Work Safely at Heights

The working at heights ticket has no expiry date, but many safety groups recommend retaking it every two years or whenever industry standards change.

You're considered to be working at heights when:
· Work conducted in or on plant or a structure that is at an elevated level.
· Work conducted in or on plant that is being used to gain access to an elevated level.
· Work conducted near an opening through which a person could fall.
· Work conducted near an edge over which a person could fall.
· Work conducted on or near a surface through which a person could fall.
· Work conducted on or near a slippery, sloping or unstable surface.

Always select work equipment that is safe to use and suitable for the task at hand. Think about whether the new equipment will create any new hazards.
Complete a thorough inspection of all equipment before working at heights.

You must not work at height until a risk assessment has been carried out. It is only following this assessment that an employer can review and update how they have taken steps to minimised or reduce these risks.

There are many Australian Standards associated with working at heights, some of these include:

· AS/NZS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders—Design, construction and installation.
· AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices.
· AS/NZS 1892 Portable ladders series.
· AS/NZS 4389 Safety mesh.
· AS/NZS 4488 Industrial rope access systems series.
· AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding.
· AS 2550.16 Cranes—Safe Use—Mast climbing work platforms.
· AS/NZS 4994 Temporary edge protection series.

Yes, it is possible with some providers but not advisable.
It's important to note that online training should be considered as an addition to, not a replacement for, hands-on training and practical assessment. An online training course alone may not be enough to meet the regulations or industry standards for working safely at heights, and it's important to check with the specific employer or regulatory body to ensure that the training meets their requirements.
It's also important to check the credibility of the provider and the course content, as well as the assessment process to ensure that the training meets the industry standards and will be recognized by the employer or the regulatory body.

No, it is not safe or legal to work at heights without proper training. Working at heights can be dangerous and requires specific knowledge and skills to ensure the safety of the employee.
The Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, which are enforced by the state and territory regulators, require employers to provide their employees with the necessary information, training, and instruction to work safely at heights. This includes training on the use of personal protective equipment, fall protection systems, and emergency procedures.
Employers are also required to ensure that their employees are competent to work at heights, which means that they have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to perform their job safely.
Working at heights without proper training can lead to serious accidents, injuries and even death. It is not only a legal requirement but also a moral and ethical responsibility to ensure that the employee is trained and competent to work at heights before allowing them to do so.

Yes, working safely at heights is required for ladder work. Ladders are considered a form of access equipment and working at heights on ladders can be dangerous if not done properly. Ladder safety training is important to ensure that the person using the ladder understands the risks associated with ladder work and knows how to use the ladder safely.
It's also important to note that ladders are not suitable for all types of work at heights and that in some cases, other forms of access equipment such as scaffolding, mobile elevating work platforms, or fall protection systems may be more appropriate.

Safe work at heights requires the use of proper equipment, such as fall protection gear, and adherence to safety procedures, such as proper ladder usage and regular equipment inspections. Training on fall protection and emergency procedures is also important. In addition, it is important to have a plan in place for emergencies and to regularly assess and identify potential hazards.

The primary legal responsibility for ensuring safe working at heights falls on the employer or person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). They have a legal duty to ensure the health and safety of their workers and others who may be affected by their work, including ensuring that appropriate equipment and procedures are in place for working at heights. Workers also have a legal duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others, and to comply with any reasonable instruction or training provided by their employer.