Working at Heights: New Industrial Rope Access Systems Guide

Original article published by SafeWork Australia

Safe Work Australia has published new guidance to assist persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to manage the health and safety risks of industrial rope access systems.

An industrial rope access system is a work positioning system used for gaining access to, and working at, a workface, usually through vertically suspended ropes.

The guide provides practical information on:

• selection and installation of anchors
• anchor access and layout
• anchor inspection and testing
• rigging techniques
• rope protection, and
• exclusion zones.

PCBUs must understand their work health and safety duties under the model Work Health and Safety laws and manage the risks associated with using industrial rope access systems at work.

Download the Guide to managing risks of industrial rope access systems.