New Australian Standards Set a Higher Bar for Height Safety
Three weeks ago marked an important step forward in workplace safety with the release of updated versions of two key height safety standards: AS/NZS 1891.4:2025 and AS 5532:2025.
These revised standards introduce significant improvements in how fall protection systems are designed, manufactured, installed, and maintained. Together, they aim to create safer environments for anyone working at height — from construction crews and facility managers to engineers and maintenance professionals.
What has changed
AS 5532:2025 – Manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor devices
This update closes long-standing gaps in the previous version, which limited where anchors could be installed. The new standard now supports installation on a wider range of structures, including many types of timber and steel purlin roofs commonly found in commercial and industrial buildings.
It also includes clearer testing and performance requirements to better address risks such as swing falls and free falls, ensuring anchors perform as intended under real-world conditions. For facility managers, this means more flexibility when planning safe access points — and greater confidence that installed systems meet nationally recognised testing criteria.
AS/NZS 1891.4:2025 – Selection, use and maintenance of fall-arrest systems
This revision provides updated guidance on how to select, use, and maintain height safety equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines. It aligns with current international best practice, helping managers and system designers make more informed decisions when specifying or auditing equipment.
Importantly, while documentation and training materials will evolve to reflect these changes, no additional training obligations have been added — keeping compliance straightforward for existing safety teams.
What Facility Managers Should Do Now
With the new standards now in effect, it’s a good time to review your current height safety systems and maintenance procedures. Here’s where to start:
- Audit your existing anchor points
- Check whether your installed anchor systems comply with AS 5532:2025.
- Review manufacturer documentation and installation certificates for traceability.
- Review your fall-arrest equipment register
- Ensure all harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines in use are tested, tagged, and maintained according to AS/NZS 1891.4:2025.
- Replace or service any items that no longer meet updated performance or inspection standards.
- Revisit your maintenance and inspection schedule
- Confirm your inspection intervals and reporting align with the new guidance.
- Make sure system re-certifications are being conducted by competent height safety technicians familiar with the 2025 revisions.
- Update your safety documentation
- Revise SWMS, SOPs, and induction materials to reflect any changes in system use or inspection criteria.
- Ensure contractors working on your site are briefed on the updated compliance requirements.
Collaborative Effort
The development of these standards has been a multi-year collaboration across industry experts and safety professionals. The HSE team played a key role in shaping these revisions and is proud to see this work now published. Their involvement underscores a shared commitment across the industry to continually raise the bar for safety at height.
Moving Forward
These updates represent a positive step for the industry — improving both worker protection and system reliability without adding unnecessary complexity or cost. For facilities teams, now is the ideal time to confirm that every system in use is not only compliant, but also practical for how your site operates day-to-day.
At Workplace Defender, we help facility managers:
- Check for potential problems across existing height safety setups
- Coordinate with accredited partners for inspections and recertifications
- Design and install new systems that meet current Australian Standards
- Provide practical advice for maintaining ongoing compliance
Speak with our team to ensure your height safety systems are up to date and ready for the next compliance cycle.
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