SWA publishes guidance on industrial rope access systems

Safe Work Australia has published 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 used for gaining access to, and working at, a workface, usually through vertically suspended ropes. The use of these systems can pose work health and safety risks that must be identified and managed by PCBUs.

The guide provides information about duties under the model Work Health and Safety laws, and practical guidance on the selection and installation of anchors, anchor access and layout, anchor inspection and testing, rigging techniques, rope protection and exclusion zones.

This guide is for industrial rope access service providers, building managers, owners and body corporates, principal contractors, and other PCBUs at a workplace where an industrial rope access system is used. PCBUs and workers are encouraged to download the guide to ensure they know their duties and how to manage the health and safety risks associated with using industrial rope access systems at work.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Andrey Bandurenko