A work positioning system uses equipment that allows an individual to work while being supported by a harness in tension that prevents a fall from occurring.
A work positioning system requires both supervisors and users to be highly competent to ensure that it is used safely.
Supervisors and users should undergo competency-based training courses.
This type of system is used to work at and gain access to a workface. Usually, this is achieved through the use of vertically suspended ropes.
Industrial rope access systems do use fall-arrest components.
However, the major purpose of this type of system is gaining access to a certain work area instead of providing backup fall protection.
Other methods to access a workface also should be considered (building maintenance units or EWPs, for example) before using a rope access system, since as high levels of skill are needed to use them safely.
You should make sure that whenever it is necessary to use an industrial rope access system that the following is adhered to:
The IAS/NZS 4488 industrial rope access systems series provides further recommendations on industrial rope access systems.
Following is the equipment used with Industrial Rope Access Systems:
A person’s movement is controlled by a restraint technique by physically preventing the individual from reaching a position where they will be at risk of a fall.
It is comprised of a harness connected via a lanyard to a horizontal or anchorage lifeline.
It is required to be set up in order to prevent the user from reaching an edge that is unprotected.
Using a restraint technique is appropriate where:
When determining whether or not secure footing may be maintained, the following should be considered:
Restraint techniques should only be used when it is not reasonably practicable to provide a physical barrier (a guard rail, for example) to prevent falls.
This is due to the fact that users are required to possess a high level of skill in order to operate it safely and requires greater supervision as well.
A competent person should install the restraint system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Also, restraint anchorage should be used that has been designed to be used for fall-arrest loading.
Rather than restraint techniques, a separate fall-arrest system should be used in any of these situations:
If you are looking for knowledgeable and experienced scaffolders, who have leading-hands that work together with you and offer expert advice, please contact us at Skelscaff today on 1300 266 607 or email us at contact@skelscaff.com.au.