The new Working at Heights Skill Standards are being developed to improve safety, consistency, and clarity across industries. Before finalising these standards, we’re inviting industry stakeholders, providers and association representatives to share their feedback.
It is important to note that these are first draft consultation documents. We are interested in hearing feedback early to guide the next steps in this process. We expect changes to be made during this feedback process.
Further standard development in this space is expected over the next three weeks for more specialised spaces with targeted consultation. If you are interested in these standards, please get in touch here.
Skill Standard - Core 1: Use a harness-based fall protection with a single identified anchor (Level 3, Credits 1)
This is an introductory skill standard for operators who need to work at heights to undertake duties or harness-based machine operations. Connection is to a single anchor point, and the operator is NOT competent to move around and transition between systems.
Download the draft word doc
Download the draft pdf
Skill Standard Core 2: Use a harness-based fall protection system within an anchor protection zone (Level 3, Credits 2)
This skill standard focuses on fitting a harness and using lanyards to connect within an anchor protected system. This standard also includes how to respond to an emergency situation.
This skill standard will replace unit standard 23229.
Skill Standard Core 3: Use structural anchorages to place temporary anchors and lifelines (Level 3, Credits 3)
This skill standard focuses on planning, connecting and disconnecting lifeline systems to anchors. It includes the principles of rescue planning but does not require the learner to practically retrieve trapped personnel.
Core 2 is a prerequisite for this standard.
This skill standard will replace unit standard 15757.
Skill Standard Core 4: Plan and carry out a rescue on a suspended operator, working a height. (Level 4, Credits 4)
This skill standard is intended for people needing to plan and undertake a rescue of a suspended operator working at heights.
People with this skill standard have the skills and knowledge to assess site risks, plan and perform an emergency rescue of a person suspended at height. Core 3 is a prerequisite.
Consultation activities
Key dates
Feedback will be evaluated as it is received.
How to participate
For questions or assistance with your submission, email Stewart Brougham, Qualification Developer.
