Fall Arrest Systems SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers the planning, installation, use, response and removal of fall-arrest systems. It supports work planning and risk management by addressing fall exposure, equipment condition, structural support, clearance, weather and rescue hazards.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review the work scope, site conditions and fall exposure
• Establish exclusion zones and manage access
• Check weather conditions and access arrangements
• Inspect fall-arrest equipment and components
• Verify structural support and anchor locations
• Install anchors and fall-arrest systems
• Test, label and certify the installed system
• Plan fall clearance and connection arrangements
• Fit harnesses and connect to the system
• Perform work at height
• Respond to a fall or emergency
• Remove, inspect, clean and hand over systems

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses undertaking work involving fall-arrest systems.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to eliminate or minimise fall risks so far as is reasonably practicable and to provide safe access, training, supervision, consultation and emergency arrangements.
• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS regulations relating to high risk construction work and Safe Work Method Statements where construction work involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces. This is model guidance and must be checked against the code adopted or approved in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work, including SWMS requirements for high risk construction work. This is model guidance and must be checked against the code adopted or approved in the relevant jurisdiction.
• AS/NZS 1891 series, Personal equipment for work at height, including AS/NZS 1891.4:2009 Selection, use and maintenance.
• AS/NZS 5532, Manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor device used for harness-based work at heights.
• AS 1657, Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders—Design, construction and installation.
• AS/NZS 3012, Electrical installations—Construction and demolition sites, where temporary electrical equipment is used.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections