Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00425:body:0:p19
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00425
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 47707–50534

to use, all fixed anchorage points are checked by a competent person before attaching the rope access lines
    * a back up system is used to protect the operator
    * two independently anchored ropes are used for each person
    * any person within three metres of an unguarded edge is adequately secured
    * all operators wear a full body harness
    * supervisors can communicate with workers
    * where necessary, appropriate personal protective equipment is used, such as helmets, gloves, hearing protection, goggles and masks
    * barricades and signposts are placed on all access areas below the working area and anchorage locations to exclude and alert the public and tradespeople.
Further guidance on industrial rope access systems is available in AS/NZS 4488 Industrial rope access systems series.

Figure 18: Operator using an ascender in an industrial rope access system.

5.2 Restraint technique
A restraint technique controls a person's movement by physically preventing the person reaching
a position at which there is a risk of a fall. It consists of a harness that is connected by a lanyard
to an anchorage or horizontal life line. It must be set up to prevent the wearer from reaching an unprotected edge (see Figure 19).

Figure 19: Restraint technique options.

A restraint technique is suitable for use where:

    * the user can maintain secure footing without having to tension the restraint line and without
      the aid of any other hand hold or lateral support. When deciding whether secure footing can
      be maintained, consider:
       * the slope of the surface
       * the supporting material type
       * the surface texture of the surface and whether it is likely to be wet, oily or otherwise slippery
    * the horizontal life lines are fitted with an industrial shock absorber when required
    * the restraint system conforms with AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices series.
Restraint techniques should only be used if it is not reasonably practicable to prevent falls by providing a physical barrier (for example, a guard rail). This is because restraint techniques require a high level of user skill to operate safely and also greater supervision.
A restraint system should be installed by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Restraint anchorage should be designed for fall-arrest loading.

An individual fall-arrest system should be used instead of restraint techniques if any of the following situations apply:
    * the user can reach a position where a fall is possible
    * the user has a restraint line that can be adjusted in length so that a free fall position can be reached
    * there is a danger the user may fall through the surface, for example fragile roofing material
    * the slope is over 15 degrees