Although technological advancement might not seem like an obvious advantage when it comes to working at heights, it does in fact play a crucial role in advancing height safety practices, helping to prevent injuries and accidents and making a significant contribution to improving safety standards.
In this month’s blog, the Kerrect team take a closer look at the ways in which technology has advanced and benefited height safety practices.
Fall protection systems
Technological advancements have led to the development of more comfortable and effective harnesses and lanyards, which are essential components of fall protection. In addition, the Internet of Things (IoT) technology has allowed for the deployment of sensors on equipment and structures, monitoring factors such as worker location and environmental conditions. Thanks to technology, we now also have accurate sensors and monitoring systems that provide real-time data to safety personnel, enabling workers to respond to potential hazards in a timely manner.
Believe it or not, virtual reality and augmented reality technologies are also used by height safety specialists these days, as they offer realistic simulation environments for training workers in height safety procedures, without actually exposing them to risks.
Drones
The use of drones when working at heights has also been greatly beneficial to the industry. Equipped with cameras and sensors, drones are able to perform safety inspections of structures and equipment at heights, reducing the need for workers to physically access dangerous areas and identifying any potential hazards they need to be aware of.
Mobile Apps and Software
There is a now a great range of safety apps available that provide access to safety guidelines, checklists, and emergency response procedures, all simply through your mobile phone! A variety of software solutions also help height safety workers document safety inspections, track equipment maintenance and generate accurate and timely compliance reports.
Communication Systems
Gone are the days of the crackling walkie-talkies, advancements to two-way radios and wireless communication devices, have enhanced coordination and quick responses in emergency situations. This has ensured that all height safety workers can communicate effectively and rapidly, even at great heights.
Advanced Materials
Although it seems trivial, it’s also important to consider the technological advancements in regards to materials used by height safety workers. Lightweight and durable materials, such as advanced alloys and composites, have improved the design and construction of safety equipment like ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, making working at great heights safer than ever before.
Want to know more? Contact Kerrect today
It’s no surprise that technology’s role in height safety practices is continually evolving, with ongoing research and development efforts aimed at enhancing safety, reducing accidents, and improving overall efficiency in our industry, where working at heights is common.
The team at Kerrect believe incorporating these technological advancements into safety protocols and practices is essential for preventing accidents in elevated work environments. If you’d like more information regarding technological advancements in the heights safety industry, or have any questions regarding height safety operations, contact Kerrect today.
Common challenges at height
This month, the expert team at Kerrect have delved into some of the more common challenges we face working at height, such as the need to ensure adequate safety and training, hazardous weather, equipment malfunctions and a lack of communication. Given our extensive understanding of incorporating proper height safety practices, we’ve also offered solutions to some of these ever-present difficulties.Safety and training
It’s pretty obvious that working at great heights, attached to a mere rope, can come with a range of concerns and issues. As a result, safety should always be the top priority. In order to ensure safe procedures are adhered to at all times, it’s imperative that all personnel involved on site are properly trained and certified in rope access techniques. This includes providing new industry information, conducting regular safety meetings, professional development sessions and supervision to protect everyone from WHS risks. It’s also a good idea to invest in comprehensive training and certification programs for your rope access personnel and to regularly review and update workplace procedures.The weather
Believe it or not, weather conditions can significantly impact rope access operations. Strong winds make it challenging to control rope movements, rain can create slippery surfaces and reduces the friction between the rope and attachments. Extreme temperatures and prolonged exposure to the sun can also affect the performance of the ropes and equipment. Therefore, regular monitoring of up-to-date weather forecasts is imperative to avoid inclement weather, such as storms, strong winds or intense heat. It’s also a good idea to have contingency plans in place for adverse weather conditions to ensure conditions remain safe.Equipment malfunctions
Equipment malfunctions can have serious consequences in rope access operations, as they can compromise the safety and efficiency of the work being performed. Rope access operations typically involve workers using specialised equipment to access and work at heights or in confined spaces, therefore any malfunction in equipment used can lead to accidents, injuries, and job delays. Therefore, carrying out regular inspections and maintenance of all rope access equipment is paramount to ensuring its’ reliability and safety. In addition, all equipment used should be designed, manufactured, used and maintained in compliance with industry standards. And, although it might seem like an afterthought, the correct storage of your equipment is vital to ensure longevity and avoid degradation.Communication challenges
Rope access relies heavily on teamwork to ensure both safety and work precision and given inadequate communication can increase the risk of accidents and injuries, rapid and clear communication is vital. Therefore establishing effective communication protocols before starting work and ensuring everyone understand them, as well as using hand signals and radios, if verbal communication is not possible, are all effective methods of ensuring clear and concise communication whilst on site.Want to know more?
For more information about any of these common challenges faced in rope access operations, or for any other information regarding the essential components of height safety, contact one of our experienced team at Kerrect today.Understanding the Importance of Height Safety
The significance of height safety cannot be overstated and it’s no surprise that accidents and injuries from falls at elevated work sites can have devastating consequences. Given our extensive experience within the height industry, Kerrect understand the importance of incorporating proper height safety practices, across every aspect of the work site. Although there is a plethora of information out there regarding height safety, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of what we believe to be the essential components of height safety on a work site.Essential Components of Height Safety
- Risk Assessment and Planning
- Proper Training and Certification
- Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Anchorage and Fall Arrest Systems
- Rope Access Set-Up and Techniques
- Constant Communication
- Work Execution
- Emergency Response Plans
- Post-Work Procedures
Conclusion
Height safety is a shared responsibility that requires constant vigilance, thorough training, and strict adherence to established safety protocols. Kerrect believe that by prioritising risk assessment, using equipment correctly and always ensuring effective communication, you can ensure that each workday at elevated heights is conducted with the utmost care and diligence. Remember, comprehensive height safety practices save lives, prevent accidents, and contribute to a safer and more productive work environment. Contact us today for more information regarding the essential components of height safety, or for any other height safety enquiries.Overcoming the Challenges
One of the greatest challenges of this project was that some of the high-level exposed areas were impossible to access, or contain, using scaffolding or other traditional methods. However, given our expertise and experience in providing innovative solutions to height safety, Kerrect were able to design and install a safety netting system, which provided adequate encapsulation and allowed for the safe removal, installation and hoisting of large facade panels. We also successfully designed a davit arm system that suspended a containment netting system away from the face of the building.Innovative Solutions
Using a combination of structural nets, with an internal debris liner, pulleys and a Netting Support System, along with on-site training, Kerrect delivered two Engineered Safety Net Encapsulation systems that provided the necessary protection and containment for the project. This in turn allowed abseiling crews to elevate the netting into position and be able to abseil down behind the netting to access the façade. In addition, at the end of each shift, any debris that had collected in the bottom of the net was able to be efficiently removed. The design of the netting system also meant it could be lowered and secured every day, allowing the works to be completed safely, in an otherwise impossible location.Project Results Every Time
This was yet another project demonstrating Kerrect’s capability of providing innovative solutions to height safety challenges, within restrictive timeframes and challenging circumstances. Contact us to see how we can assist with you with working at heights safely.Versatility and Adaptability
Not only are these nets versatile, given they can be installed at any height and elevated throughout the construction process, but they also provide enhanced coverage and protection against falls and overhead hazards. One of the greatest advantages of the Safety Net Fan is the incredible adaptability of this height safety solution. Rather than being limited to construction zones, the Safety Net Fan protection can also be installed on existing buildings and structures. Furthermore, with a capacity to capture falling objects weighing a maximum of 100 kilograms and dropping from heights of up to 6 meters, the Safety Net Fans also prioritise the safety and fall protection of both workers and the general public.The Safety Net Fan Point of Difference
Unlike our vertical containment nets, which contain debris along the edges of the building, Kerrect’s Safety Net Fans are horizontal systems, which can provide larger projected coverage areas and catch falling objects.Installing Your Safety Net Fan
Our Safety Net Fans can be installed in two ways, either from the inside of a new construction build, with a crane to lift the net into position, or from the outside of an existing building, via rope access or an Elevated Work Platform (EWP). Either way, our nets are always installed by qualified professionals, with a background in Engineering and experience in the Safety Net Fan installation process.Want to Know More?
If you’re looking for alternatives to your current height safety solutions, get in touch with Kerrect, the construction safety specialists, to see how we can assist.When it comes to construction work, one of the most common risks is falling from a height. Employers must prioritise the safety of their workers by protecting them from this risk, no matter how high or low they are working. This may include utilising rope access services and safety netting and complying to safety standards to provide a safe working environment. By following some key safety measures, falls from heights are entirely preventable.
Construction Safety Management
To help ensure the safety of workers, employers can use a range of fall-prevention devices such as temporary work platforms, guardrails, scaffolding, or work-positioning systems like a restraint system or industrial rope access. If none of these options are feasible, a fall arrest system should be used, which may include industrial safety netting, catch platforms, or a harness-based fall-arrest equipment used with lifelines or individual anchors.
Complete a Safe Work Method Statement
It is essential that employers complete a safe work method statement (SWMS) for work where a person could fall more than 2 meters. This statement helps employers identify potential risks and hazards and establish control measures to ensure the safety of all workers.
Work Safely on Ladders
When it comes to working on ladders, A-frame ladders, and extension ladders, employers should make sure that the ladders are rated for industrial use, are well-maintained, and free of obvious visual defects. They should ensure that the ground is solid and level, and the ladder all the locking devices on the ladder are secured. Workers should always have both feet and one other point of contact on the ladder, and they should never overreach.
Work Safely on Roofs
Working on roofs can be particularly dangerous, with risks including falling off the edge or through fragile roof materials. Employers can mitigate these risks by using physical barriers such as temporary edge protection or guardrails on roof edges, skylight covers, crawl boards, or physically marked exclusion zones for fragile surfaces. Employers should ensure that a risk assessment is conducted before work begins, and that workers are trained in fall prevention systems before use.
Work Safely around Voids and Penetrations
Falls through voids and penetrations are another common cause of injury in construction. To prevent falls, employers should ensure that all voids and penetrations have a clearly marked cover that is secured so it can’t be dislodged. If the void or penetration is large or needed for temporary access, employers can put in guardrails, and if using the void or penetration to access another level, they should consider using temporary stairs or making sure the ladder extends 1 meter past the landing point.
Working Safely on Scaffolds
When working on scaffolds, employers should visually check them from the ground before use to ensure that they are complete and safe. Tradies who don’t hold a scaffold license must not erect, alter, or dismantle a scaffold where the risk of a person or object falling is more than 4 meters.
In conclusion, commercial property maintenance services must prioritise the safety of workers to prevent falls from heights. Employers should use a range of fall-prevention devices, complete a safe work method statement, ensure that ladders are well-maintained and free of obvious visual defects, and take adequate measures when working on roofs, around voids and penetrations, and on scaffolds. With the right precautions in place, workers can work safely at any height.
Contact us to see how we can assist with working at heights safely.
Crane and Lifting interviewed our managing director Craig Rowland about Kerrect and how and why we ‘wrap’ buildings. When thinking of what wrapping a building involves, what we do may not come to mind. We aren’t talking about with Christmas paper or a fancy new colour like a car, we’re talking about wrapping a building for height safety. Despite the awareness and progression of height safety in the construction sector, incidents and falls occur all too frequently and these continue to involve workers and their tools.
With over 20 years’ experience, Kerrect’s goal is to protect workers and deliver forward thinking products around height safety. We are an innovative company, always looking to the future when developing and introducing new products for our clients and the safety of their employees.
Beginning in the rope access industry, the company has come a long way and has gone from strength to strength. For our managing director, Craig Rowland, Kerrect has been his passion and he has been proud to improve safety on sites around Australia. Craig’s dedication and commitment to height safety is reflective in his work and Kerrect’s success in preventing height related incidents at work.
“Our background in heights and rope access, coupled with our product range, gives us the capability to provide solutions to any height-related problem. The combination of services we provide were not something that really existed in Australia back in 2000, and there were many unaddressed risks associated with work at height.”
Kerrects safety nets are designed to provide an extra level of protection for the workers at height, but also overhead protection to those below. This is achieved through Kerrect’s two-layed nets; the first designed to catch persons falling from height and the second, much finer, layer designed is to catch tools and smaller objects or materials that might be dropped or become dislodged from a building. These nets allow work in the areas below to progress safely and unhindered.
Rowland explains how the netting was introduced and what role it plays on work sites for those at height. “We introduced it for overhead protection – initially – because the construction techniques already had a built-in degree of safety, particularly around roofing,” he said.
“By introducing safety netting, it means that we can not only carry out work safely at height, but we can make the surrounding environment safe for people carrying out work, as the two-layer netting system also makes it safe for people in the area below where the work is being carried out,” Rowland said.
After Kerrect introduced these netting practices over 20 years ago it took a while for the construction industry to recognise the importance of these alternative systems. Our nets are now used on many worksites across Australia and we recently installed what is probably the largest system in the southern hemisphere, close to 50,000 square metres.
“We soon realised that overhead protection doesn’t just have to be horizontal to catch things as they fall, but logically could be vertical, or really any shape, to encapsulate and contain before the fall takes place…. in other words prevention, rather than cure.
This led us to start ‘wrapping’ buildings and structures with engineered containment netting systems.”
The wrapping of buildings is not only for new construction but older buildings can also benefit from it. Wrapping is a finer mesh that will contain certain objects or even parts of the building itself. The wrapping of buildings has become an important addition to Kerrect’s height safety offering, providing numerous solutions and preventing damage or injury.
We believe to deliver the best service to those in the construction industry we must invest in high quality training. Therefore, all our crew are individually trained, undergoing formal training to receive their installer certificates then working alongside existing crew all while maintaining a strictly controlled training regime. This process not only trains our team to install, but understand what they’re installing and why they’re installing it.
Kerrect’s bespoke height safety, rope access and safety netting services have become a pivotal aspect for our company to ensure those working at height are doing so safely. They open up opportunities for buildings to be maintained as opposed to being torn down. They also allow for architects to get crazier with the designs of their buildings, and everyone loves to see this.
Since Kerrect was established in 1999, the vast majority of height safety, specialist access
and safety netting projects were centred around Sydney CBD. When we decided to expand
our reach, we paid close attention to proposed urban development plans and where our
services could best be utilized. In 2017, we moved into the South East Queensland area with
proximity to Gold Coast, Brisbane and Noosa, allowing us the ability to travel state-wide for
projects.
Brisbane is the largest Australian capital city based on land size and has seen the largest
population growth of any capital city in 2019-2020 by 1.9%. This trend has been no secret,
particularly with property developers and investors alike. Between 2016 and 2030 it has been
proposed that over $10 billion will be injected into the Brisbane region for new urban
development.
Many of the top 20 Brisbane development projects are proposed for some of the highest
density and highly frequented sections of the CBD. Commercial and residential towers are
planned for Turbot Street, Queens Street, Ann Street and Wickham Terrace, all ranging from
28 to 39 stories high. There are plans for a $2.1 billion upgrade of Eagle Street Pier, the ferry
terminal and promenade and a ten-stage project for the Albion Exchange including a full train
station upgrade and construction of retail and residential spaces to the tune of $750 million.
The $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf development is the greatest example of the scale of
development proposed for the city’s CBD. The project spans over 12 hectares and includes
the construction of four luxury hotels, a casino and 2000 residential apartments. The entire
project runs adjacent to the Brisbane river and is flanked by two major motorways. Prior to
the commencement of construction, major demolition was required with the removal of
225,000m3 of material and all while protecting heritage listed buildings that surround the
site.
Shortly after Brisbane was announced as the host of the 2032 Olympic Games, the plans for
upgraded infrastructure were released which is set to contribute another $3 billion into South
East Queensland from new construction and refurbishment alone. Between Gold Coast and
the Sunshine Coast five existing stadiums will be completely rebuilt including The Gabba
and Ipswich stadium. New construction is proposed for five purpose build sporting arenas in
addition to upgrades to the remaining 18 existing venues.
All of these projects are just the tip of the iceberg for South East Queensland as existing
structures and the slew of heritage listed buildings require ongoing maintenance, façade
rectification and replacement. In such a densely populated and high traffic city with narrow
streets, traditional scaffolding, safety and access methods are inconvenient, expensive and
often inefficient. Kerrect have provided height safety, specialist access and safety netting
services to the Building and Construction, Industrial, Infrastructure, Mining and Commercial
sectors for the last 22 years. In this time, we have built a reputation on providing the most
cost effective, efficient and bespoke solutions based on our client’s timeframe and budget.
From our many years of experience working in Sydney’s CBD we are confident working in
dense urban environments. Our number one priority is to ensure the complete safety of all of
the workers and general public in the most efficient manner possible.
Case Study:
Between October 2020 – May 2021, Probuild Constructions consulted with Kerrect Height
Access to assist with the design and installation of a façade encapsulation netting system for
materials containment to provide overhead protection during glazing and cladding
installation. The project at 443 Queen Street, Brisbane was a high-rise construction site
spanning over 47 levels that faced a multitude of challenges. The site contained a tower crane
and hundreds of contracted workers per day in addition to being positioned in a central
location with river frontage. To achieve a timely installation without creating risk to others,
Kerrect and Probuild were required to work closely together. With the flexibility of our rope
access crew and rope access method we were able to work with the builders and construction
teams to coordinate our daily installation areas to minimise impact on their scheduled or
existing site trades. We were able to achieve full access to all required areas, including
designated safety zones below the work areas and coordination of trades and machinery was
successfully achieved.
The Vertical Netting System spanned 8 floors was Engineered to withstand high wind loads
and included bespoke support brackets fixed directly to the slab with mechanical anchors. A
stainless steel 8mm wire rope tensioned between the brackets at the Netting borders ensured a
secure system capable of preventing any debris from leaving the area and endangering people
and property below. Kerrect’s Industrial Rope Access team was comprised of five abseilers
and two spotters below who successfully installed and removed the Netting System within
the desired time and budget.
The entire netting system and supports were Engineered and Form 15 certified and the team achieved adequate safety and containment for materials on a site subject to the impacts of strong winds due to the building’s height and exposed position.
Sources:
The Urban Developer
Brisbane City Council
Official Olympic Planning Website
Established in 1999, we are one of Australia’s longest-running height safety, specialist access, and safety netting services. At Kerrect, we have serviced the building and construction, industrial, infrastructure, mining, and commercial sectors for over 20 years. We have taken great care to directly employ a team with extensive collective experience in all industry sectors, helping us create a solid and reliable reputation. Our team are Master Builders members who are compliant with all relevant WHS Regulations and Safety Management practices and hold all necessary industry insurances specific to our field.
Kerrect began as a rope access company focusing on the engineering aspect of buildings, mainly façade maintenance and repairs to high-rise buildings and structures through strata management companies. Over time, we evolved to add height safety and access system design, installation, and certification to our offering, in response to our clients inquiries on how best to keep personnel, trades, and contractors safe on their sites and rooftops. Throughout our operation, we have continued to evolve, not just to meet industry demand but to pave the way for the most effective and innovative solutions.
In 2008, we were the first company to introduce safety netting to the Australian market.
Initially, we primarily designed and installed systems for overhead protection to prevent materials and debris from falling from above. We then expanded to encapsulation by wrapping structures to avoid materials and debris from falling and then eventually added fall protection to our repertoire. In addition to construction safety and fall arrest netting, we have come to specialise in containment netting, pest control netting and lighting feature netting.
Innovation and integrity are two of our company’s fundamental values; we save our clients headaches, time, and resources by thinking outside the box and providing innovative solutions to some of their most intricate jobs. We aim to solve the unsolvable, so we work collaboratively with our clients to control risks and provide the best possible outcome with the unique combination of our three core services:
Safety
We provide professionally engineered height safety solutions, spanning fall arrest, rope access, harness anchor points and static lines. We do it all, including safety ladders, rooftop walkways, handrails, and edge protection systems. Full height risk control service within Australian inspection, certification, and compliance standards.
Access
Rope and abseil access to buildings or high-rise facades and structures such as a bridges or towers. Reporting, maintenance, and repairing of vertical surfaces, walls, or balcony defects via harness and rope access. Solutions for external building envelopes and structures at height or within confined access areas.
Netting
Supplying and installing safety netting for collective fall protection, construction catch nets, and personnel nets. Our horizontal and vertical netting systems, catchfans and debris netting are uniquely designed and purpose-built. We also supply and install netting for building and structural containment, catching, and even ‘special effect’ lighting.
Kerrect was established in Sydney, where we have provided safe access solutions and carried out major remedial works on many of Australia’s most iconic buildings, including Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Anzac Bridge, and Sydney Tower. One of our proudest achievements to date is our work on The Scottish Ten project, a five-year project initiated in 2009, funded by the Scottish Government. It used technology to create accurate digital models of the country’s five World Heritage Sites and five other UNESCO World Heritage Sites elsewhere in the world. In 2013, Kerrect was tasked with orchestrating a 3D laser scanning of Sydney Opera House to provide a permanent digital archive just shy of the building’s 40th birthday.
The 20-day project posed several challenges. The building was designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon to resemble 12 white snail shells, and complete coverage of the vaulted shells was impossible from ground level. Our team collaborated with the on-site management team to design and build an intricate rig that would enable us to scan the peaks by traversing the spines that run along the top of the shells. We integrated a flying fox system to transfer the rig from one shell to another, but we were still unable to cover every angle with this method alone. To remedy this, our rope access team carried out abseil scans of the most challenging areas of the building. Our 7-man team worked around the clock with five laser scanners, capturing 800 images from 13 billion measurable points to capture the entire exterior of Sydney Opera House and much of its interior without disturbing visitors.
In 2017, we expanded our reach into Southeast Queensland; although we mainly service The Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Noosa, we have the capability of traveling anywhere within the state for projects. With the combination of a booming construction industry and ongoing restoration and maintenance in Queensland, it was a no-brainer for us. Our first project was with Newland Constructions, where we supplied and installed fall arrest and overhead protection netting using rope access and elevating work platform techniques to enable asbestos roof replacement works within a fully operating glass bottle manufacturing plant.
Since then, many of our projects have centred around replacing combustible cladding, façade restoration, and maintenance of residential and commercial properties. While we love what we do, projects that require innovative thinking and complex problem solving are where our expertise lies; facing ever more significant challenges is what gets us out of bed in the morning.
