should undertake a competency based course of training.
Industrial Rope Access Systems
Industrial rope access systems are used for gaining access to and working at a workface, usually by means of vertically suspended ropes.
Other methods of reaching the work area should always be considered before using an industrial rope access system, for example an elevating work platform.
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The code of practice ‘Managing the risk of falls at workplaces’ states that when using an industrial rope access system, you must ensure that:
• Operators are competent in the technique.
• Operators do not work alone and must be able to communicate with supervisors.
• Industrial rope access systems are installed only in a location where it is possible to provide prompt assistance or rescue if required.
• All equipment and anchor points are checked regularly by a competent person.
• A back up system is used to protect the operator and two independently anchored ropes are used for each person.
• Adequate safety equipment must be provided including a full body harness.
• Adequate signage and barricades must be used to keep the area below the worker, and the point of anchorage clear.
For more information on industrial rope systems please refer to AS/NZS 4488 Industrial rope access systems.
Restraint Work Positioning Systems
Restraint systems control a worker’s movement by physically preventing the person from reaching a point where they could fall such as an unprotected edge.
These systems should only be used where it is not reasonably practicable to provide a barrier or guardrail at an unprotected edge.
Restraint systems are made up of a harness that is connected to an anchor point or static line via a lanyard. The anchor point should be designed for fall-arrest loading.
This system is suitable:
- Where workers can maintain secure footing.
- Where a shock absorber is used in the configuration.
Restraint systems should be installed by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices.
The code of practice ‘Managing the risk of falls at workplaces’ states that an individual fall-arrest system should be used instead of a restrain system in the following situations:
- The user can reach a position where a fall is possible.
- The user has a restraint line that can be adjusted in length so that a free fall position can be reached.
- There is a danger the user may fall through the surface, for example fragile roofing material.
- The slope is over 15 degrees.
- There is any other reasonably likely use or misuse of the system that could lead to a free fall.
