HMAS Perth (III) Anzac Class Frigate, Perth WA
When maintaining a naval aircraft, safety and operational efficiency must work hand in hand.
HMAS Perth (III) (FFH 157) is the Royal Australian Navy's eighth and final Anzac Class frigate. Commissioned in 2006, the vessel plays a critical role in air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and maritime security operations.
Operating from Fleet Base West in Western Australia, HMAS Perth is equipped to carry and maintain a single MH-60R Seahawk Romeo helicopter. To support safe maintenance activities within the ship's aircraft hangar and other elevated work areas, the Australian Royal Navy and BAE Systems engaged Kattsafe to provide a tailored height safety solution.
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The challenge
Routine helicopter maintenance often requires technicians to access the top of the aircraft to inspect engines, rotor systems and other critical components.
On HMAS Perth and the wider Anzac Class fleet, these maintenance activities are conducted within the aircraft hangar beneath the flight deck. Working on top of the helicopter exposed personnel to significant fall risks, particularly in a confined environment where unrestricted access around the aircraft was essential.
Previous fall protection methods limited movement and made maintenance tasks inefficient and unsafe. The client required a solution that would allow maintenance crews to work freely around the aircraft, reach all service points with ease and remain protected should a slip or fall occur.
HMAS Perth (III) Anzac Class Frigate, Fleet Base West, WA Australia
Our solution
Kattsafe was selected to manage the project from start to finish, including design, testing, installation, user training and ongoing maintenance support.
To meet the operational requirements of the vessel, we installed a combination of Rigid 80 Rail and Static Line systems throughout the ship.
A custom-engineered Rigid 80 Rail system was installed above the aircraft hangar maintenance area. The system incorporated specially designed curved sections that allowed maintenance personnel to move around the entire helicopter while remaining continuously connected.
The rigid rail design provided smooth, unrestricted movement across all required maintenance zones while delivering dependable fall arrest protection if an incident occurred.
Additional static line systems were installed throughout other areas of the frigate where personnel were exposed to fall hazards. These systems provide safe access for inspection and maintenance activities while helping ensure compliance with Australian and New Zealand height safety requirements.
Key Benefits for the Client
Safe access to all helicopter maintenance areas without restricting movement.
Continuous fall protection while working at height.
Improved maintenance efficiency through easier navigation around the aircraft.
Greater user confidence when performing critical servicing tasks.
End-to-end project delivery, including design, installation, training and ongoing support.
Long-term reliability in a demanding marine and defence environment.
The outcome
The project delivered a practical and effective solution for helicopter maintenance crews operating aboard HMAS Perth.
The success of the installation led to the same height safety systems being adopted across the Australian Navy's Anzac Class frigate fleet, creating a consistent approach to fall protection for maintenance personnel. Kattsafe has also continued supporting similar vessels within New Zealand's fleet, helping protect the people responsible for safeguarding maritime operations across the region.
By providing unrestricted access and dependable fall protection, Kattsafe helped improve safety outcomes for maintenance crews while supporting the operational readiness of one of Australia's most important naval assets.
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