This is part five of the HSE height safety dictionary. It runs through the letters Q, R and S.
The rest of the height safety alphabet can be found here:
- A, B, C
- D, E, F
- H, I, J, K, L
- M, N, O, P
Q
Quick-connect system – A type of system designed so that attaching components takes minimal input from an operator and can be completed with minimal friction.
R
Rated capacity – The maximum weight or force that an item can be safely exposed to.
Re-anchor – A process by which a new primary anchor point is created by an operator when diverting more than 60-degrees from the line of work.
Recertification – The process of conducting an inspection on an installed height safety or fall protection system and assessing its compliance against manufacturer instructions, codes of practice and relevant Australian standards.
Restrained fall – A type of fall where the downward motion of the casualty is impeded or lessened. This can be by either a fall protection system or the environment.
Restraint technique – A method of using an adjustable lanyard or rope line such that the operator does not reach a position where a fall from height is possible. This is commonly used on fall protection systems comprised of multiple roof anchor points.
Restricted access system – A height safety or fall protection system that allows safe access to part of a roof or work area.
Risk assessment – A method by which hazards are evaluated and rated based on their likelihood of occurring and potential consequences.
Rope grab – Device for connecting an operator’s personal fall protection equipment to a rope line. It allows free movement towards the anchor point but requires unlocking to allow movement away.
S
Safe work method statement (SWMS) – Administrative control that documents identified safety risks on a work site related to a specific task, and steps that will be taken to mitigate those risks.
Safety factor – A coefficient applied during the design of a fall protection system to ensure the applied loads will not exceed the failure points of any constituent component of the system.
Snap hook – A type of connector with self-closing, self-locking gate that can be used to connect to wide or oddly-shaped attachment points.
Static line – A continuous, flexible line connecting two or more anchors. Also commonly referred to as a horizontal lifeline.
Suspension trauma – Potentially fatal injury suffered by operators left suspended above the ground in a full body harness following an arrested fall from height caused by restricted blood return blood flow from the operator’s legs denying oxygenated blood to the brain.
Swing fall – Movement of an operator back to the centreline of their system if a fall occurs when working at an angle away from the centre. Also referred to as pendulum effect or lateral swing.
