Common questions about height safety, lifting and load control

A: A Tension Force Indicator (TFI) is a visual gauge fitted to load restraint equipment such as ratchet tie-downs. It shows the operator the actual tension applied to a strap, removing the guesswork from securing a load. SpanSet's patented TFI helps transport and logistics teams confirm their load meets the tension required by load restraint guidelines, improving both safety and compliance on every trip.

A: AS/NZS 1891 is the Australian and New Zealand standard covering industrial fall arrest systems, including harnesses, lanyards and fittings. It sets requirements for design, strength, testing and labelling to ensure equipment can safely arrest a fall and support a worker until rescue. SpanSet harnesses, including the ERGO iPlus range, are engineered to meet and exceed these requirements for use across construction, utilities, oil and gas, and wind energy sites.

A: Synthetic slings are lighter, more flexible and gentler on load surfaces, making them ideal for delicate or irregularly shaped loads and for teams that need to move gear quickly between lifts. Chain slings generally suit high-heat or abrasive environments where durability against sharp edges matters more than weight. SpanSet, as the original inventor of the synthetic round sling, manufactures heavy duty flat and round slings rated for demanding industrial lifts, each clearly labelled for working load limit.

A: Wearable ergonomic exoskeletons, such as the Auxivo range, redistribute the physical load of repetitive lifting and carrying away from the lower back and shoulders. By acting as an external support during manual handling tasks, they help reduce muscle fatigue over a shift, which is a key factor in preventing musculoskeletal injuries. SpanSet supplies the Auxivo CarrySuit and LiftSuit to Australian businesses looking to lower manual handling risk without electrical or battery components.

A: A Gotcha™ Rescue Kit is a compact descent and rescue device used to safely lower a fallen worker who is suspended in a harness after a fall arrest. Quick access to rescue equipment is critical, since prolonged suspension can lead to suspension trauma within minutes. SpanSet developed the original Gotcha™ system and supplies kits designed to be simple enough for trained site personnel to operate under pressure, not just professional rescue teams.

A: Yes. SpanSet Australia is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 91173), delivering nationally recognised training in height safety, rescue procedures and equipment inspection. Courses are run by trainers with hands-on rigging and rescue experience and can be delivered as public courses or on-site for teams training on their own equipment.

A: Fall restraint is designed to stop a worker reaching a position where a fall is possible, keeping them tethered within a safe zone at height. Fall arrest, by contrast, is designed to safely stop a fall that has already occurred, absorbing the energy of the fall through a harness and energy absorbing lanyard. Choosing the right system depends on the site layout and task, which is why SpanSet works with clients to specify equipment for the actual risk rather than a one-size-fits-all setup.

A: Most height safety and lifting equipment requires a competent person to conduct a visual inspection before each use, in addition to periodic formal inspections at intervals set by the relevant AS/NZS standard or manufacturer guidelines, often every 6 to 12 months. Equipment that has arrested a fall or shows signs of damage should be removed from service immediately regardless of its inspection schedule. SpanSet offers inspection, tagging and servicing support to help businesses keep accurate, audit-ready equipment records.

A: SpanSet Australia is 100% Australian-owned, with a history of local manufacturing dating back to 1967 at its Emu Plains, NSW facility. Select product lines are still manufactured locally, while others are sourced from trusted global manufacturing partners to give customers access to a broader, more competitive product range. Every product, whether locally made or imported, is backed by SpanSet's technical expertise and quality assurance before it reaches a customer's site.