The Short Answer
Annual recertification covers your fixed height safety systems — the anchor points, static lines and access equipment permanently installed on your buildings. Six-monthly inspections cover the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by anyone working at height — harnesses, lanyards, karabiners and connectors.
Both are required under Australian Standards. Both need to be documented. And both need to be performed by a competent person.
| 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, AS 5532 | AS/NZS 1891.1, 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 1891.1, fall arrest harnesses and associated PPE must be inspected by a competent person every six months. 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Whether the harness has been involved in a fall arrest event — any harness that has arrested a fall must be immediately withdrawn from service regardless of visible condition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 person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), 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 →