Height safety training standards update Part 1

The new edition of AS/NZS 1891.4 2009 ‘Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices - Selection, use and maintenance’ was released in November 2009 by Standards Australia to replace the 2000 edition. This new edition is in full alignment with the AS/NZS 1891.1. 2007 and becomes the standard that users of height safety equipment are required to follow. It contains significantly updated requirements for height safety training and assessment, extended beyond operator training to cover all those that have an influence on decisions surrounding height safety issues.

There are three parts in the Standard that refer specifically to training and competency.

1. Section 1.4 covers the definitions of competent person and five levels and competency.
2. Section 2.2.11 expands on the training and competency required at each of the five levels.
3. An informative appendix (Appendix E) gives further guidance on ‘core training elements’, outlining the knowledge and skills generally required for the safe conduct of tasks where a fall from height exists.

Definitions and categories

Competent Person

A competent person is defined in Section 1.4.2 as a person who has, through a combination of training, qualification and experience, acquired knowledge and skills enabling that person to correctly perform a specified task.

The levels of training and competency assessment from Sections 2.2.11 and Appendix E are summarised as follows:

Height safety theory

All the people falling under the four competency classifications below must undergo training in basic height safety theory to a standard equal to that of a nationally accredited height safety course for operators.

1. Height Safety Operator – Operators are entry-level personnel who are required to perform harness-based work at heights under the direct supervision of a height safety supervisor. Operators must be trained and assessed in a nationally accredited general height safety course, or a course of equal standard, to a level of competence where they can work under a supervisor. The training and assessment must take into account the type of work to be conducted, the type of structures on which they work, the fall protection equipment they are to use and first response rescue methods.
2. Height Safety Supervisor - Supervisors must be competent in the skills needed to perform harness-based work at heights unsupervised. They are competent to supervise other operators including those at entry level, as well as participating in first response rescue. Supervisors must be trained and assessed in the skills required to work at height unsupervised, to supervise entry level and other operators, and to participate in first response rescue.
3. Height Safety Equipment Inspector - Inspectors must be competent in the skills needed to identify and detect faults in height safety equipment and to determine remedial action. Inspectors must be trained in height safety theory and identifying and assessing any defects that may occur in any equipment they may be required to inspect. This includes undertaking remedial action as well as applying manufacturers’ recommendations, where relevant, for particular equipment.
4. Height Safety Manager - Defined as a person who is competent in the selection, design, manufacture or installation of height safety systems or equipment, or in the development of control measures or work practices. Section 2.2.11 of the Standard further expands the definition of Height Safety Manager. The category applies to people who may have tasks associated with harness-based work at heights including, but not necessarily limited to, people who:

• Are responsible for the management and administration of people performing harness-based work at heights;
• Design infrastructure upon which people may be exposed to a fall-from-height risk, or equipment that may be used while working at heights;
• Make decisions when purchasing or specifying for purchase, about the suitability of equipment (such as tools and personal protective equipment) that may be required for use in areas where fall-from-height risks exist;
• Participate in safe work practice development for harness-based work at heights.

The standard also dictates that the training and assessment of height safety managers must include, where appropriate, additional height safety theory and the technical skills specific to their work and risk and systems management.

For all the above segments the standard has two further requirements:

• All competencies must be reassessed at appropriate intervals; and
• Records must be kept for each person who has been trained and assessed as competent including the level of competency achieved.

Part 2 will discuss Appendix E of the standard, which provides valuable additional information and guidance on the provision of training and competence.

*Gordon Cadzow, FPMA Secretary.