Fall protection systems and equipment such as horizontal safety lines, guardrail and mobile man anchors are all highly effective at preventing falls from height. Contractors, inspectors and employees put their lives in the hands of fall protection systems, so it is imperative that the systems are tested on a frequent basis to ensure that they are safe to use.
When? Test your systems at least once every 12 months.
In addition to the legal requirements of employers to maintain equipment, The British Standards Institution says that any personal protective equipment (PPE) against falls from a height should be examined “at least twelve-monthly” according to BS EN 365:2004.
Why? You’re legally required to.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to maintain fall arrest equipment in good repair, including appropriate replacement. This means that it is the duty of the employer of any staff member using the equipment to ensure that the fall protection equipment is safe to use.
The work at Height Regulations 2005 require that equipment which is exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous situations should be inspected at suitable intervals and each time exceptional circumstances which might jeopardise safety have occurred.
How? Employ a fall protection specialist.
Rather than attempt to test and/or fix safety equipment on your roof, it is recommended that you appoint a fall protection company – such as Premsafe – to carry out the required tests on your behalf.
Not only will they tell you if it’s safe to use not, they will also advise on whether there is a better alternative system to use on your roof, provide you with a quote for any replacements and/or maintenance and supply you with a certificate detailing what was tested, the outcome of the test and when you it needs to be tested again.
If you have a fall protection system on your roof that hasn’t been tested in the last 12 months, arrange a recertification here.
