If you work from heights in the Northern Territory, you may need to complete training to comply with Work Health and Safety regulations.
Working from heights of more than two metres is a high-risk task. In fact, 11% of all workers killed in Australia between 2003 and 2015 died as a result of falls. Completing the necessary training course gives you the skills and knowledge to work safely at heights.
The course covers safety procedures and recommendations based on the standards outlined by the ASCC (Australian Safety and Compensation Council) and the WHS regulations. It helps reduce workplace hazards using various control measures, such as personal protective equipment.
Do I Need a Working at Heights Certificate in Darwin?
According to WHS regulations, you need to have a certificate when working from heights of two metres or higher. Under the WHS Regulations, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is obligated to manage risks in the workplace. This includes managing the risks related to falling.
The training is most commonly used in the construction and engineering industries. Workers in these sectors are more likely to perform tasks involving the following:
- Working from ladders
- Working on roofs
- Working on elevated surfaces
- Working on uneven surfaces
Any time that you undertake work at heights that exceed two metres, you place yourself in additional danger. Falling from this height can lead to severe injuries and even death. With the right training, you learn how to minimise the risks.
How Can I Get a Working at Heights Certificate in Darwin?
To get a certificate, you need to complete the working at heights training through a registered training facility. RIIWHS204E meets the Australian standards, ensuring compliance with the WHS Act. The program is available to anyone, but you must supply a photographic identification, such as a driver’s licence or passport.
How Long Does the Working at Heights Ticket Last in Darwin?
After completing the program, you receive a statement of attainment. The statement does not expire. However, many PCBUs require workers to take a refresher course every two years.
The Working at Heights Association (WAHA) also recommends the refresher program every two years. Retaking the course or completing a refresher program keeps workers competent and aware of any changes to safety procedures.
The initial training is offered in-person while the refresher course is offered online. This allows you to maintain your competency for working from heights. Keep in mind that you need to complete the initial training face-to-face before enrolling in an online refresher program.
After completing the refresher program, you print a certificate of completion. Retain a copy of the certificate, along with your statement of attainment, as verification of your training.
What Does the Working at Heights Training Darwin Include?
The course is designed to instruct those that work at heights above two metres. It includes both practical theory and an assessment.
The training covers the selection of safety equipment and the procedures needed for completing a risk assessment. You also receive practical instruction for the following topics:
- Identifying work requirements and procedures
- Accessing and installing safety equipment
- Performing work at heights
- Cleaning up the work area
In the first section, workers learn how to interpret safety procedures and follow WHS requirements. It also includes instructions on how to check safety equipment and identify potential hazards.
Accessing and installing safety equipment is another area of training. It covers the recommended steps for accessing the work area, tools, and equipment.
The third section of the program covers the actual performance of tasks from heights. Some of the topics discussed include keeping fall equipment in place and properly adjusted and checking safety equipment periodically for WHS compliance. Workers also learn how to monitor and reassess risk control measures.
Learning how to apply the hierarchy of control measures to reduce the hazards when performing tasks at heights is a major component of the RIIWHS204E course. For example, using an elevating work platform is a form of substitution, allowing workers to safely reach a higher level. Other control measures include:
- Elimination of the hazard
- The use of engineering controls
- Administrative controls
- Personal protective equipment
Eliminating a hazard often involves finding other ways to complete the same task. This eliminates the need to work from a dangerous height. Engineering controls include solutions for increasing safety when completing tasks from an upper level.
Administrative controls are steps that reduce the potential dangers of completing projects from dangerous levels. This may include placing a limit on the amount of time a worker can spend working from heights. The final option is the use of personal protective equipment, giving workers protection against falls.
The training also includes recommended best practices for cleaning up the work area after the completion of the task. This includes dismantling and removing safety equipment and systems, clearing the work area, and cleaning or maintaining tools and equipment.
How Much Is the Working at Heights Course Darwin?
The RIIWHS204E course costs $227 per person. The training and assessment take a full day to complete.
AlertForce also offers an online refresher course. It costs $88 per person and is completed online. Both programs are available nationally and meet the WHS Act requirements for working at heights.
If you intend to work in the construction industry, you also need to obtain your white card. The RIIWHS204E course does not replace the need for construction induction training. However, this is not a prerequisite for enrolling in the RIIWHS204E program.