You may be wondering where to find accurate and reliable information on working at heights permits.
Understanding the Australian regulations and requirements for working at heights is crucial to ensure safety on construction sites and other relevant job sites.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of working at heights permits and provide you with valuable resources to obtain the necessary information to comply with the Australian Standards for working at heights regulations.
What Is Working at Heights Permit?
A working at heights permit may not be as complicated as it sounds.
Essentially, it serves as validation that an individual or team has received sufficient training to carry out height-related tasks safely.
These height-related tasks could include painting high walls, repairing rooftops or engaging in more intricate construction work on tall structures.
Height-related tasks inherently pose higher risks, thus necessitating enhanced safety measures.
It’s important to note that this permit holds more significance than just being a document kept in one’s pocket.
It signifies that the working at heights permit holder has been through thorough training to handle the specific dangers associated with working at heights – whether it involves maintaining balance on high beams, using fall protection equipment, or managing psychological challenges related to heights.
Understanding the Importance of Working at Heights Permit
Tickets and training for working at heights are a good way to promote safety culture in construction industries.
However, they act more as a compulsory item and a checkbox than a tool that helps people and businesses avoid negligence and accidents.
Working at Heights Permit is an excellent precautionary measure to manage the risks associated with height-related tasks.
They make workers aware of the dangers of working at heights and encourage them to take steps that, when followed correctly, reduces the chance of height-related accidents.
A working at heights permit should include a detailed assessment of potential hazards and risk involved.
It also includes space to record details, list standby people, and sign off on the permit once it has been agreed that the work can be done safely.
Who Needs Working at Heights Permit?
Most workers in the construction industry are required to work at heights.
A safe work method statement is required for construction work where there is the risk that a worker could fall more than two (2) meters.
A SWMS is developed based on site-specific risk assessments and includes measures to reduce workplace hazards or risks or eliminate them if this is not possible.
Before any work is started, a SWMS must be created in consultation with workers performing high-risk construction work.
Industrial and Commercial Activities
A working at heights permit is required to engage in commercial and industrial activities such as installing equipment, cleaning the windows of high-rise buildings, or performing repairs in industrial facilities.
Permit: Individuals who have completed the required training and are competent to work in elevated heights will be issued a permit.
This permit specifies the tasks the individual has been authorised to do and makes sure that safety protocols are adhered to reduce the risk of height-related accidents.
What Is the Requirement for Working at Heights Permit?
According to My Safety Works, working at heights permit is required to ensure the safety of work and prevent unauthorised entry to work areas.
The permit should be prominently displayed at the site.
Some key factors to consider before work at heights activities requiring a permit include:
- There is another way of completing the task that will reduce the risks as much as possible, namely by protecting the personnel from the hazards associated with the work and avoiding the permitted works whenever possible.
- What are the hazards associated with the task?
- What are the training and competency requirements for a work at heights task that is completed safely?
- What controls are needed (e.g. fall prevention equipment etc.)
- Who is responsible for risk assessment for working at heights?
- What weather conditions will there be for outdoor work?
- What other procedures should be reviewed to ensure that the task is completed?
- What is the isolation process required for a particular type of work?
- Is the area to be delineated? If so, in what way?
- What controls and a formal risk assessment are needed for work at heights?
Height Safety Regulations in Australia
It’s important to note that in Australia, height safety equipment as well as working at heights are regulated by the Working at Height Association (WAHA).
They enforce the Australian Standards & Industry Codes.
- AS1657:2018 Fixed Platforms and Walkways, Stairways and Ladders.
- AS/NZS 1891 Part 1: Safety Belts & Harnesses.
- AS/NZS 1892 Part 2: Horizontal Lifeline and Rail Systems.
- AS/NZS1891:3 Part 3: Fall Arrest Devices.
- AS/NZS 1980.4 Part 4: Selection, Use and maintenance of Industrial Fall Arrest Devices and Systems.
- AS2625 Safe Work in Confined Space.
- AS/NZS 4488 Industrial Rope Access Systems.
- AS/NZS 532 Manufacturers requirements of single-point anchors.
Fall protection equipment is generally required by anyone who works at heights greater than 2 metres.
The type of fall protection system that’s best for your workplace will depend on whether there are any fall hazards and what kind of work you do.
Permits Types and Work Covered
Working at heights permit can vary depending on the type of work being carried out and the specific risks involved.
It’s important to understand the specific requirements and limitations of each permit to ensure compliance and safety.
| Permit Types | Work Covered |
| General Permit | Routine maintenance work such as cleaning gutters or changing light fixtures. |
| Hot Work Permit | Tasks involving open flames or heat-producing equipment like welding or soldering. |
| Confined Space Permit | Work conducted in enclosed or restricted areas with limited access points. |
| Special Permit | Specific tasks requiring additional safety precautions or specialised equipment. |
| Elevated Work Platform Permit | Work performed from elevated platforms or aerial lifts. |
Incorporating AlertForce Training
No matter what your chosen industry or profession is, a RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights Certificate is beneficial for you, your workplace and your co-workers.
How?
This one-day course is an important Working at Heights training covering all aspects of working safely from heights.
It can be used by a variety of industries to help reduce the risk of workplace accidents.
We recommend completing the Working at Heights training to comply with industry standards.
AlertForce training offers a RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights Certificate that is accredited accredited by the National Safety Council and providing participants with the knowledge and skills required to work safely in construction sites, where work activities require working at heights above 2 meters and fall protection measures.
The practical assessment is completed in a simulated roof environment.
Participants’ knowledge and skills will be tested.
This AlertForce training is beneficial to those who are interested in finding employment in the construction, resources or infrastructure industries.
Participants are encouraged to complete this training at least every two years in order to stay current within the industry.
The Work Safely at Heights (Unit of Competency: RIIWHS204E), does not expire.
It’s important to remember that the Working at Height Association and other industry groups recommend this Working at Heights training be updated every two years.
Although this work is dangerous, a high-risk work licence is not required.
Any person who undertakes work in dogging, rigging, or scaffolding will need an HRW Licence for High-Risk Work, along with the latest Working at Heights Training.
Working at Heights Permit Application
Working at Heights permit application form can be found on NSW government’s Planning Industry & Environment website.
About the form
- The application must be submitted at least 7 days prior to the date of work, excluding weekends and holidays.
- The application will not be considered if all documentation is not submitted.
- The following criteria must be met, and the PMNSW representative should receive the information along with the Safe Work Method Statement before work begins.
- The permit only has a validity period specified.
- The permit must always be available and readily produced.
Conclusion
A working at heights permit is a vital safeguard for any occupation that involves significant heights.
The importance of occupational safety is reflected in this permit. It shows that the individual has been thoroughly trained to perform height-related tasks, while also ensuring his or her own well-being, as well as that of others.
You’ll need to contact a specific administrative body and follow the simple steps that they have laid out.
Working at Heights Permit also plays a vital role in developing an industry-wide safety culture, especially in construction industries where working from heights is a common practice.
These permits reinforce the idea that worker safety is of paramount importance and highlight employers’ commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe workplace.