Wondering if it’s the right time to install roof anchor points on your roof? Roof anchors are fall protection systems designed to protect workers who are working at height. As you know, working at height is a huge risk for anyone—no matter how long you’ve been in the construction industry. Accidents such as slips, trips and falls can lead to injury and even death can occur in the blink of an eye.
For this reason, roof anchor points and fall arrest systems are used to protect the workers while working at heights. Roof safety equipment comes in the form of lanyards, harnesses and lifelines. These are used to combat such accidents. Which brings us to today’s topic: when does a roof require a roof anchor point? Is it mandatory? What about the new manslaughter laws? Keep reading to find out the answer.
To Connect Fall Protection Systems
Before any work is done on a roof, it’s important to ensure fall protection systems – such as roof anchors – have been correctly installed and certified. Mandatory height safety audits, equipment inspections and safety checks are usually conducted before any height work is commenced.
Common roof safety equipment includes:
- Roof anchor points
- Abseil Anchor points and Roof Davit Systems
- Lanyards
- Lifelines
- Wire ropes
Roof anchor points are synonymous with the construction industry. Any time work is to be done on a roof, roof anchor points should be installed to protect workers from possible injury and falls. Deciding on the type of roof anchor points you’re going to install depends on the duration and type of task. The height safety experts at Austral will be able to assist you with choosing and installing the correct anchor points for your job.
Regardless of the option you go with, these roof anchor points must be industry compliant, sturdy and reliable to effectively protect workers. That’s why roof anchor testing is mandatory every 12 months minimum to ensure they meet the necessary work requirements and Australian safety standards.
Type of Job Being Done on the Roof
The type of equipment you need will depend on the type of work being completed. Depending on the type of job being done on the roof, a roof anchor point may be required. Common height safety equipment includes:
- Fall arrest systems: If your workers are going to be working while suspended mid-air, you’ll need a fall arrest system that prevents impact at a low level if they fall.
- Rope access systems: Roof anchor points such as rope access systems help workers ascend and descend from the roof while suspended by a harness.
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It’s the Law
It’s the LawWhile deciding to place roof anchor points on a roof is crucial to saving lives and preventing injuries, it’s also the law. Companies in the construction industry are required to place the necessary safety measures for workers working at height. Also, apartment complexes, schools and industrial factories must also have systems in place to allow maintenance to be carried out.
Along with installing roof anchor points, company owners should ensure that proper procedures are followed with regards to:
- Training of workers so they use the right equipment for the task and use it correctly at all times.
- Providing the necessary anchor certification as requested by the relevant authorities and trades.
- Anchor testing to ensure that only quality materials are used for the anchor points and that they meet relevant safety requirements.
As of 1st July 2020, a new criminal offence of workplace manslaughter was introduced into Victorian OH&S laws in order to prevent workplace death. WorkSafe Victoria stated the following:
“The offence applies to negligent conduct by an employer or other duty holders… or an officer of an organisation, which breaches certain duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) and causes the death of another person who was owed the duty.
The new law aims to prevent workplace death, provide a stronger deterrent for duty holders to comply with their occupational health and safety obligations, and to send a strong message that putting people’s lives at risk in the workplace will not be tolerated.”
As you can see, the importance of installing roof anchor points on roofs can’t be over-emphasised. But not just any roof anchor point will do. These structures need to be made of high quality materials, tested for safety and be certified by industry experts.
In addition, roof anchor points should be installed by reputable and professional contractors like the team at Austral Height Safety. Professional contractors will ensure that installations are done according to Australian safety standards. Only then can you be certain that your workers will indeed be protected while working at heights. At the very least the possibility of falls and accidents is significantly reduced.
For absolute clarity on when you require a roof anchor point, call the professionals at Austral Height Safety.
If you want peace of mind about your roof anchor points, anchor certification or testing – talk to us today! Height safety is of utmost importance as it protects lives. Call us on (03) 9462 3350 or request a fast quote online.
