WAHA launches industry code for anchor, lifeline and rail installations

A new industry code for the installation of fall protection anchors, lifelines and rail systems has been launched by the Working at Height Association (WAHA).

This code has been developed to provide examples of best practice and general advice to industry on the safe principles of design, through to installation and recertification of fall protection systems.

Representatives from the WAHA, industry, manufacturers, installation companies, asset owners, standards committees and regulators have been involved in the development of the publication, with a key focus on total system safety.

“This publication is much needed, as although we have product standards, workplace regulations and manufacturer’s instructions, before the launch of this publication there has been no real document to tie the key elements of each of these together,” said Michael Biddle, Chairman of the WAHA.

“Although this is not a perfect document that covers every eventuality, it seeks to provide key guidelines for asset owners, installers and other interested parties to better understand best practices for height safety installations.”

The industry has been plagued by a significant volume of low to poor quality installations for many years. With limited resources available from regulators to take action, the WAHA has embarked on a longer-term strategy to self-regulate and encourage a higher overall standard of safety.

“With an initial focus of establishing the standards for installation companies to meet, this will be followed by the development of minimum training requirements, supported by a stringent, ongoing auditing program in order to be endorsed by the WAHA. Although there are a number of competent installation companies operating in industry, within two years we expect that industry will demand WAHA accreditation for an installation company, to give them the peace of mind they require when investing money in a safety system,” said Biddle.

Drafting the code has been a significant undertaking, with over three years of consultation with key groups to develop the final version. The document is available free of charge and can been downloaded from the WAHA website.

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