QUICK ANSWER
A height safety compliance audit checks the physical condition of anchor points, static lines, walkways and guardrails, along with the paperwork behind them, including design certificates, inspection logs and prior non-conformance reports. Auditors are looking for hardware that still matches its original engineering certificate and a documentation trail that proves the system has been properly maintained. Missing paperwork is one of the most common reasons an otherwise sound system fails an audit.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- The physical system check
- The documentation check
- Common fail points we see in Brisbane buildings
- What happens after the audit
- Frequently asked questions
A height safety compliance audit sounds straightforward until you are standing on the roof with an inspector, wondering what they are actually looking for. For Queensland building owners and facility managers, knowing what goes into an audit makes the difference between a smooth pass and a scramble to fix issues before the next inspection window closes.
The physical system check
Inspectors check anchor points for load rating, corrosion, mounting integrity, and whether the system still matches its original engineering certificate; static lines and horizontal life lines for tension, wear, and clearance from roof edges and services; walkways, guardrails, and access ladders for condition, fixings, and whether they still meet the fall prevention hierarchy under AS 1657; and signage, to confirm safe work method statement signage and system identification tags are present and legible.
The documentation check
An audit is not only physical. Inspectors also want to see the original design and installation certificate for the system, a current inspection and maintenance log (usually annual for most systems), any prior non-conformance reports and evidence they were closed out, and safe work method statements for contractors who use the system. Missing paperwork is one of the most common reasons a building fails an audit even when the hardware itself is sound.
Common fail points we see in Brisbane buildings
Anchor points installed for an old roof configuration that no longer suit current plant or access routes, corrosion from coastal salt air (especially on buildings within a few kilometres of the bay), static lines that have never been reloaded or retested after minor building works, and no clear record of who is authorised to use the system.
What happens after the audit
You will usually get a written report ranking findings by risk, from immediate hazards through to recommended upgrades. A good auditor will separate must-fix items from nice-to-have improvements so you can budget accordingly rather than facing one large bill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often does a height safety system need to be audited?
Most commercial buildings in Queensland should have a full audit annually, with visual checks more frequently if the system sees heavy use.
Who is qualified to carry out a height safety compliance audit?
Look for an auditor with rope access and height safety certification who can assess against AS 1891 and AS 1657, not just a general building inspector.
Does a failed audit mean the building cannot be accessed for maintenance?
Not necessarily. Non-conforming systems are usually restricted rather than banned outright, but any access should stop until a risk assessment confirms it is safe to continue.
Can Sky5 fix issues found in someone else's audit?
Yes. We regularly pick up remediation work from third-party audit reports and can quote directly off an existing report.
Not sure what your last audit actually found, or when your system was last checked? Get in touch with Sky5 QLD for a compliance review before your next scheduled inspection.
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