1980 s Speleology Rock & ice climbing equipment used for industrial applications 1992 First multipurpose engineered system -TRAC approved by WorkCover as method of rope access 1990 s Auto stop descenders commonly used reducing fatalities 2004 OH&S legislation put onus on employers 2011 WHS legislation put onus on all PCBU s 2018 Latest multipurpose engineered system Roper System launched First purpose designed helicopter rescue harness & kit. SRTE, Mortdale 1983
Workers and other persons should be given the highest level of protection against harm to their health, safety and welfare from hazards and risks arising from work as is reasonably practicable. Guide to the Model Work Health and Safety act. March 2016. Safe Work Australia.
Fall arrest is not acceptable Rescue plan must be executed immediately Half a point of attachment is not acceptable Equipment should: comply with or exceed Australian Standards be fit for purpose be compatible you must use an engineered system have appropriate WLL visible on each component
Recurring risks across Sydney Construction sites Workers & PCBU s lack an acceptable understanding of the consequence of a fall. No realistic rescue plan and no rehearsal Level of protection applied is inadequate e.g. excavation - poorly secured fence panels, within 450mm of edge of excavation; FA harness poorly fitted, incorrect or overweight workers wearing FAH which is only rated for 100kg FA lanyard connected to Dorsal D with too much slack to anchor to allow movement for work Workers not secured when climbing ladders contrary to SWMS
Physical Controls WORK POSITIONING RESTRAINT TECHNIQUE LIMITED FREE FALL ARREST RETRAINED FALL ARREST FREE FALL ARREST Supplementary Controls SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK PROVISION FOR RESCUE EXCLUSION AREA An engineered Working at Heights system should ensure: Operators are always in work positioning or fall restraint Operators are already on the rescue system allowing for immediate rescue Operators are competent & familiar with it s operation, reducing the chance of misuse & accidents The engineered system is the highest level of control. It should be simple and multipurpose, increasing competency and productivity.
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 imposes a specific duty on officers to exercise due diligence The duty requires officers to be proactive in ensuring that the PCBU complies with its duty. 1. Investigate current industry issues 2. Understanding operations and associated hazards 3. Eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety 4. Responding to information about incidents, hazards and risks in a timely fashion https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/legal-obligations/employerbusiness-obligations/due-diligence
Very important.. Always re-assure the casualty DON T WORRY! I CAN SEE THE RESCUE TEAM. THEY SHOULD BE HERE IN ABOUT 30 MIN. THEN 30 MINS TO GET UP HERE AND AN HOUR TO SET UP. YOU LL BE OUT OF HERE IN UNDER 2 HOURS
Ensure all components compatible WLL on entire system Improves productivity Reduces or eliminates risks Simplifies the system which will require less training, increased competency Less chance of misuse By using an engineered system we are improving OPAT s productivity in leaps and bounds without compromising quality It s proving to be revolutionary Theresa O Dea, OPAT
CONSCIOUS COMPETENCE UNCONSCIOUS COMPETENCE CONSCIOUS INCOMPETENCE I know what I know and am taking action I know I need practice I know that I don t know UNCONSCIOUS INCOMPETENCE I don t know what I don t know
Instructors teaching knots, incorrectly
Sharp teeth on devices are designed for use in icy conditions Common back up devices. Which is the most suitable?
What karabiner is the right shape? Is this working load limit enough? Which sling is a suitable width for the karabiner? Which shock absorber is safe? An engineered System ensures all components are compatible
Is your descender rated for a 2 person rescue load and with which rope?
An engineered System will ensure the correct rope is used
An engineered system reduces the risk of incorrect knots by eliminating them
Shock absorption should be incorporated into an engineered System Anchor point failure is very common. Anchors must be assessed by an appropriately qualified person
A standards compliant or CE marked item does not mean the product is suitable for your application. This is an Australian Standards compliant harness for fall arrest. An unconscious person will fall out of this harness. The CE Mark is not a guarantee of safety www.strategicsafety.co.uk/pdf/technical-paper-9-beware-the-ce-mark.pdf
This harness has the CE mark, however does not comply with Australian Standards, because the leg loop webbing is narrower than 50mm. In the event of a fall this harness allows for the pressure to be distributed across the pelvis and legs, significantly reducing organ damage. The first logo is the official CE symbol; the second is an unregistered mark which can be found on items manufactured in China which stands for China Export Using an engineered system, in fall restraint, you should be able to wear a suitable sit harness
Engineered Adjective designed and built using scientific principles - Skilfully and deliberately arranged rather than arising naturally or spontaneously. System Noun a set of connected things or devices that operate together An engineered system is essential to ensure all components are compatible. In order to engineer a system each component needs to be vigorously tested with other components in both a laboratory and in situ environments. The system must work in a variety of situations with the same outcomes. Work processes & systems should be designed to eliminate or minimize hazards & risks. Action Areas & strategic Outcomes by 2022. Safe Work Australia
Ensure all components compatible WLL on entire system Improves productivity Reduces or eliminates risks Equipment Anchoring Knots Fall arrest Simplifies the system which will require less training, increased competency Less chance of misuse
Engineered system must be developed by a competent person with extensive knowledge design Manufacturing Training accident investigation etc Experience; and Ability based on research testing, and occupation.