Accredited high-rise anchor points

The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) now provides an inspection accreditation program focusing on safety for maintenance workers who work on high-rise buildings.

Mr Makeen Buckley, lead assessor for NATA, along with technical assessor Mr John Hickey, conducted the accreditation inspection assessment of Melbourne-based Ascend Australia.

“Ascend is the first company in Australia to receive accreditation for the inspection of anchorage points on buildings that are regularly used by building maintenance, window cleaning and painting crews,” said Makeen.

“The accreditation also covers the inspection of working at heights equipment, including such items as fall arrest systems and harnesses.”

During the visit, Hickey undertook the technical review of equipment, personnel and work methods with company personnel.

“It is not often that we see this level of competence and enthusiasm mixed with diligence and prudence — a good mixture for the type of work they do,” Hickey said.

Ascend initially contacted NATA in July with a request for accreditation, following concerns regarding the safety and condition of some of the anchorage points their contractors were using to conduct the cleaning and repair activities.

Makeen said one of the advantages of the accreditation is not only a benefit for the building owners, but to all other qualified contractors who use the anchor points, who can now know the systems have been fully tested.