Safe Work Australia have amended the code of practice for Managing the Risk of Falls in the Workplace after a diagram illustrating example calculations for a fall arrest system was found to be incorrect.

The code was developed by Safe Work Australia to provide practical guidance to persons designing, constructing, importing, supplying or installing plant or structures, on how to manage health and safety risks arising from falls.

It also includes information on a range of control measures to eliminate or minimise the risks.

The amended code of practice includes a redrawn diagram (Figure 31) which previously showed a self-closing gate at the top of the access ladder. The new diagram shows the gate with a 600mm clearance from the access ladder.

Australian anchor point installers, Sydney Anchor Points said it is critically important that all calculations are completely accurate when it comes to managing the risk of falls using fall prevention devices and fall arrest systems.

“If uncorrected, a small miscalculation in height safety systems could lead to injury or worse,” said the company in a press release.

“The very first safety step in working at heights is: ensure the installer of the roof anchors on any domestic or commercial job is qualified. The installer should comply with AS/NZS1891.4 standards. They should also arrange to certify the anchor points every 12 months.”