The importance of Anchoring Systems

Working at Height Good Practice Advocacy

Ask the GPG to be explicit about the requirements for anchoring systems when deploying harness controls. No Valid Harness System operates without some form of anchoring system.

Companies often provide a harness and PPE without considering what the PPE is connected to. This is a particular problem in construction where formally certified anchoring systems are yet to be installed.

In many cases, the anchoring system is an environmental provision that forms part of the duty for PCBUs to coordinate, as one PCBU may control the site and its fixed protections, while the other may control the workers and their PPE protections.

This fundamental tension is what drives the risk-based decision to require higher-level controls. A working-at-height course is essentially a harness course, but this is misleadingly narrow and leads PCBUs to correlate working at height with providing a harness and lanyard.

It is deficient and needs explicit clarification. No anchoring system, no valid harness control.

Some terms and options to include,

• Anchoring system - the complete map of anchors that permit work and egress within a fall hazard area
• Anchorage - a structure or substrate that an anchor is attached to
• Anchor - A connection point for Personal fall protection
• Placed anchor - a device or sling that is placed on a suitable anchorage to provide a connection point.
• Identified Anchor - An anchor permanently attached to a structure that is intended for fall protection connection but does not meet certification requirements (MEWP anchors)
• Authorised Anchors - Risk-assessed structural anchorages that are identified to be strong enough for the direct connection of fall protection PPE.
• Certified Anchor - A permanent, identified, and compliant anchor system explicitly designed for fall protection.
• Lifelines (or static lines) - temporary lines anchored between suitable anchorages to provide protected mobility.
• Certified LifeLines - Permanent, identified, compliant, continuous connection anchor system such as rails or lifelines. (also called travel restraint systems)
• Certified Vertical Lifelines - Permanent systems that permit progress-capturing fall protection when climbing, using Limited Free Fall Arrest.
• Vertical Lifelines - Temporary solutions for climbing safely.
• Assembled Anchorages - Proprietary constructions such as tripods and gantries used as an anchorage.
• Constructed Anchorages - are typically assembled anchorages that require calculation and specific configurations to maintain performance, such as counterweight needles.

There is no shortage of anchor options, only a shortage of guidance around them. Let's remove the excuses and educate through official guidance.

If you agree, let me be your voice and sign the petition to show support so I can advocate on your behalf.