When it comes to height safety, experience is priceless. 

Using height safety products from a reputable brand with industry experience gives users peace of mind the product is suitable for the working environment. Without the industry experience, height safety products can be more of a hindrance than a help. 

Inexperience manufacturers may have the best intentions; however, they do not have the first-hand knowledge to supply adequate height safety products. With over ten years of designing, manufacturing and installing HawkPro Safety height safety products, HawkPro Safety has the industry experience to provide quality products and first-class service, and they get the JGID stamp of approval as a result. 

HawkPro Safety height safety products exceed its competitors as they have been created and designed by installers for installers and are exactly what your business needs.

HawkPro height safety products built for Australian conditions

The Australian conditions can be harsh and unforgiving, which means the HawkPro Safety height safety products need to withstand it. All HawkPro Safety height safety products are designed to suit the harsh Australian climate, from torrential downpours and the blazing hot sun to bitterly cold winds and red dust of the outback.

HawkPro Safety height safety products are made from high-end materials such as Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel and aluminium. Their robust design and build ensure they can be installed in any Australian environment to enhance workplace safety.

All HawkPro Safety height safety products are extensively tested in diverse Australian conditions in the field to ensure they are dependable and effective. They are also compliance tested and made for quick and easy installation.

Anchor points for fall arrest and abseiling support

Anchors are life-saving HawkPro Safety height safety products and can be considered the last line of defence against a fall. An anchor point is compulsory when working at heights, and it is crucial to have the correct anchor installed for the job and the working environment.

The anchors’ installed need to have the appropriate kN rating for the fall arrest or abseil purpose. The wrong type or rated anchor can cause life-threatening problems in the event of a fall; therefore, using HawkPro Safety height safety products is advisable.

HawkPro Safety has anchors suitable for fall arrest and abseiling systems as a part of their HawkPro Safety height safety products.

The two types of anchors:

Two types of anchors may be installed that must comply with Australian standards.

Fall arrest

Fall arrest anchor points must comply with AS1891.4 and AS5532. They are used for fall arrest and fall restraint and must have a minimum rating of 15kN.

Abseil

Abseil anchor points must comply with AS1891.4, AS5532 and AS4488. They are used for abseiling, fall arrest and fall restraints and must have a minimum rating of 15kN.

12kN rated abseil anchor points are also possible; however, they must not be used for fall arrest and fall restraints.

Different types of anchor configurations for various installations

There are different anchor configurations depending on the roof type, work scope, height safety systems and ongoing use.

The different anchor configurations:

  • Surface-mounted
  • Purlin mounted
  • Concrete glue in
  • Steel fix
  • Friction

A ladder hierarchy for safe roof access

With many different access ladders available, it is essential to ensure the right ladder is chosen and installed for your workplace. All have their advantages and disadvantages, and installing the incorrect ladder can become more of a safety risk than before.

Ladders are a vital part of a workplace safety system, allowing safe movement at heights and access to otherwise unreachable locations. A ladder hierarchy should be followed to ensure the safest and most effective ladder is installed and that it is compliant.

All ladder types are available as a part of the high-quality HawkPro Safety height safety products offered to all Australian workplaces.

The ladder hierarchy

Angled Rung Ladder

An angled rung ladder is the most common access ladder you will see in workplaces and on buildings. Angled rung ladders come in different shapes, designs and sizes; however, an angle between 70° and 75° is standard. Cages and guards can be added to boost the safety and sense of security and must comply with AS1657.

Step Type Ladder

A cross between a standard ladder and stairs, a step type ladder offers safe access and an easy climb. With a lower fall risk due to the deep treads, hand railing and greater angles, a step type ladder should be considered when space is adequate.

Vertical Ladder

A vertical ladder should only be used when an angled rung or step ladder is not practical. Due to the steepness, it is considered a high-risk roof access product and must have a fall arrest system installed and training for users.

Cage Ladder

As the name suggests, a cage ladder is a ladder that has a cage surrounding it to reduce the risk of falls. The cage ladder can be angled, step type or vertical.

Permanent guardrails to prevent falls

Guardrails are an excellent safety product to restrict access to hazardous locations like roof edges when working at heights. The physical barrier between the person and fall zones is a permanent life saving installation and one of the best ways to protect workers from falls when working at heights.

Unlike anchors that rely on correct use for safe function, a permanent guardrail reduces the human factor and saves time setting up fall arrest systems. For these reasons, guardrails are the recommended choice when a permanent system is possible. 

Guardrails need to be installed professionally to guarantee their safety, function and compliance with Australian standards. Compliant and well-designed guardrails are available from the HawkPro height safety products.

Walkways to help height safety and avoid roof damages

As a part of the HawkPro Safety height safety products, walkways are available to help safety when walking at heights and avoid roof damages. The clear path that a walkway offers also makes for time-efficient movement and a safe exit in an emergency. 

Walkways give workers a more stable and safer footing and protect the roof material and structure from foot traffic. Roofing dents and depressions can quickly turn into nuisance leaks, while more extensive roof damage from falls can lead to significant issues and costly repairs.

Walkways help prevent injuries like twisted ankles that high profile roofing sheets may cause and falls from uneven and precarious roofing designs. Most walkways are made of aluminium or fibre depending on their purpose and applications, both valuable HawkPro height safety products.