Safe Work Australia states that working at heights leads to fatalities. Construction industry was responsible for 37% of all fatalities from falls. Falls can happen in any environment, particularly those working 2m or more high,
You may need to take approved training programs in order to remain safe when working at heights greater than 2 metres. Training in working at heights covers how to manage the risks of dangerous heights. This training teaches you how to evaluate the environment and take precautions. This is a close look at the training.
Who should attend the Working at Heights Training?
Workers who were two metres or more above the ground or on another platform were exempted from needing to have working at heights certificates. Training is now required for any task that involves the possibility of falling from any height.
Safety regulations require that PCBUs take every precaution to avoid falls. Safety training is required in the following situations:
- Tasks from ladders
- Work on uneven or unstable surfaces
- Tasks on tall structures or roofs
- Working on elevated platforms
You may have to retake older units of competency that relate to height safety practices. RIIWHS204E is the replacement for RIIWHS204D and conforms to Work Health and Safety Regulations (WHS).
This course can also be used as a prerequisite to several other training programs. This course may be required depending on the industry you work in. Workers in these industries often need to be trained for working at heights:
- Gas supply
- Infrastructure and resources
- Land management and agriculture
- Transport and logistics
- Civil construction
Before you can enrol in the training program, you will need to have your white card. Construction induction training is a prerequisite for many other courses. It is a good idea if you haven't worked in your field in two years or more to take the construction induction training again.
What are the Learning Outcomes of the Working at Heights Course?
RIIWHS204E Working Safely at Heights is the unit of competency for heights training. This course teaches you how to work safely at heights. This course is designed to comply with legislative requirements. It covers specific topics such as:
- Safety procedures: Interpretation
- Understanding WHS requirements
- Safety equipment identification, selection, and inspection
- Potential hazards identified and managed
- Personal protective equipment selection and use
- Installation and access to equipment
- Perform work at height
- After the task is completed, clean up the area
Safety equipment use is an essential part of training. The training teaches you how to use personal protective gear (PPE) such as harnesses. You will also learn how to inspect the equipment before you use it.
You will learn how to implement hazards control measures as part of the process of identifying and managing hazards. These steps include eliminating hazards, using engineering controls and applying administrative controls.
There are a number of control measures that can be taken to reduce risk. These steps are listed in order from most effective to the least effective. The best way to reduce hazards is to eliminate the need to work at heights. However, PPE is not as effective in reducing exposure.
What is the length of the Work Safely at Heights Course
One day of face-to-face training is required. The exact length of face-to-face training depends on how many participants are involved.
Refresher courses online can be done at your own pace. The training can be completed at your leisure in a matter of hours or over several days.
What is the cost of the Working at Heights Course?
Cost of training courses will vary depending on the type of course and where it is taken. Online training, for example, tends to be cheaper but you are not going to get a Nationally Recongised Statement of Attainment. Face-to-face training is necessary to meet industry standards.
AlertForce's face-to-face RIIWHS204E training is $400 per person. However, there are Training Fund Authority subsidies that can bring the cost down to $120 per person. (Ask about your eligibility). The online refresher/verification of competency program is $177 plus GST.
What is the best time to retake the Working at Heights Course?
Employers often require employees to take the course again every two years. Refresher training is also recommended by industry standards organisations every two years.
You will receive a Statement Of Attainment after you have completed your height safety training. The training does not expire technically. To learn more about the Work Safely at Heights Training Course, contact AlertForce