AS/NZS 1891.4:2009
Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices - Part 4: Selection, use and maintenance
Specifies requirements and sets out recommendations for the selection, safe use and maintenance of industrial fall-arrest systems and devices based on the use of safety harnesses, horizontal life lines and rails, fall-arrest devices, and associated lanyards, connectors, anchorages and fittings. Covers selection requirements and recommendations for determining the types of components of the system that would be appropriate to the envisaged usage. Also covers safe use requirements and recommendations relating to the safe practices to be followed in the use of components and assemblies.
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AS/NZS 1891.4:2009 INDUSTRIAL FALL-ARREST SYSTEMS AND DEVICES - SELECTION, USE AND MAINTENANCE
PREFACE
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE
1.2 OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPLES
1.3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
1.4 DEFINITIONS
1.4.1 Anchorage sling
1.4.2 Competent person
1.4.3 Engineer
1.4.4 Fall-arrest device
1.4.5 Fall-arrest system
1.4.6 Free fall, free fall-arrest
1.4.7 Harness
1.4.8 Height safety equipment inspector
1.4.9 Height safety manager
1.4.10 Height safety operator
1.4.11 Height safety supervisor
1.4.12 Limited free fall, limited free fall-arrest
1.4.13 Restrained fall, restrained fall-arrest
1.4.14 Restraint technique
1.5 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
1.6 HIERARCHY OF CONTROL
SECTION 2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SELECTION AND SAFE USE
2.1 SYSTEM AND EQUIPMENT SELECTION
2.1.1 General
2.1.2 Effects on wearer
2.1.3 Compatibility of components and systems
2.1.4 Work in adverse environments
2.1.5 Work task hazards
2.1.6 Rescue and first aid
2.2 SAFE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS
2.2.1 General safety requirements and recommendations
2.2.2 Pendulum effect and snagging
2.2.3 Falls over sharp edges
2.2.4 Fragile work surfaces
2.2.5 Restraint technique
2.2.6 Working on slopes and work positioning
2.2.7 Total restraint
2.2.8 Degradation of equipment
2.2.9 Labels and signs
2.2.10 Equipment combinations
2.2.11 Training and competency
2.3 FALL PROTECTION ON MOVEABLE PLATFORMS
SECTION 3 ANCHORAGES
3.1 ANCHORAGE SELECTION
3.1.1 General
3.1.2 Single point anchorages suitable for direct connection of personal fall-arrest equipment
3.1.3 Anchorages requiring use of a sling
3.1.4 Horizontal lifelines and rails
3.1.5 Components, used in anchorage systems
3.2 SAFE USE OF ANCHORAGES
3.2.1 General requirements
3.2.2 Safe access
3.2.3 Avoiding lateral swing-The pendulum effect
3.2.4 Safe use of anchorage slings
3.2.5 Signs at anchorage points
SECTION 4 HARNESSES LANYARDS, POLE STRAPS AND FITTINGS
4.1 DESIGNATION AND SELECTION OF HARNESSES
4.1.1 General requirements
4.1.2 Full-body harnesses
4.1.3 Lower-body harness
4.2 DESIGNATION AND SELECTION OF LANYARDS POLE STRAPS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT
4.2.1 Lanyard
4.2.2 Pole strap
4.2.3 Attachment hardware
4.3 SAFE USE OF HARNESS, LANYARD AND POLE STRAP SYSTEMS
4.3.1 General requirements
4.3.2 Harness/lanyard combinations
4.3.3 Twin-tail lanyards
4.3.4 Harness/pole strap combinations
4.3.5 Attachment hardware-General
4.3.6 Attachment hardware-Usage problems
4.3.7 Backhooking
SECTION 5 FALL-ARREST DEVICES, SELECTION AND SAFE USE
5.1 EQUIPMENT DESIGNATION AND SELECTION
5.1.1 Designation of devices
5.1.2 Selection
5.2 SAFE USE OF EQUIPMENT
5.2.1 General
5.2.2 Type 1 fall-arrest devices
5.2.3 Types 2 and 3 fall-arrest devices
5.2.4 Anchorage lines extended laterally
SECTION 6 HORIZONTAL LIFELINES AND RAILS
6.1 SYSTEM TYPES AND DESCRIPTION
6.2 SYSTEM AND EQUIPMENT SELECTION
6.2.1 System type selection
6.2.2 Other selection criteria
6.2.3 Selection of ancillary equipment
6.2.4 Provision of end anchorages for horizontal lifelines
6.2.5 Provision of intermediate anchorages for horizontal lifelines
6.2.6 Pendulum effect
6.3 SAFE USE OF SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
SECTION 7 FALL CLEARANCE
7.1 GENERAL
7.2 CALCULATION AND ESTIMATION OF FACTORS
SECTION 8 EFFECT OF EQUIPMENT CONFIGURATION ON FREE-FALL DISTANCE
8.1 EQUIPMENT PERFORMANCE
8.2 MEASUREMENT OF FREE-FALL DISTANCE
8.3 FALL DISTANCES
8.4 CONFIGURATIONS USING FIXED LENGTH LANYARDS
8.4.1 Configurations in the ideal range
8.4.2 Configurations up to the maximum fall limit of 2.0 m
8.4.3 Configurations where the fall limit of 2.0 m will be exceeded
8.5 CONFIGURATIONS USING TYPE 2/3 FALL-ARREST DEVICES
SECTION 9 INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
9.1 SUMMARY OF INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
9.2 OPERATOR INSPECTION
9.3 REGULAR SCHEDULED PERIODIC INSPECTION
9.3.1 General
9.3.2 Harnesses, lanyards and associated equipment
9.3.3 Anchorages
9.3.4 Fall-arrest devices
9.3.5 Horizontal and vertical life lines and rails
9.4 INSPECTION ON ENTRY OR RE-ENTRY INTO SERVICE
9.4.1 Entry into service of a new item
9.4.2 Re-entry into service after an item has been repaired
9.4.3 Re-entry into service after a period of storage or out of service
9.5 EQUIPMENT WHICH HAS ARRESTED A FALL OR SHOWS A DEFECT
9.6 LIFE EXPIRED EQUIPMENT
9.7 INSPECTION OF ROPES AND SLINGS
9.8 STORAGE AND TRANSPORT
9.9 MAINTENANCE
9.10 EQUIPMENT DATA AND MAINTENANCE RECORDS
APPENDIX A - SUSPENSION INTOLERANCE (TRAUMA)
APPENDIX B - STANDARDS FOR COMPONENTS USED IN ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS
APPENDIX C - INSPECTION OF HARNESSES, LANYARDS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT-CHECK LIST
APPENDIX D - INSPECTION OF FALL-ARREST DEVICES-CHECK LIST
APPENDIX E - GUIDANCE FOR THE PROVISION OF TRAINING AND COMPETENCY
E1 CORE TRAINING ELEMENTS
E2 IDENTIFYING KEY COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS
E3 TARGET GROUPS
E4 COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT
E5 TRAINING COURSE DURATION
E6 TRAINERS AND ASSESSORS
APPENDIX F - TOTAL RESTRAINT
F1 GENERAL
F2 DEFINITION
F3 RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
F4 EQUIPMENT
Amendments
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References
Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices - Horizontal lifeline and rail systems - Prescribed configurations for horizontal lifelines (Supplement to AS/NZS 1891.2:2001)
Related Information
Best Practice Guidelines: Safe Use of Elevating Work Platforms in the Horticultural Industry
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Citation context:Such indirect harness anchor points shall meet the minimum strength requirements of Section 3 of AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial Fall Arrest Systems and Devices – Selection, Use and Maintenance and be certified by a CPEng.
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Section: 7.6
Citation context:Anchors should have a rated load of 15 kN. All fall restraint and fall arrest anchors should be tagged and re-certified annually to remain compliant with AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems – Part 4: Selection, use and maintenance.
Best practice guidelines for working on roofs
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Section: 11 Definitions
Citation context:Anchor point (Anchorage point): A device temporarily or permanently fixed into the building or structure for the purpose of attaching a scaffold tie and/or a working line or safety line system. The anchor points must meet the requirements of AS/NZS 1891.4 and be capable of a minimum breaking point of 15 kN. Drop line: A rope or line that meets the requirements of AS/NZS 1891.4 that is designed for connecting a full body harness to an anchor point. Fall arrest system: An assembly of interconnected components comprising a harness connected to an anchorage point or anchorage system either directly or by means of a lanyard or pole strap, and whose purpose is to arrest a fall in accordance with the principles and requirements of AS/NZS 1891.
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Citation context:AS/NZS 1981 (sic - should be AS/NZS 1891) Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices (series). Note: Years of publication are subject to change without notice. Please use the most current version available.
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Section: 13 Publications
Citation context:AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Part 4: Selection, use and maintenance
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Section: 5.2 Standards
Citation context:Specific advice on the selection, use and maintenance for fall arrest equipment is detailed in AS/NZS 1891.4:2009 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices Part 4: Selection, use and maintenance.
Industrial Rope Access in New Zealand: Best Practice Guidelines
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Section: 5.3 Suitable anchor systems
Citation context:The relevant Australian/New Zealand standards that apply are: AS/NZ1891.4:2009 – Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices Part 4: Selection, use and maintenance... ...AS/NZ 1891.4:2009 specifies that all components of the systems should be inspected at regular intervals as per the summary of inspection requirements in section 9. Permanently installed anchors are singled out in the standard for attention... ...It is not acceptable to apply proof loading without considering the design loadings of the anchor systems specified in AS/NZ 1891.4:2009 or consulting the designer. Axial proof loading greater than 50% of the design criteria (as required by the relevant standards) is likely to weaken or reduce the design life of the anchors.
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Section: 5.5 Lifelines
Citation context:All horizontal and vertical lifelines should be tagged and re-certified annually to remain compliant with AS/NZS 1891.4:2009.
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Citation context:Relevant Legislation and Documents: ... ASNZ 1891 Industrial Fall Arrest Systems and Devices Part 1 – 4... General Guidelines: ... 12. Use a lanyard that is appropriate for the height at which you are working (for guidance see ASNZS 1891 part 4 figure 7.
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Citation context:(1) Fall-arrest equipment systems, in accordance with AS/NZS 1891 shall be installed and used at all times on tower cranes where the possibility of a fall exists for any personnel (includes, but not limited to, erection, operation, service and instructional personnel), except on the following areas... ...(2) Installations of fall-arrest equipment systems on cranes (eg. fixed safety lines along jibs and up ladders) need to be designed, certified and installed in accordance with AS/NZS 1891 and must include all necessary supports to achieve minimum deflection and shock absorption systems and anchorages, and consist of materials capable of maintaining their integrity over the life of the crane installation.
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Section: 1.2.1.1
Citation context:Relevant standards are those related to… …This includes but is not limited to the following: ...AS/NZS 1891.4 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices - Selection, use and maintenance...
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Citation context:Relevant Legislation and Documents: ... ASNZ 1891 Industrial fall arrest systems and devices Part 1-4... ...AS/NZ 1891.4:2009 specifies that all components of the systems should be inspected at regular intervals as per the summary of inspection requirements in section 9. Permanently installed anchors are singled out in the standard for attention.
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Section: 1.4 Definitions
Citation context:Fall-arrest system: An assembly of interconnected components comprising a harness connected to an anchorage point or anchorage system either directly or by means of a lanyard or pole strap, and whose purpose is to arrest a fall in accordance with the principles and requirements of AS NZS 1891 (series). Note: Years of publication are subject to change without notice. Please use the most current version available.
Best Practice Guidelines: Safe Use of Elevating Work Platforms in the Horticultural Industry
Ministry: WorkSafe New Zealand
Section: 2.5
Citation context:An example of a total restraint for MEWPs is described in AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices - Selection, use and maintenance.
Approved Code Of Practice For Cranes
Ministry: WorkSafe New Zealand
Section: 3.1(17)
Citation context:Every controller of a crane is to take all practicable steps to:... ...(17) ensure that safety lines, when fitted, comply with AS/NZS 1891: Industrial Fall Arrest Systems and Devices
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Section: 3.2.6
Citation context:Harnesses shall conform to the relevant AS/NZS 1891 Standards or equivalent.
Similar Standards
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AS/NZS 1891.1:2020
Personal Equipment for Work at Height, Part 1: Manufacturing requirements for full body combination and lower body harnesses -
AS/NZS 1891.2 Supplement 1:2001
Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices - Horizontal lifeline and rail systems - Prescribed configurations for horizontal lifelines (Supplement to AS/NZS 1891.2:2001)
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AS/NZS 1891.2:2001
Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices - Part 2: Horizontal lifeline and rail systems -
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AS/NZS 1891.4:2009 INDUSTRIAL FALL-ARREST SYSTEMS AND DEVICES - SELECTION, USE AND MAINTENANCE
PREFACE
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE
1.2 OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPLES
1.3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
1.4 DEFINITIONS
1.4.1 Anchorage sling
1.4.2 Competent person
1.4.3 Engineer
1.4.4 Fall-arrest device
1.4.5 Fall-arrest system
1.4.6 Free fall, free fall-arrest
1.4.7 Harness
1.4.8 Height safety equipment inspector
1.4.9 Height safety manager
1.4.10 Height safety operator
1.4.11 Height safety supervisor
1.4.12 Limited free fall, limited free fall-arrest
1.4.13 Restrained fall, restrained fall-arrest
1.4.14 Restraint technique
1.5 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
1.6 HIERARCHY OF CONTROL
SECTION 2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SELECTION AND SAFE USE
2.1 SYSTEM AND EQUIPMENT SELECTION
2.1.1 General
2.1.2 Effects on wearer
2.1.3 Compatibility of components and systems
2.1.4 Work in adverse environments
2.1.5 Work task hazards
2.1.6 Rescue and first aid
2.2 SAFE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS
2.2.1 General safety requirements and recommendations
2.2.2 Pendulum effect and snagging
2.2.3 Falls over sharp edges
2.2.4 Fragile work surfaces
2.2.5 Restraint technique
2.2.6 Working on slopes and work positioning
2.2.7 Total restraint
2.2.8 Degradation of equipment
2.2.9 Labels and signs
2.2.10 Equipment combinations
2.2.11 Training and competency
2.3 FALL PROTECTION ON MOVEABLE PLATFORMS
SECTION 3 ANCHORAGES
3.1 ANCHORAGE SELECTION
3.1.1 General
3.1.2 Single point anchorages suitable for direct connection of personal fall-arrest equipment
3.1.3 Anchorages requiring use of a sling
3.1.4 Horizontal lifelines and rails
3.1.5 Components, used in anchorage systems
3.2 SAFE USE OF ANCHORAGES
3.2.1 General requirements
3.2.2 Safe access
3.2.3 Avoiding lateral swing-The pendulum effect
3.2.4 Safe use of anchorage slings
3.2.5 Signs at anchorage points
SECTION 4 HARNESSES LANYARDS, POLE STRAPS AND FITTINGS
4.1 DESIGNATION AND SELECTION OF HARNESSES
4.1.1 General requirements
4.1.2 Full-body harnesses
4.1.3 Lower-body harness
4.2 DESIGNATION AND SELECTION OF LANYARDS POLE STRAPS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT
4.2.1 Lanyard
4.2.2 Pole strap
4.2.3 Attachment hardware
4.3 SAFE USE OF HARNESS, LANYARD AND POLE STRAP SYSTEMS
4.3.1 General requirements
4.3.2 Harness/lanyard combinations
4.3.3 Twin-tail lanyards
4.3.4 Harness/pole strap combinations
4.3.5 Attachment hardware-General
4.3.6 Attachment hardware-Usage problems
4.3.7 Backhooking
SECTION 5 FALL-ARREST DEVICES, SELECTION AND SAFE USE
5.1 EQUIPMENT DESIGNATION AND SELECTION
5.1.1 Designation of devices
5.1.2 Selection
5.2 SAFE USE OF EQUIPMENT
5.2.1 General
5.2.2 Type 1 fall-arrest devices
5.2.3 Types 2 and 3 fall-arrest devices
5.2.4 Anchorage lines extended laterally
SECTION 6 HORIZONTAL LIFELINES AND RAILS
6.1 SYSTEM TYPES AND DESCRIPTION
6.2 SYSTEM AND EQUIPMENT SELECTION
6.2.1 System type selection
6.2.2 Other selection criteria
6.2.3 Selection of ancillary equipment
6.2.4 Provision of end anchorages for horizontal lifelines
6.2.5 Provision of intermediate anchorages for horizontal lifelines
6.2.6 Pendulum effect
6.3 SAFE USE OF SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
SECTION 7 FALL CLEARANCE
7.1 GENERAL
7.2 CALCULATION AND ESTIMATION OF FACTORS
SECTION 8 EFFECT OF EQUIPMENT CONFIGURATION ON FREE-FALL DISTANCE
8.1 EQUIPMENT PERFORMANCE
8.2 MEASUREMENT OF FREE-FALL DISTANCE
8.3 FALL DISTANCES
8.4 CONFIGURATIONS USING FIXED LENGTH LANYARDS
8.4.1 Configurations in the ideal range
8.4.2 Configurations up to the maximum fall limit of 2.0 m
8.4.3 Configurations where the fall limit of 2.0 m will be exceeded
8.5 CONFIGURATIONS USING TYPE 2/3 FALL-ARREST DEVICES
SECTION 9 INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
9.1 SUMMARY OF INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
9.2 OPERATOR INSPECTION
9.3 REGULAR SCHEDULED PERIODIC INSPECTION
9.3.1 General
9.3.2 Harnesses, lanyards and associated equipment
9.3.3 Anchorages
9.3.4 Fall-arrest devices
9.3.5 Horizontal and vertical life lines and rails
9.4 INSPECTION ON ENTRY OR RE-ENTRY INTO SERVICE
9.4.1 Entry into service of a new item
9.4.2 Re-entry into service after an item has been repaired
9.4.3 Re-entry into service after a period of storage or out of service
9.5 EQUIPMENT WHICH HAS ARRESTED A FALL OR SHOWS A DEFECT
9.6 LIFE EXPIRED EQUIPMENT
9.7 INSPECTION OF ROPES AND SLINGS
9.8 STORAGE AND TRANSPORT
9.9 MAINTENANCE
9.10 EQUIPMENT DATA AND MAINTENANCE RECORDS
APPENDIX A - SUSPENSION INTOLERANCE (TRAUMA)
APPENDIX B - STANDARDS FOR COMPONENTS USED IN ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS
APPENDIX C - INSPECTION OF HARNESSES, LANYARDS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT-CHECK LIST
APPENDIX D - INSPECTION OF FALL-ARREST DEVICES-CHECK LIST
APPENDIX E - GUIDANCE FOR THE PROVISION OF TRAINING AND COMPETENCY
E1 CORE TRAINING ELEMENTS
E2 IDENTIFYING KEY COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS
E3 TARGET GROUPS
E4 COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT
E5 TRAINING COURSE DURATION
E6 TRAINERS AND ASSESSORS
APPENDIX F - TOTAL RESTRAINT
F1 GENERAL
F2 DEFINITION
F3 RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
F4 EQUIPMENT
Amendments
Previous versions
AS/NZS 1891.4:2009
Online Library subscription information
Online library subscriptions provide a cost-effective solution for organisations of any size to access the latest standards, offering 24/7 access to a personalised catalogue. The service ensures subscribers have have the most up-to-date version of selected standards, incluing automatic updates for any amendments or versions. Pricing is dependent on the chosen standards and the number of concurrent users, with discounts applied from the standards PDF price. For customised subscriptions or further inquiries, contact the Online Library team.