Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the safety requirements, controls, and procedures for the use, inspection, and maintenance of fall arrest harnesses on Australian worksites, with the primary goal of preventing falls from height. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of Harness Use and Inspection SWMS, including equipment selection, inspection, correct fitting, and integration with broader fall protection systems to support WHS compliance.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Checking expiry dates, service life, and manufacturer recommendations for harnesses, lanyards, and related fall arrest equipment
• Inspection of harness webbing, stitching, hardware, and labels for damage, contamination, or defects before and after use
• Establishing and setting up a compliant fall restraint system to prevent workers from reaching fall edges or unprotected openings
• Selection, installation, and verification of personal fall arrest systems including harnesses, shock-absorbing lanyards, and connectors
• Correct fitting, adjustment, and wearing of full body harnesses to ensure secure attachment and effective load distribution
• Safe use of safety belts and restraint systems where appropriate, including limitations and when a full body harness is required
• Following fall arrest system procedures, including anchor point selection, connection methods, and safe movement while attached
• Use of foot restraint and work positioning systems to maintain stability and prevent slips, trips, and uncontrolled movement at height
• Managing and controlling the risk of harness or fall protection system failure through inspection regimes and removal from service criteria
• Identification and control of inadequate or missing fall protection systems, including escalation, reporting, and work stoppage procedures
• Mandatory wearing of fall protection gear and full body harnesses while working at heights or near fall hazards
• Provision of fall protection training, competency assessment, and supervision for workers using harnesses and fall arrest systems
• Planning and documenting emergency and rescue procedures in the event of a fall, including suspension trauma considerations
• Storage, cleaning, and maintenance of harnesses, lanyards, and associated equipment to maintain integrity and extend service life

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for roofing contractors, scaffolders, construction and maintenance workers, electricians, telecommunication and utilities crews, and site supervisors responsible for any work at heights involving harnesses and fall arrest systems.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Guidance on identifying, assessing, and controlling fall risks, including the use of fall arrest systems and harnesses
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work – Requirements for planning and managing construction activities involving work at heights
• AS/NZS 1891.1 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Harnesses and ancillary equipment – Requirements for selection, use, and performance of industrial fall arrest harnesses
• AS/NZS 1891.2 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Horizontal lifeline and rail systems – Guidance for use of systems connected to harnesses and lanyards
• AS/NZS 1891.4 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance – Instructions for inspection, care, and ongoing management of fall arrest equipment
• AS/NZS 1891.5 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Lanyards and pole straps – Requirements for lanyards used with full body harnesses
• AS/NZS 1892 Portable ladders – Where harnesses are used in conjunction with ladder work at height
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017