Industry
News

The document linked is "Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces - Code of Practice 2021," published by WorkSafe Queensland. This code of practice provides comprehensive guidelines and strategies for managing and mitigating the risk of falls in the workplace. It is designed to help employers, workers, and other workplace parties understand their legal obligations and implement effective fall prevention practices in various work environments.

The code covers a wide range of topics, including identifying fall hazards, assessing risk levels, and selecting appropriate control measures to prevent falls from heights or on the same level. It emphasizes the importance of planning and preventive action in the design and organization of work tasks, the selection and use of appropriate work equipment, and the provision of training and information to workers.

This document is part of Queensland's commitment to workplace safety and health, aiming to reduce the incidence and severity of fall-related injuries and fatalities across industries. It is intended for use across all sectors where the risk of falls exists, offering practical advice on creating safer work environments in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.

https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/72640/managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces-cop-2021.pdf

CALL FOR INSPECTION FOR THE ASTRO AND CANYON GUIDE HARNESSES

Request for inspection of ASTRO and CANYON GUIDE harnesses following the detection of a defect on the gated opening attachment point of an ASTRO harness. Due to the risk of unintentional opening of this attachment point, which could result in a life-threatening situation, we ask you to stop any use of these harnesses and to carry out immediately the following inspection.

https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Sport/recalls/2023-10-25/Call-for-inspection-for-the-ASTRO-and-CANYON-GUIDE-harnesses

In Australia and New Zealand, there are several recognized rope access certification schemes designed to ensure the safety and competency of technicians working at heights using rope access methods. These schemes set the standards for training, assessment, and certification, providing a benchmark for skills and safety in the industry. The most notable schemes include:

1. IRATA International (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association)

• IRATA is the leading global authority on rope access, offering a certification scheme recognized worldwide. It provides a three-level certification system (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3), with each level requiring the successful completion of training, a written test, and a practical assessment conducted by an independent IRATA assessor. IRATA's rigorous standards ensure technicians are skilled in safe working practices, rescue procedures, and equipment handling.

2. SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians)

• SPRAT certification is primarily recognized in North America but also holds value in Australia and New Zealand. Similar to IRATA, SPRAT offers a tiered certification system (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3), focusing on safety and technical proficiency in rope access work. SPRAT certification involves completing a training course, passing a written exam, and demonstrating practical skills in a hands-on evaluation.

3. ARAA (Australian Rope Access Association) Merged with SPRAT

• ARAA provides a certification scheme specific to Australia, focusing on promoting safe work practices among rope access professionals in the region. ARAA certification levels are designed to align with industry needs and regulatory standards in Australia, emphasizing compliance, safety, and technical skills.

4. NZRA (New Zealand Rope Access Association)

• NZRA aims to establish and maintain high standards of rope access work within New Zealand. While not as widely recognized as IRATA or SPRAT, NZRA works to promote safety, training, and best practices within the New Zealand rope access industry.

The cost of this training varies significantly around the globe, with the most expensive reported in the USA at approximately AU$2944.86 plus tax, and the most affordable in South Africa at about AU$849.75 plus tax.

The average price for IRATA training in Australian and New Zealand is AU$1850. 

The disparity in the pricing of IRATA training across different countries and regions can be attributed to a variety of factors.

Several key factors contribute to these price differences:

1. Operational Costs: The cost of running training centers varies by country due to differences in rent, utilities, labor, and insurance costs. High operational costs in some regions can lead to higher training fees.

2. Regulatory Environment: Different countries and regions have varying regulations and standards for safety training, which can affect the complexity and length of the training program. More stringent regulations may result in longer, more comprehensive courses that are costlier to administer.

3. Market Demand: In countries with a high demand for qualified rope access technicians, training providers may charge more due to the value attached to the certification. Conversely, in markets with lower demand, prices may be more competitive to attract more trainees.

4. Economic Factors: General economic conditions, such as inflation rates, currency strength, and purchasing power, also influence training costs. Countries with stronger economies and higher living costs tend to have more expensive training fees.

5. Quality and Scope of Training: The quality of training facilities, equipment used, and the instructor's expertise can vary, impacting the cost. Comprehensive training programs that offer extensive hands-on experience may be priced higher.

6. Taxation and Additional Fees: Differences in taxation policies and the inclusion of additional fees, such as certification and materials, can further contribute to the variation in training prices.

ISO 22846-1:2003: This part provides the fundamental principles for the use of rope access methods for work at height. It is intended for use by employers, employees, and self-employed persons who use rope-access methods, as well as those commissioning rope-access work and rope-access associations. It applies to the use of rope-access methods on buildings, other structures (on- or offshore), or natural features (such as cliff faces), during which ropes are used as a primary means of access, egress, or support. 

ISO 22846-2:2012: This part provides recommendations and guidance on the use of rope access methods for work at height and expands on the fundamental principles given in ISO 22846-1. It is applicable in any situation where ropes are used as the primary means of access, egress or support, and as the primary means of protection against a fall, on both man-made and natural features. This part is intended for use by all persons concerned with the use of rope access, including operatives, specifiers, managers, rope access supervisors, purchasing personnel, trainers, clients, and regulatory authorities. 

AS/NZS ISO 22846.1:2020: This part establishes the fundamental principles for the use of rope access methods for work at height. It is intended for use by employers, employees, self-employed persons, and those commissioning rope-access work. The standard is applicable to the use of rope-access methods on various structures, such as buildings and natural features, and focuses on situations where ropes are the primary means of access, egress, support, and protection against falls. This part does not cover rope-access methods used for leisure activities, arboriculture, general steeplejack methods, emergency personal-evacuation systems, or line rescue techniques by emergency services. 

AS/NZS ISO 22846.2:2020: This part provides a code of practice and expands on the fundamental principles outlined in AS/NZS ISO 22846.1. It offers detailed guidance and recommendations for the use of rope access methods for work at height. The standard covers a wide range of aspects, including management systems, planning, hazard identification, risk assessment, supervision, operative skills levels, equipment use, work practices, emergency situations, and welfare considerations. These standards aim to ensure the safety and effectiveness of rope access methods used in various work-at-height situations. 

Standards are available at https://www.standards.org.au/

Rope access involves specialized techniques and equipment for safely working at heights. Several governing documents are used to ensure a safe worksite for the work being conducted in each State or Territory. 

Legislation in Australia is available through various online platforms, each managed by the respective state or territory government. Here's a list of the official legislation websites for all Australian states and territories, where you can access acts, regulations, and other legislative documents:

Federal (Commonwealth)

• Federal Register of Legislation: https://www.legislation.gov.au

States

• New South Wales (NSW)NSW Legislation: https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au
  

• Victoria (VIC)Victorian Legislation: https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au
  

• Queensland (QLD)Queensland Legislation: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au
  

• Western Australia (WA)Western Australian Legislation: https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au
  

• South Australia (SA)South Australian Legislation: https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au
  

• Tasmania (TAS)Tasmanian Legislation: https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au
  

• Australian Capital Territory (ACT)ACT Legislation Register: https://www.legislation.act.gov.au
  

• Northern Territory (NT)Northern Territory Legislation: https://legislation.nt.gov.au
  

Rope access involves specialized techniques and equipment for safely working at heights. Several key standards govern the practice of rope access to ensure safety and efficiency: 

ANSI Z459.1 Standard on Safety Requirements for Rope Access Systems: This standard, established by the American Society of Safety Professionals, aligns with OSHA and ANSI Fall Protection guidelines. It focuses on equipment, systems, and training for rope access in various environments, emphasizing the importance of using a two-rope system, wearing full-body harnesses, and other safety measures. The standard also emphasizes the need for training and certification but does not endorse any specific certification scheme. 

IRATA International Code of Practice (ICoP): IRATA International's rope access system is designed for safe work at height, emphasizing minimal impact on operations, surrounding areas, and the environment. The system includes a set of work procedures that member companies must follow, ensuring a safe system of work. The IRATA Code of Practice is comprehensive, covering fundamental principles, detailed guidance, advice on associated work practices, and relevant national legislation. 

SPRAT Certification: The Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) offers certification that is widely recognized in the industry. SPRAT certification ensures technicians have the necessary skills and training for safe and effective rope access work. SPRAT standards focus on modern regulations and geographic requirements, benefiting technicians, companies, and members. 

ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection and Arrest Standards: This set of standards includes the ANSI/ASSP Z459.1-2021 standard and is focused on fall protection and arrest. It is relevant for those engaged in rope access work, as it addresses comprehensive managed fall protection programs and safety requirements for full-body harnesses.