Many Victorian schools know they need annual height safety recertification. Far fewer realise that any harnesses they own or supply are on a separate, shorter cycle. The two cover different equipment, on different schedules, with separate records.
| What's Covered | Annual System Recertification | 6-Monthly Harness Check |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment inspected | Anchor points, static lines, roof access ladders, davit systems | Harnesses, lanyards, karabiners, connectors, self-retracting lanyards |
| Frequency | Every 12 months | Every 6 months |
| Standard | AS/NZS 1891.4 (inspection at least every 12 months). Anchors made to AS/NZS 5532:2013, static lines to AS/NZS 1891.2 | AS/NZS 1891.4 (inspection at least every 6 months). Harnesses made to AS/NZS 1891.1, plus manufacturer requirements |
| Documentation | Compliance certificate per system, inspection report | Individual item records, pass/fail certification per item |
| Who needs it | Any school with fixed height safety systems on buildings | Any school that owns or provides harnesses to contractors or staff |
Annual System Recertification in More Detail
Fixed height safety systems — including roof anchor points, horizontal static lines and compliant access ladders — must be inspected annually by a competent person. During an annual inspection, the inspector physically assesses every system component for condition, correct installation, structural integrity and compliance with the relevant Australian Standard.
Any system that is not inspected and certified within the last 12 months must not be used. If a contractor accesses your roof using an expired anchor point and an incident occurs, the school carries significant liability exposure.
6-Monthly Harness Inspections in More Detail
Under AS/NZS 1891.4, harnesses, lanyards and associated equipment must be inspected by a height safety equipment inspector at intervals of no more than six months. AS/NZS 1891.1 is the standard the harness is manufactured to; AS/NZS 1891.4 is the one that sets the inspection cycle. This is separate from the visual pre-use check that should be done by the wearer before every use.
A formal 6-monthly inspection looks for:
- Damage to webbing — cuts, abrasions, chemical contamination, heat damage or UV degradation
- Stitching integrity on all load-bearing seams
- Condition of buckles, adjusters and connection points
- Function of all locking mechanisms
- Legibility of the manufacturer's label and serial number
- Whether the harness has been involved in a fall arrest event — any harness that has arrested a fall must be immediately withdrawn from service regardless of visible condition
Each item that passes inspection is tagged and recorded individually. Any item that fails must be taken out of service immediately and either repaired by the manufacturer or destroyed.
Who Is Responsible at Your School
The school, as the employer and the party that manages and controls the site (sections 21 and 26 of the OHS Act 2004), is responsible for ensuring both obligations are met. This means:
- Maintaining an asset register of all height safety systems and PPE on site
- Ensuring annual recertification of fixed systems happens on schedule
- Ensuring harnesses provided to staff or contractors are on a 6-monthly inspection program
- Retaining all inspection records in the school's OHS files
Running both programs for your school
O'Brien Height Safety Solutions manages both annual system recertification and 6-monthly harness inspection programs for 200+ Victorian schools. We maintain your schedule, remind you when inspections are due and provide complete documentation after every visit. Talk to us about your school →
Standards and legislation referenced
- Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic): section 21 (employer duty, which extends to contractors on matters the employer controls), section 23 (duty to people other than employees) and section 26 (duty of anyone who manages or controls a workplace).
- AS/NZS 1891.4 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices, Part 4: Selection, use and maintenance. Sets inspection intervals of no more than 12 months for anchorages and lifelines, and no more than 6 months for harnesses, lanyards and connectors.
- AS/NZS 5532:2013 Manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor devices used for harness-based work at height. Single-person anchors are rated to 15 kN.
- AS/NZS 1891.2 Horizontal lifeline and rail systems (static lines).
- AS/NZS 1891.1 Harnesses and ancillary equipment (the standard harnesses are manufactured to).
Last reviewed 27 September 2026 by O'Brien Height Safety Solutions. General guidance only, not legal advice. Check your specific site with a competent height safety inspector.