Summary
This report outlines the findings of our height safety compliance audit conducted at 2 Markham Place, Ashfield NSW 2131.
The assessment has been carried out in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards and Safe Work Australia guidance to determine the most appropriate and compliant access solution for the maintenance access to the rainwater tank mezzanine area.
Audit Type
Height Safety Compliance Assessment
Site Address
2 Markham Place, Ashfield NSW 2131
Standards Assessed
AS 1657:2018, NCC/BCA Volume One, Safe Work Australia Guidelines
Outcome
Compliant Access Solution Identified
Audit Highlights
Site Inspection
Detailed on-site inspection of existing conditions and access constraints.
Risk Assessment
Assessment of current access arrangements and associated risks.
Compliance Review
Review against applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
Access Solution
Identification of the most suitable compliant access solution for the site.
Recommendations
Practical recommendations for implementation and ongoing compliance.
Our Commitment
ASG is committed to delivering safe, practical and compliant access solutions that protect people, assets and reputations.
Delivering Safety. Ensuring Compliance. Building Trust.
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Executive Summary
ASG was engaged by Propel Property Advisory (Chris Stanley, Project Director) to conduct a height safety access compliance audit of the existing maintenance access arrangement at 2 Markham Place, Ashfield NSW 2131. The mezzanine houses fire and plumbing pump systems requiring routine maintenance access.
Critical Finding
The existing access arrangement relies entirely on an unsecured portable ladder with no restraint system, no landing platform, no guardrails, and no defined safe access route. This arrangement presents an unacceptable fall risk and does not comply with AS 1657:2018, NCC/BCA Volume One, or the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice for Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces.
Compliance Alignment
Site Overview
The subject area comprises a raised mezzanine platform housing four 5,000-litre rainwater tanks, a filtration chamber, and an overflow chamber. The mezzanine is bounded by an H1200 concrete upturn wall (W250) along the driveway edge, with the finished floor level (FFL) at approximately RL +28.200.
Existing Condition Audit
A detailed audit identified ten critical non-compliant conditions, each representing a significant safety deficiency requiring immediate remediation.
Absence of fixed or engineered access for routine maintenance
AS 1657:2018 Cl. 3.1; NCC Part G8
Portable ladders not suitable as primary access for repeated maintenance
SWA Falls CoP Cl. 3.4; SafeWork NSW
Ladder not secured; risk of lateral displacement or base slip
AS 1657:2018 Cl. 7.4; SWA CoP Cl. 4.7
No safe stepping-off point; uncontrolled transition at height
AS 1657:2018 Cl. 5.3, Cl. 7.5
Unprotected edge; fall hazard from mezzanine level
AS 1657:2018 Cl. 6; NCC D3D17
Personnel must climb over H1200 wall with no handholds
AS 1657:2018 Cl. 5.3; SWA CoP Cl. 3.2
No designated path from ground to mezzanine
NCC Part D1; AS 1657:2018 Cl. 3.1
Access point within active driveway; no separation
SWA CoP Cl. 3.1; WHS Reg. 2017 Cl. 35
No warning, directional, or access control signage
AS 1657:2018 Cl. 10; WHS Reg. Cl. 36
No documented procedure, permit, or access control
SWA CoP Cl. 3.3; AS 1657:2018 Cl. 3.2
Delivering Safety Solutions Across Australia
Proposed Access Solution
ASG has developed a bespoke engineered access solution comprising seven integrated components, specifically designed for this site's constrained geometry.
Angled Offset Support Bracket
Aluminium bracket mounted to wall top; offsets ladder ~10° RHS to reduce driveway encroachment
AS 1657:2018 Cl. 7.4
Ladder Stabiliser Bracket
Receives and restrains the top of the portable ladder; prevents lateral displacement
AS 1657:2018 Cl. 7.4; SWA CoP
Portable Extension Ladder
Standard industrial extension ladder engaged into stabiliser bracket for ascent/descent
AS/NZS 1892.1; SafeWork NSW
500mm Landing/Rest Platform
Provides safe stepping-off point at top of portable ladder; rest area during transition
AS 1657:2018 Cl. 5.3
Guardrail System
Top rail (1000mm), mid rail, and toe board providing edge protection at platform
AS 1657:2018 Cl. 6; NCC D3D17
Fixed 4-Rung Transition Ladder
Vertical ladder hard against inside face of wall; controlled descent to mezzanine (~1m)
AS 1657:2018 Cl. 7.2
Handrail Arrangement
Continuous handrails at platform and transition ladder for three-point contact
AS 1657:2018 Cl. 6.4
Critical Design Note
The fixed 4-rung transition ladder on the mezzanine side is a vertical ladder mounted hard against the inside face of the concrete upturn wall. It provides approximately 1m of descent from the platform level to the mezzanine FFL. This is not an angled ladder — it is a vertical fixed ladder with handrails, complying with AS 1657:2018 Clause 7.2 for vertical fixed ladders less than 6m in height.
Compliance & Standards
Hierarchy of Controls — Falls Prevention
Applicable Legislation & Standards
Recommendation
ASG recommends the immediate implementation of the proposed access solution to eliminate the identified fall hazards, achieve compliance with applicable Australian Standards and WHS legislation, and establish a safe, controlled, and repeatable access methodology for ongoing maintenance of the rainwater tank mezzanine area.
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in Safety
Specialist height safety, rope access, and building maintenance solutions across Australia.
Our Core Services
Height Safety Systems
Design, installation, and certification of anchor points, static lines, guardrails, and access platforms to Australian Standards.
Rope Access Services
IRATA-certified rope access for building maintenance, inspections, painting, and installations at any height.
Compliance Audits
Comprehensive height safety compliance assessments against AS 1657:2018, NCC/BCA, and WHS legislation.
Projects & Team
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Contact ASG to discuss this proposal, schedule an on-site consultation, or learn more about our height safety solutions.