Height Safety Audits

 The audit checks that the workplace adheres to Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, which are consistent across Australia. These regulations are governed by the Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations, along with Australian Standards such as AS 1891 for industrial fall-arrest systems and AS/NZS 4488 for industrial rope access systems. 

 A key component of the audit is identifying potential hazards associated with working at heights, such as unstable surfaces, poor access to heights, unprotected edges, or the use of inappropriate equipment.

Auditors assess whether there are systems in place for workers to identify hazards and manage risks, including the implementation of safe work procedures (SWPs) and proper training.

The audit reviews all equipment used for height safety, including fall protection systems (e.g., harnesses, lanyards, and fall-arrest devices), guardrails, safety nets, scaffolding, and ladders.

Ensuring that equipment is in good condition, regularly inspected, and compliant with Australian Standards (such as AS 1891.1 for fall-arrest devices) is a critical focus.

 The audit evaluates the safety of access points to elevated areas. This includes assessing ladders, stairways, platforms, and elevating work platforms (EWPs). Safe access and egress routes are essential to prevent falls from height and to ensure workers can exit quickly in case of emergency. 

 The audit assesses the availability and effectiveness of rescue plans for workers who may become injured or trapped while working at height. This includes having trained rescue personnel, adequate rescue equipment, and clear procedures for performing safe rescues. 

 The audit ensures that proper records are kept, such as inspection logs for safety equipment, maintenance records, training certifications, and risk assessments. This documentation is critical for legal compliance and for tracking the safety status of the workplace.