In this episode Greg Peterson, 3M’s Technical Engineer for 3M Fall Protection in Australia and New Zealand joins us to discuss fall protection engineered systems.

An engineered system provides an anchorage point that allows greater movement and safety of the user over a larger or specific working environment. They are typically found on roofs, above truck loading bays, aircraft hangers, crane rails, anywhere the user needs to move along an area to perform their work.

Guest Bio:

Greg Peterson (pictured left with host Mark Reggers) started his career in Sydney as a Project Engineer where he worked for a structural steel fabrication and installation company for 13 years. From there he moved onto join Capital Safety in 1999 where he was Project Manager and then Systems Engineering Manager responsible for the design, engineering and installation of horizontal lifelines systems, vertical lifeline systems, anchor points and industry specific height safety applications throughout Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Greg has been working as a Technical Engineer for 3M Fall Protection since 3M acquired Capital Safety in 2015. Greg is a member of the Working at Heights Association (WAHA) and comments on changes to Australian and New Zealand Standards.

LinkedIn Profile

 

In this episode, Mark & Greg discuss the following:

• When is a worker considered to be working at height?
• What is the best way for a PCBU/employer to protect workers if they are required to work at heights?
• What is an engineered system and where would you typically see one?
• Where do engineered systems lie in the hierarchy of control and the ABCDs of fall protection?
• When would a workplace, building owner or facilities manager consider an engineered system?
• How strong does an engineered system need to be? Do the standards specify this?
• If a worker was to fall and they were attached to an engineered system, how does it absorb the forces generated in the fall?
• Who can install an engineered system? Is there a qualification you need to do this?
• What other factors would I need to consider if I was thinking about potentially having an engineered system installed for safer and better access for my workers and contractors?
• Are there different types of systems that listeners need to be aware of that are better suited for different applications?
• Where can workplaces go to get more information around working at heights, fall protection and engineered systems?

Engineered systems fall into two categories, either a pre-engineered off-the-shelf system or a bespoke engineered system designed for a specific application. Unlike anchor points that can restrict the movement of the user, engineered systems allow greater freedom of movement and safety of the user over larger or specific working environments. They increase productivity and offer additional safety over individual anchor points ensuring a 100% connection at all times. However, every situation is different and there are many factors to contemplate when considering whether an engineered system is required for your application, tune in as we navigate engineered fall protection systems and their role in working safely at heights.

Additional Resources:

• Podcast Transcript
• SafeWork Australia – Working at Heights
• WorkSafe NZ – Working at Heights
• SafeWork NSW – Working at Heights
• WorkSafe QLD – Working at Heights
• WorkSafe Victoria – Fall Prevention
• SafeWork SA – Fall Prevention
• WorkSafe WA – Working at Heights FAQ
• WorkSafe NT – Managing the risk of falls at workplaces Code of Practice
• WorkSafe Tasmania – Heights
• ACT Government – Stop Construction Falls
• Working at Heights Association
• SAI Global – AS/NZS 1891.4:2009
• 3M Fall Protection Solutions

Contact a 3M Safety Specialist at scienceofsafetyanz@mmm.com for more information.