Frequently Asked Questions

At least every 12 months for fixed systems, and at least every 6 months for harnesses and lanyards. AS/NZS 1891.4 sets both intervals: anchor points, static lines and other permanent anchorages must be inspected by a competent person at intervals of no more than 12 months, and harnesses, lanyards and connectors by a height safety equipment inspector at intervals of no more than 6 months. Sites with heavy use or harsh exposure, such as coastal salt air, may need shorter intervals, and we will tell you if yours does.

The inspection is the work on site; the recertification is the documented result. During the inspection we physically check every anchor point, static line, fitting and connection for condition, security and compliance with the current standard. Recertification is the issue of compliance certificates and tags confirming each system passed and can be used for the next 12 months.

Any system that fails is tagged out of service and must not be used until it is repaired and re-inspected. We document every defect in a corrective action report with photos and a severity rating. Minor fixes are often completed on the same visit; larger works are quoted separately in writing, referencing each defect by item number.

Most school inspections covering 8 to 16 anchor points take 2 to 4 hours. Larger or more complex sites, with multiple buildings, static lines or difficult access, can take a full day. We confirm the expected time when we scope the job and can schedule during school holidays or after hours.

A full compliance package, not a single certificate. That means a certificate for each compliant system, a written report covering every system on site, photos of each system and any defects, a corrective action report where defects were found, and your next inspection due date. Keep these in your OHS records: they are your evidence of compliance if WorkSafe asks.

Yes. Harnesses, lanyards and connectors are inspected at least every 6 months, separately from the 12-monthly inspection of fixed systems on the building. AS/NZS 1891.4 sets both intervals. Any harness that has arrested a fall must be withdrawn from service immediately, whatever its visible condition.

Yes. Every permanently installed anchor point, static line, roof access system and davit on a Victorian school must be inspected by a competent person at least every 12 months under AS/NZS 1891.4. The OHS Act 2004 (Vic) makes the school responsible for keeping those systems safe, and WorkSafe Victoria measures that duty against the Australian Standards. If certifications have lapsed, contractors must not use those systems until they are recertified.

The school is, as the employer and the party that manages and controls the site. Sections 21 and 26 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) extend that duty to contractors who go on the roof. In practice it sits with the principal and the school's governing body. If a contractor is injured on a non-compliant or uncertified anchor point, the school is exposed regardless of who supplied the contractor's equipment. Current recertification records are your evidence that the duty was met.

No. An anchor point that has not been inspected within the last 12 months must not be used for fall protection. That applies to every contractor accessing the roof for maintenance, solar panel cleaning, gutter clearing or HVAC work. If work is urgent, other controls must be in place until the systems are recertified. This is one of the most common gaps we find at schools, and one of the highest risk.

No. A ladder bracket gives safe access onto the roof, but it does not protect anyone from falling once they are on it. Where there is a risk of a fall of more than 2 metres, Part 3.3 of the OHS Regulations 2017 (Vic) requires fall protection for the work itself: guardrails where reasonably practicable, otherwise anchor points or static lines used with a harness.

Yes, all three. Government schools work within VSBA and Department of Education requirements. Catholic schools may sit under MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese), DOSCEL (Diocese of Sale) or another Victorian diocese. Independent schools run their own procurement. The Australian Standards and OHS Act duties are the same across every sector, and we provide documentation in the format each sector requires.

Most of our school clients engage us directly through their maintenance budget; others engage us through a formal panel or program arrangement. Call us on 03 8753 4337 and we will confirm the right engagement route for your school's procurement rules.

Start with a compliance audit. We identify and assess every height safety system on your buildings and tell you, in plain language and in writing, what you have, whether it is compliant and what needs to be done. From there we quote any remediation and set up an annual recertification program so nothing lapses again.

It is quoted as a fixed price per site before any work starts, so there are no surprises on the invoice. The main cost drivers are the number of anchor points and systems, how many buildings and roof levels there are, and how hard the access is. Send us the approximate number of anchor points and building types and we will give you an indicative quote quickly.

Yes. We regularly schedule inspections and installations in school holidays, and can work outside school hours where site access allows. Tell us your preferred timing when you book.

Metropolitan Melbourne, the South-East, Mornington Peninsula and Gippsland as standard, and statewide for larger projects. We are based in Berwick. Tell us your location and we will confirm any travel considerations in your quote.