The health and safety of your team in the workplace are critical (no matter how much they like to frustrate you by calling in sick or pushing their luck elsewhere). The lives of your employees are quite literally in your hands when working at heights. Windows cleaners, construction workers, and many others need fall protection systems and roof anchors. The quality of this equipment could be the difference between healthy/happy employees and workplace incidents.
We’ve compiled some signs your roof anchors may not comply with the important regulations in Australia.
What are the Regulations?
When it comes to fall protection systems and roof anchors in Australia, Safe Work Australia takes the lead. They’ve got guidelines that say, “Hey, if you’re working at heights of 2 meters or more, you better have a fall prevention system in place!” And of course, that includes those reliable roof anchor points which need to be installed with utmost care to keep our workers safe and sound.
Warning Signs That Your Roof Anchors May Not Comply
Don’t bury your head in the sand or think that an accident won’t happen because it hasn’t happened so far. Look after your team and everything else will look after itself. Fail to look after your team and they could get injured, which leads to lost productivity time, potential legal problems, and, you know, injured friends.
1. No Certification
In the land down under, Aussie regulations demand that all fall protection gear, including roof anchors, must be certified by a true-blue expert. And hey, put it in writing too.
2. Poor Installation
Improperly installed roof anchors can be a real pain in the asphalt. Don’t risk injury or worse. Trust the pros – experienced and certified – to handle your roof anchor installation. You’re asking these things to hold the bodyweight of your employees, so not installing the anchors correctly is a recipe for disaster.
3. Rust or Corrosion
If your roof anchors are showing signs of rust or corrosion, it’s like they’re staging a rebellion against regulations. Don’t let them weaken your structure and put workers at risk. Regular inspections and maintenance are the superheroes that prevent this villainous issue. We all succumb to the problem of age, and roof anchors are no different. It could also be that the weather and constant use has caused your anchors to age faster. Keep an eye on your system, either way.
4. Cracks or Damage
Just like a broken heart, if your roof anchors start showing cracks or visible damage, it’s time for a replacement. These signs are like red flags waving frantically, warning that the anchor’s strength and integrity have been compromised. Safety first, folks. This isn’t something that you should spot and then ignore – it’s also wise to encourage your team to report any issues they see.
5. Lack of Proper Training
Proper training in using fall protection systems is as crucial as knowing the latest dance moves. If your team is clueless about roof anchors, it’s like trying to salsa without rhythm – a clear sign your workplace needs to step up its game. Don’t miss a beat, provide thorough training and make sure everyone is dancing safely at heights.
Fix these problems today and you’ll minimise your problems!
