How to install & use height safety roof anchor points & fall arrest products is key to ensuring safe work at heights | Working at heights anchor points safe use 2024
Understanding how to install and use roof anchor points and height safety fall arrest products may cost you in the short term, but not using it can have dire-consequences for you, your staff and your business should you choose to "go without"
Using your height safety products and fall arrest products for long term works or a five-minute job is also priceless, after all it protects you from a potential serious injury and potential death should you fall from the roof. Connecting to a roof anchor point using the correct height safety equipment is a must for yourself and your workers, to ensure everyone goes home safe at the end of each day.
A small mistake, slip or fall on a roof can result in serious injury and harm to both the person involved in the fall and potentially your business. Not to mention a very costly process should you choose to "go without"
A roofers harness, height safety lanyard, ladder access brackets and roof anchors are engineered components which fall under personal fall protection system. All four are used to avoid roof accidents. and should comply with the relevant standards as referenced in the falls code of practice
These fall arrest systems combined prevent the worker from reaching a point where a roof workers’ risk of falling is high or likely. Using these fall arrest systems for security purposes can prove to be life saving for users.
If you don’t use the fall arrest equipment properly then it can prove to be fatal for you. If you are planning to work on or above your roof for any reason, then you must use proper safety equipment and ensure you read and understand the manufactures owner's manuals and if in doubt 'ask"
First and foremost, you need to buy the correct height safety fall arrest systems components. You will find many tutorials on how to use the roof safety harness properly. Just follow the manufacturer’s user guide.
We have outlined all the necessary steps which must be taken to ensure safety whilst working from heights. Before doing anything, make sure you check the fall arrest equipment - every buckle, strap, and even fitting. Make sure everything is safe, secure and working properly. Ensure that the products are clear of defects, it should be highly effective in helping to prevent injuries in the event of a mishap.
Other things to consider prior to starting is, access location point, pitch or roof, job task required, materials required and weather conditions.
If you are not sure about the selection, use or maintenance, then simply refer to the manufacturer’s user guides. and if in doubt ASK
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The “How to guide” For Safe Roof Access & Safe Use Of Fall Arrest Systems
STEP 1
The first step is to understand safe roof access
Accessing the Equipment Prior to Starting
Before doing anything, make sure you check the equipment. This means to check every buckle, strap, and even fitting. It is your responsibility as a competent person to ensure everything works properly. If the harness doesn’t have any defects, it means it’s ready to use.
You must have an extension ladder that extends at least one meter above the edge of the roof. Place the ladder on the level ground. If the ground is uneven, the base of the ladder has to be levelled.
Some important notes to remember which will make the process uncomplicated and safe:
1.Do not carry unnecessary equipment and supplies while climbing the ladder to avoid an accident. Use a rope-tied system to lift your tools and equipment onto the roof.
2.You should have something to hang on and off the roof, so raise the top of the ladder at least one meter above the edge of the roof. You must avoid stepping on the ladder rungs above the roof.
3.As you access to and from the roof, place two hands on the top of the ladder
STEP 2
The second step is to install and use the fall arrest equipment correctly
Installing ladder access bracket
Install and use the ladder access bracket fixed to the roof edge as it’s used as a safe means to access the roof with your ladder. To prevent the ladder sliding or falling, rest the ladder against the ladder bracket and not the guttering or roofing material.
Tie the top of the ladder to the ladder access bracket. Connect to the first installed roof anchor point as you step on the roof so that it will prevent you from falling.
How to install and use your fall arrest products
Before stepping onto the roof, either install your first roof anchor point, or connect to the first roof anchor point, as previously installed by others. You MUST ensure the roof anchors you connect to are up to standard and compliant. DO NOT use non-compliant roof anchor points or have been previously used in a fall.
Once you are safely connected to your first anchor point you may begin your work, alternatively you may need to install additional roof anchor points to reach your desired working location.
Below are some safety instructions which you must follow carefully
Place the roof anchor above the roof where you are working. Use more anchors if necessary where required, however this completely depends on your needs and the job task.
It is recommended the roof anchors are positioned at least two meters away from the roof’s edge. Always refer to the manufacture’s recommendations and maintenance user guides.
ANKAme fall arrest systems and related height safety products can be used by any competent person, as per manufactures installation user manuals and as per Australian Standards, as referenced in the falls code of practice.
Do you need a registered, insured structural engineer to provide you with a design layout for your permanent fix roof anchor points, static lines and ladder access bracket installation intent
We have you covered, we have partnered with ROSS Engineers, whom can provide user friendly design intent roof safety plan layouts as per AS/NZS requirements for a competent person to then be able to install the roof ANKAme roof safety systems as per signed engineers detailed drawings and manufactures user manuals. Prices start from $500.00 + GST.
ANKAme are your height safety fall protection experts in Australia. We are passionate about your safety when working at heights on roofs. ANKAme proudly operating since 2010.
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