SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Explain and perform fall arrest techniques when working at height 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
229998  Explain and perform fall arrest techniques when working at height 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Hiring Services 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Cleaning, Domestic, Hiring, Property and Rescue Services 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Reregistered  2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners wishing to acquire the competencies in this standard will be, people working at height where there is a risk of injury from a fall. Learners will be involved in performing tasks at height. Qualifying learners are able to follow fall arrest principles to perform work at height safely, under supervision of a qualified supervisor.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Explaining the use and limitations of a limited range of fall arrest equipment and fall arrest plan.
  • Inspecting, assembling and storing fall arrest equipment.
  • Selecting suitable anchor points.
  • Using fall arrest systems with a double lanyard.
  • Using pre-installed vertical and horizontal life-lines.

    In order for a successful learner of this standard to be able to function in a rope access operation, the learner must:
  • Be medically fit and in possession of a medical certificate, declaring the learner free from a condition that may prevent the learner from working safely as specified in the range statement. (An example of the content of the medical certificate is available in SABS 0333:2 Annex A). 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this unit standard will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication at ABET Level 3 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at ABET Level 3 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The scope of this unit standard is for any person who needs to perform work at height where the learner will work under supervision.
  • In the context of this unit standards fall arrest refers to the principles needed to perform work at height safely. It applies to situations where work is performed at a height where there is risk of injury from a fall. In legislation the height is considered to be 3m above ground level.

    Range statements that refer to assessment criteria:
  • This unit standard is suitable for performing work at height under supervision.
  • Assessment criteria marked * indicate assessment according to worksite procedures.
  • Compatibility of equipment of include but is not limited to size of anchor, sharp items, prevent damage, point loading, size of hook.
  • Connectors include but are not limited to maillons, locking karabiner, double action snap hook, pylon hook, double action scaffold hook.
  • Energy absorber includes fall arrest harness and work positioning system, Energy absorbing lanyards include.
  • Fall arrest equipment include full body harness, helmet, work positioning system, lanyard and energy absorber, shock absorbing lanyard, retractable life-line.
  • Fall arrest system includes energy absorbing lanyard including 2 singles, v-type, double legged lanyard or double lanyard.
  • Hardware includes connectors, maillons, locking karabiner, double action hooks. Inspection criteria for hardware include checking hardware for damage, deformation and functioning.
  • Lanyards include single legged lanyards, work positioning lanyards.
  • Legislation governing the safety of work at height includes awareness of the existence of legislation and regulations.
  • Limitations of an energy absorbing lanyard include tended distance (2 meters), cannot be tied back on itself.
  • Medically fit means leaner should have a medical certificate of fitness issued by an occupational health practitioner. The learner should be free from any disability that may prevent them from working safely. These include but are not limited to heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, fits and blackouts, fear of heights, giddiness or difficulty with balance, impaired limb function, alcohol or drug dependence, psychiatric illness, diabetes.
  • PPE include but is not limited to helmets with a chinstrap, gloves, goggles, safety footwear, close-fitting overalls or items specified for the task. Inspection criteria for helmets include damage, intact chinstrap.
  • Risks while awaiting rescues can include suspension trauma, position, physical injury, injury from hot surfaces, electricity, fumes, water. Feet to be kept moving to prevent reduced flow of blood to the brain that can lead to unconsciousness or death.
  • Slings include but are not limited to certified tape slings, wire slings and rope slings.
  • Software includes harness, work positioning harness, and absorbing lanyard. Inspection criteria for software include checking stitching, webbing, identification or labels, buckles, D-rings and connectors. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate basic knowledge of the limitations of a limited range of fall arrest equipment and regulations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Fall arrest equipment in this unit standard includes full body harness, helmet, work positioning system, lanyard and energy absorber, shock absorbing lanyard, retractable life-line, permanent life-lines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The difference between a full body harness and a work positioning system is explained with examples when each will be used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The full range of the fall arrest equipment is identified and the uses explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The limitations and use of fall arrest equipment and full arrest connectors are explained using examples of use according to manufacturer's instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The risks of using a non-energy absorbing lanyard is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The use of a fall arrester on a rigid and flexible anchorage line is explained considering the limitations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The purpose for the fall arrest plan are explained with examples of its uses. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Inspect, assemble and store fall arrest equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The range of personal fall arrest equipment is inspected explaining the inspection criteria. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal fall arrest and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is assembled and fitted according to manufacturer's requirements and fall arrest plans. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The difference between an activated energy absorbing lanyard and an intact lanyard is visually determined and the reason for not using an activated energy-absorbing lanyard is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reason for using certificated and identified fall arrest equipment is explained according to equipment requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reason for wearing a helmet with a chinstrap is explained according to safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The requirements for equipment storage are explained according to manufacturer's recommendation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Select suitable anchor points. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Anchor points include planned (designed) and other self-identified (un-engineered) anchor points. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of an anchor point is explained in terms of arresting falls. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The difference between planned and self-identified anchor points are explained giving examples of the weight each system can support. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Anchor points are selected based on safe loads and compatibility with selected fall arrest equipment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The anchor point, sharp items, preventing damage, point loading and size of hook.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Use fall arrest systems with a double lanyard. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Fall arrest system includes energy-absorbing lanyard including two singles, v-type and double legged lanyard or double lanyard. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of allowing for "minimum free space" is explained according to safe practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The way to deal with limited "fall clearance and/or free space" is described, with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Switchover from a double lanyard system to an installed lifeline is performed following safe practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A retractable lifeline and a workpositioning lanyard are used according to safe practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The way to reduce the arrest distance is demonstrated and the reasons explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The way to transport tools or equipment is explained according to safe practices. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Use pre-installed vertical and horizontal life-lines and explain reducing risks during rescue. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose and use of lifelines is explained with examples where lifelines are needed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The difference between vertical and horizontal lifelines is explained based on the angles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Lifelines are used following correct attachment to lifelines. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes horizontal and vertical lifelines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reason why it is best to work in a team is explained referring to rescue situations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A rescue is awaited in a way that will minimise suspension trauma. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Methods to prevent suspension trauma are explained verbally with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The risks associated with awaiting rescues are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes suspension trauma, position, and physical injury.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution or provider offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • To assess competency, an assessor must be registered by the relevant ETQA as an assessor and recognised by the Rope Access and Fall Arrest Association (RAFAA).
  • Internal and external Moderation of the assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines outlined in the relevant qualification and agreed ETQA procedures.
  • Assessors will need to be assessed as competent against the unit standards:
    > Perform a range of advanced fall arrest rescue, Id 229999.
    > Assess a worksite for work at height and prepare a fall protection plan, Id 229994. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Fall arrest equipment and limitations.
  • Fall factors and shock loading.
  • Legislation governing work at height. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to the fall arrest techniques when working at heights. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others by assisting in the inspecting, assembling and storing fall arrest equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organize and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively during selecting suitable anchor points. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with others when pre-installing vertical and horizontal life-lines. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:
  • Participating as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary information:

    Definition of terms:
  • Double action snap hook refers to a connector with a self closing and self or manual locking facility.
  • Locking karabiner refers to a type of metal shackle or clip formed by a complete loop with a spring loaded entry gate which is safeguarded in the closed position by a screw-closed sleeve.
  • Suitable helmets need to conform to the requirements in SABS/EN 397.
  • Lanyard refers to a rope made of synthetic fibre, wire, webbing or chain in accordance to SANS 354.
  • Engineered anchor point refers to an anchor point that has been specifically designed taking into account the material and the loads. Some international standards require these to withstand forces of/equivalent to 6x2= 12kN. Example - sufficiently strong enough to lift an "Uno".
  • A non-Engineered anchor point refers to an anchor point that has not specifically been designed as an anchor point. It could include railings or structures. Some international standards require these to have an additional safety factor and to withstand a force of/equivalent to 22kN. Sufficiently strong enough to lift a "four by four" vehicle.
  • Legislation governing the safety of work at height refers to the Occupational Health and safety act (Act 85 of 1993 and its amendments).
  • Minimum free space PPE or personal protective equipment refers to any device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against potential hazard.

    References:
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and regulations GNR 1010, 18 July 2003. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  65769   National Certificate: Glazing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Reregistered  2023-06-30  CETA 
    Core  96402   National Certificate: Hot Water System Installation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Reregistered  2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  65929   National Certificate: Waterproofing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Reregistered  2023-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  57937   General Education and Training Certificate: Hygiene and Cleaning  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Reregistered  2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Elective  65789   National Certificate: Construction Plant Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Reregistered  2023-06-30  CETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Abc Training Solutions 
    2. Africa International Training Facilities T/A AITF (BREDELL) (TP) 
    3. Africa Training Centre 
    4. Agisanang SA Training 
    5. Amokoro Training (PTY) Ltd 
    6. Artisan Development Academy 
    7. Aveng Grinaker -LTA Civil Engineering 
    8. BELCOMEC TRAINING 
    9. Belique Training Centre CC 
    10. Better Best Agri Development 
    11. Bhekwell Group 
    12. Certified Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    13. CLEAN HEAT ENERGY SAVING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    14. D and E Services Pty Ltd 
    15. DiphitlheleloTechnical Services 
    16. Dynalift CC 
    17. Edu-Wise Group (Pty) Ltd 
    18. EFS Skilled Labour Training (BRITS) (TP) 
    19. Elite Operator and Skills Training 
    20. ETS Emergency Training Solutions (PTY) LTD 
    21. FORJO83 
    22. HIGHVELD BOTTLING (Legacy) 
    23. HUMAN RESOURCE 2000 CC 
    24. INDUSTRIES EDUCATION & TRAINING INSTITUTE 
    25. KHULA MINI CONSULTING SERVICES (PTY) LTD 
    26. LICENCE WISE TRAINING SPECIALISTS 
    27. MK TRAINING PTY LTD 
    28. Mohlaje Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    29. NIRVANA BUSINESS SOLUTION CONSTRUCTION 
    30. Orion Industrial Training Services (Pty) ltd 
    31. Powerpro Technologies and Training Facility (PTY) LTD 
    32. Scaffold Training Group 
    33. Schoolboy Training Centre 
    34. Starcrow 36 Bk 
    35. Striving Mind Academy & Consultancy 
    36. TEC HRD CONSULTANTS 
    37. The Skills Authority 
    38. The Skills Matrix cc 
    39. THE TRAINING ACADEMY 
    40. Tommy Phiri Labour Relations and Training Services 
    41. TOP PERFORMERS FOR AFRICA CC 
    42. Topfix Scaffolding (Pty) Ltd 
    43. Training Force (Pty) Ltd 
    44. TRANSVAAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION 
    45. Transvaal Training 
    46. Transvaal Training Mpumalanga 
    47. Valley Junction Training Academy 
    48. WACO Africa (Pty) Ltd 
    49. WHSE Training College 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.