Much like how road signs can assist in finding your destination, safety signage provides important details on finding your way around a height safety system.
Signage sits amongst the administrative tools on the hierarchy of risk controls. Although this places safety signs only above PPE in that regard, it is important that workers understand what signage they are likely to come across when working at height.
There are signs that are required to be installed alongside every permanent height safety and fall protection system. There are also signs that can commonly be found in working at height environments. These can provide workers with assistance in identifying and avoiding potential risk areas.
Height safety system access signage
A permanent height safety or fall protection system is required to have “descriptive and instructional signs” installed in a suitable location near the entry point to the system (AS/NZS 1891.4, s2.2.9).
The signs are required to be made of a durable material so they remain in place and can be read for the duration of the system’s design life. Typically, this is around 10 years.
In terms of content, the standard also dictates several requirements that need to be met.
These include the naming both the manufacturer/s and installer of the system as well as a unique identification number. For anchorage point systems, the sign should include the strength rating for the installed anchors (usually 15kN for fall arrest, 21kN for rope access), the maximum number of operators that can connect to a single point (AS/NZS 1891.4, s3.2.5)
If the system involves static lines or rigid rails the information sign should also include instructions on the correct PPE to be used with the system and any other notes for access or system restrictions that may need to be known by the operator prior to entering the system (AS/NSZ 1891.4, s.6.3[j]).
Finally, the plate should also make note of compliance inspection intervals and have a date at which the system will cease being compliant if an inspection is not completed before.
Common height safety signs
When it comes to working at heights or in areas where fall risks are present, there are many signs that workers are likely to come across.
Many roofs – particularly warehouse and industrial buildings – have sections where the metal sheets have been replaced with translucent skylight panels. These panels present a fall risk as they are unable to withstand the load of a person walking on them.
Although a clear and safe walkway may be provided, it is important that anyone accessing the roof be made aware of the danger presented by these panels, which may not be easily identified at first glance.
Not every height safety or fall protection system requires the use of a harness. And although any worker accessing and area where such a system is present should be properly trained and competent so they know whether a harness is required or not, signage like to act as a reminder can be helpful.
This is especially useful in situations where there are different sections to a system, each with their own access requirements. A notice that a worker is moving from an area that does not require a harness to one that does can be an important reminder that risks of a fall are present.
Warning sign standard
As is the case in most forms of life, warning signs play an important role in keeping workers aware of acute dangers at the workplace.
This is especially needed when working at height as careful focus on one specific risk can leave a worker more exposed to another.
Every warning sign at a workplace is of great importance. The need for this is clear, and why warning signs should always aim to comply with AS 1319 – Safety signs for the occupational environment.
Adherence to this standard will assist in ensuring that signage is consistent across workplaces. Also, that meaning and intent are clear and unambiguous.
Main types of signs
While there are many different types of warning signs defined within AS 1319 covering different types of notification and instruction, there are two that are commonly found when working at height.
The first are what is referred to as “regulatory” signs. This is a type of sign where failure to follow the instructions on it could result in a breach of the law, standing orders, safety procedures or other directions.
The second type are hazard signs. As one might expect these types of signs are about making hazards known.
Under the banner of regulatory signs are three distinct classifications. Prohibition, mandatory and restriction.
Prohibition signs indicate that something must not be done. For example, the classic “no smoking” sign.
Mandatory mean that something must be done. For example, the wearing of eye or ear protection.
Restriction signs place a limit on what can be done. For example, the ubiquitous speed limit signs.
Hazard signs are divided into two types. Danger signs, that provide warning of potentially fatal hazards, and warning signs, which are for hazards that not considered to be a threat to life.
Danger signs are often paired with a note saying that access is now allowed in an area.
Warning signs can contain explanatory text about a hazard. The yellow bollards placed on just-washed-and-still-wet floors are an example of a warning sign.
Administration controls are an important part of workplace safety
It may not seem like signs and signage can be the most important aspect of a workplace safety system, but their absence can result in workers being put at significant risk.
A sign is not going to stop someone from deciding to the wrong them, but they can help someone avoid doing the wrong thing and placing themselves at risk inadvertently.
Workplace safety signage forms an important part of a complete and holistic workplace safety system.
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Height Safety Engineers have been protecting people working at height and in high-risk environments for over 20 years.
Start your safety journey with our team of experts by calling 1300 884 978, emailing enquiries@heightsafety.net or by filling out the contact form at the top of this page.
