Fall protection
Fall protection encompasses the range of equipment and procedures that are put in place to ensure that the risk of a fall from height is ideally eliminated or at least minimised as much as possible from occurring.
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Passive and active fall protection
Fall protection systems are divided into two groups; passive and active.
Passive fall protection is a device that is fixed and does not move, adapt or change when in or out of use. Guardrail is a perfect example of passive fall protection. These types of systems do not require personnel to use PPE such as harnesses or need any human interaction to enable them to function properly.
Active fall protection systems are the complete opposite in that the operator has to perform certain tasks and practices in order for them to work safely and correctly. This will involve such things as attaching rope lines, wearing harnesses, undertaking training and carrying out various procedures. Some systems classified as active fall protection would be anchors, rigid rails and davits.
Active fall protection systems are further classified in two types: fall restraint and fall arrest systems. Fall restraint systems restrict the movement of an operator by limiting their access to the fall edge, effectively acting like a leash.
Fall arrest devices on the other hand do not prevent the worker from falling but arrest and stop the fall once it has occurred. This makes fall arrest systems the least favourable method of protection. However it it still useful if other means are not possible or practicable.
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Permanent guardrails and walkwaysProviding the highest level of safety when navigating a roof or working near a fall edge, allowing a safe protected path of access.
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Skylight safety protectorsDesigned to reinforce brittle skylights or roof surfaces without compromising light penetration. This prevents the potential for a fall by strengthening an otherwise risky area.
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Roof access hatchesAccess hatches allow for safe, secure access onto a roof from inside of a building, reducing the risk of a fall by minimising time spend at the roof edge.
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Anchor pointsUsed with harness and lanyard kits, anchors allow personnel to safely access and work on roofs.
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Static linesA continuous attachment system for multiple users. Can be used in horizontal, vertical and overhead applications.
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Rigid railsUninterrupted mobility for operators with the ability for multiple users to access the system at one time.
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Davits and needlesProviding access over non load-bearing parapets, balustrades and curtain walls. Can be relocated from base to base to ensure full coverage of facade.
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Anchor pointsRope access anchor points allow maintenance personnel to safely access facades by providing a secure anchor to attach to while at heights.
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Rigid railsUninterrupted mobility for operators to access facades and internal atriums with the ability for multiple users to access the system at one time.
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Choosing a fall protection system
When choosing a fall protection system for your building, there are four main factors to consider:
What tasks will need to be carried out?
How frequently will the tasks need to be carried out?
How competent are the personnel performing the tasks?
What are the risks associated with the tasks?
Once these factors have been determined, use the tables below to help evaluate your requirements.
| Maintenance Category | Item | Maintenance Frequency | Example System |
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| A Priority | Mechanical plant and equipment, hot water units, A/C units, refrigeration units, mechanical exhausts, ect. | Frequent | Passive fall protection (permanent) ie. permanent guardrail, skylight protectors |
| B Priority | Gutters, windows and garden planters, eave gutters, box gutters, clerestory windows, roof lights, garden planters etc. | Periodic | Active fall protection (permanent) ie. fall arrest anchor point, static line, rigid rail |
| C Priority | General roof access, parapets, flashings, roof sheeting, concrete membrane etc. | Infrequent | Temporary fall protection ie. temporary guardrail, temporary anchor point, elevated work platform |
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Take the risk out of height safety designs
Our height safety system design specialists have a deep understanding of industry requirements and help you meet your obligations for fully compliant systems right from the start.
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