AS/NZS 1891.4:2025 is the latest edition of the joint Australian/New Zealand Standard for the selection, safe use, and maintenance of industrial fall-arrest systems and devices. Developed by Committee SF-015, Industrial Height Safety Equipment, this Standard provides requirements and recommendations to support safe work at height across a range of industries.
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What is AS/NZS 1891.4:2025?

AS/NZS 1891.4:2025 sets out the requirements for selecting, using, and maintaining personal equipment for work at height, including harnesses, lanyards, pole straps, connectors, anchors, fall-arrest devices, horizontal lifelines, and horizontal rail systems. The Standard is designed to help organisations and workers minimise the risk of falls and ensure compliance with best practice in height safety.
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Who should use AS/NZS 1891.4:2025?

This Standard is intended for:

• Employers and site managers responsible for work at height
• Safety professionals and compliance officers
• Designers, installers, and inspectors of fall-arrest systems
• Workers using personal fall-protection equipment
• Training providers and industry associations

What’s new in AS/NZS 1891.4:2025?

• Restructured content: Improved navigation and elimination of duplicated material.
• Alignment with related standards: Updated to align with AS/NZS 1891.1, AS/NZS 1891.2, AS 1891.3, AS 1891.5, AS 5532, and AS/NZS ISO 22846.
• Updated references: Removal of superseded and withdrawn documents.
• Expanded technical guidance: Additional information on fall clearance calculations, anchors, fasteners, and work positioning systems.
• Clarified inspection requirements: Clearer periodic inspection frequencies and criteria.
• Hierarchy of fall-protection systems: Enhanced guidance on system selection.
• Training requirements: New clause and informative appendix on recommended training outcomes.
• Recommendations for leading-edge and tie-back lanyards: Inclusion of guidance for these assemblies.

Why is this important?

Falls from height remain a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. AS/NZS 1891.4:2025 provides a robust framework to help organisations:

• Select appropriate fall-protection systems for specific tasks and environments
• Ensure equipment is used, maintained, and inspected correctly
• Meet regulatory and industry requirements
• Support effective training and competency development
• Reduce the risk of incidents and improve overall safety culture

Key topics covered

• Scope and definitions: Clear explanation of terms and system types
• System selection: Hierarchy for selecting fall-protection systems and task considerations
• Equipment requirements: Detailed guidance on anchors, harnesses, connecting systems, and connectors
• Use and maintenance: Procedures for safe use, inspection, maintenance, and removal from service
• Training and competency: Recommended outcomes for users and managers
• Inspection and traceability: Requirements for inspection registers and periodic checks

Accessing AS/NZS 1891.4:2025

AS/NZS 1891.4:2025 is available through the Standards Australia Store and authorised distributors.

• Purchase AS/NZS 1891.4:2025 - Get the latest guidance on height safety to help protect your workforce and ensure compliance.
• Subscribe to the Work at Height Set - Access the full suite of standards used in managing the risk of falls in the workplace.