Roof Anchor Points
When the average Australian male hears the term “anchor points”, he is probably hoping that a fishing trip is involved. Roof anchor points may not be as exciting as a day out on the boat, but they can be the one piece of equipment that ensures that you can get home to family safety at the end of a work day.
In order to comply with safety legislation, it is important that when an individual is working at heights, specific control measures are used. If because of building design or job requirements, temporary work platforms and guardrails are not practical to use, then it is essential that fall arrest systems are provided. Fall arrest systems include, but are not limited to, a number of vital components including: anchor points, lanyard, body harness and connectors.
As a key part of the hazard reduction system, it is important that property owners and employers are aware of what types of anchor points are available on the market, and how to identify what anchor point is appropriate for their requirements. In order to establish what type of anchor point is appropriate for your circumstances, you must consider the following points:
How long will you use the anchor points?
If you are only going onto the roof to fix the antenna before the grand final starts, then you are able to use a temporary roof anchor. These temporary roof anchors come in a variety of designs, and are a cheaper option, but are only appropriate if they are required for a short period of time. If the requirements of your property demand that work will consistently be performed at heights, possibly due to regular window or gutter cleaning, or ongoing roof maintenance, then permanent roof anchor should be installed. There is no difference in the protection that is provided from roof anchors, whether they be temporary or permanent, but the requirements of your job will dictate what is demanded.
What is your roof constructed from?
The materials that your roof is constructed from will dictate what type of anchor point is necessary. Anchor points are specifically designed for different materials, including, timber, concrete and colourbond roofs. Not all anchor points are the same, or even use the same anchoring system. It is important that you consult with a Workplace Health and Safety professional that specialises in fall prevention safety before you purchase roof anchor points. Anchor point manufacturers, including SafetyLink and Sayfa are constantly refining their designs, so it is important that you consult with a workplace health and safety professional who is aware of all of the developments in the industry.
Can I forget about them once they are installed?
If they are never going to be used again, yes you can. But if they are being used then anchor points need to be annually certified to ensure that they are still in good working order. As the anchor points are openly subjected to the forces of nature, if they are of poor quality, or not installed correctly, over time they can start to deteriorate and not provide adequate protection. Qualified certifiers can come to your property and ensure that the anchor points are providing appropriate load bearing fall protection. Once anchor points are installed, your staff need to be trained in the proper techniques to use them. It is the responsibility of the employees to provide training suitable to the task for all employees.
For further reading:
Workcover: Safe Working At Heights Guide 2006
Article provided by www.sydneyanchorpoints.com.au
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