AS5532 & AS/NZS1891.4 have just been updated. Here's what you need to know.
The newly updated standards introduce significant updates for everyone working at heights, influencing how height safety products are designed, manufactured, and used.
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The Australian Standards for height safety have undergone recent updates, specifically AS5532:2025 and AS1891.4:2025. These changes are designed to improve safety, accountability, and clarity in the design, testing, and use of fall protection systems.
If you're a building owner, safety manager, installer, or maintenance worker, these updates directly affect how you work with anchor systems and height safety equipment.
Watch the video below to get a brief introduction to the standard updates.
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AS5532:2025 – Single Point Anchor manufacturing
AS5532 governs the performance and testing of single-point anchors used for fall arrest. The 2025 revision introduces stricter testing protocols and clearer installation requirements.
Key Changes:
Mandatory Substrate Testing
Anchors must now be tested on the actual substrate they’re intended to be installed on (e.g., metal roof sheeting, concrete). This ensures real-world performance rather than relying on lab-only results.Energy-absorbing anchor testing
Any energy-absorbing anchors now have their own testing requirements, allowing tests to be completed on lighter gauge roofs, and the load being the result of the energy loaded into the structure, rather than a full static load requirement. With a rigid (non-energy-absorbing) anchor, this test measures the load equally on the anchor and the structure beneath it, but an energy-absorbing anchor reduces the load that is put on the structure it is mounted to.Dynamic and Static Load Testing
Anchors must pass:
Dynamic load tests (15kN) both inline and across the roof sheet. When the anchor is rated for two users, the anchor must now undergo two drop tests on the same anchor, as opposed to one.
Static load tests (15kN) in both directions.
4. Traceability and Certification
Every anchor must be batch tested and traceable, with documentation available to verify compliance. This improves accountability for manufacturers and installers.
Kattsafe confirms that our anchors all comply with the updated Standards. Retrospective testing is not required as the previous testing criteria on our anchors required us to do the full static load test to 15kN in both directions, which was more rigorous than the current standards.
AS1891.4:2025 – Selection, Use & Maintenance of Fall Arrest Systems
AS1891.4 focuses on how fall arrest systems are selected, used, and maintained. The 2025 update brings greater clarity and structure to ensure systems are not only compliant but also practical and safe in real-world use.
Key Changes:
Working on inclined surfaces
When a system is installed on a steeper roof, where the user will have to rely on the system to maintain a secure footing, the system must be set up in such a way that allows the user to have a secondary connection, OR have a passive system installed, such as a guardrail.Clearer Definitions of System Types
The standard now better distinguishes between fall arrest systems, restraint systems and rope access systems, which helps users select the right system for the task.Inspection and Recertification Requirements
Equipment that has multiple fasteners must be load tested at the time of installation, but ongoing pull testing is not required, whereas previously, this was required every 12 months.
This only applies if the fastener’s manufacturing criteria are met and documentation to support this is provided. This standard change is for systems with multiple fasteners only. Single fixings will still have to be tested every 12 months.Pull test duration & rating
Pull testing only has to be done for 30 seconds, instead of 3 minutes as previously, with a minimum rating of 7.5kN, as opposed to 6kN as previously.Training and Competency
The standard now emphasises the need for formal training and competency verification for anyone using or installing fall protection systems.System Design and Documentation
Designers must provide detailed documentation in the project documentation package, including:
System layouts
Anchor specifications and load ratings
Maintenance instructions
What do these changes mean for you
The 2025 updates to AS5532 and AS1891.4 represent a major step forward in height safety. By aligning testing with real-world conditions and improving clarity around system use and maintenance, these standards help protect lives and simplify compliance.
Actions for height safety installers:
Ensure you are purchasing fall arrest devices that are adequately tested and manufactured in accordance with standard updates
Make sure your install team are formally trained in the installation of fall arrest & protection systems, with verified proof of this training.
Ensure your install team is aware of the new testing requirements at the time of install
Actions for project managers, designers or owners:
Ensure you are hiring installers who are properly trained and well-versed in the updates to testing and maintenance
Ensure the systems that are being installed on your building/project are manufactured and tested in accordance with standard updates.
Make sure you are aware of the ongoing maintenance the systems will need to comply.
Your height safety system design must be properly documented, with system layouts, anchor specifications, load ratings and a full maintenance plan.
If you're still unsure how these changes affect you or your future projects, reach out to our technical team for guidance and support.
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