WAHA invited to speak at AFAC 2026
I’m pleased to share that WAHA has been invited to present at AFAC 2026, Australia’s leading emergency management, disaster resilience and response conference, in Melbourne on the 19th-20th August https://www.afacconference.com.au/resources-rescue-theatre-program
I will be representing WAHA with a presentation titled “Advancing Safety Parameters for Powered Ascenders in Rope Systems”, exploring the rapid adoption of powered ascenders across industrial and rescue applications and the need for structured safety frameworks to support their safe use.
Powered ascenders are increasingly moving from niche equipment into mainstream industrial and rescue environments. While the technology offers significant opportunities, its growing use also raises important questions around device performance, rope compatibility, load management, redundancy, human factors and competency.
The presentation will explore how established rescue principles, including dual-rope systems and redundancy, need to evolve alongside emerging technologies, and how industry can develop practical frameworks that support innovation without compromising safety.
This is an important opportunity for WAHA to bring the industry’s perspective into a broader emergency management and rescue conversation, while also connecting with organisations and professionals who regularly operate in complex, high-risk environments.
It also aligns closely with WAHA’s broader focus on building genuine competency, improving industry practice and developing practical frameworks for emerging high-risk technologies.
I’m proud to represent WAHA at AFAC and to continue building connections between the working-at-height community, emergency services, rescue professionals, regulators, researchers and industry.
Thank you to our members for your continued support and for contributing to the work that enables WAHA to have a stronger voice in these national conversations.
Sincerely,
Scott Barber
Chief Executive Officer
