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If you use a Roof Safety System or a Fall Protection System (FPS), recertifying roof safety systems regularly is a must. Regular recertification is crucial to maintaining a safe working environment and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. A qualified professional must carry out a detailed inspection of your fall protection equipment.
Adherence to the hierarchy of working at height requires certified training and practical experience in Health and Safety. Site managers and business owners have a legal obligation to ensure safety equipment is inspected and recertified at least annually under the Safety, Health and Welfare Act at Work Regulation 2007 Part 4: Work at Height.
This blog post will examine why fall protection system certification is needed on a roof and the importance of regular fall protection inspections, checks, and recertification for your rooftop safety systems.
Certification Process and Competence
The recertification of an FPS involves a thorough inspection by a qualified professional with certified training and practical experience.
There are legally required standards for working at height. EN365 provides clear guidelines for personal protective equipment and other equipment for protection against falls from a height – general requirements for instructions for use, maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking, and packaging.
The inspection of your safety equipment must be carried out by a competent person capable of identifying the risks appropriately, assessing the significance of defects, initiating the corrective action to be taken, and having the necessary skills and training to do so.
A competent and qualified person must often be trained by the manufacturer or his authorised representative on specific PPE or other equipment, e.g., due to product-specific use or where safety-critical knowledge is needed in the dismantling, reassembly, or assessment system’s safety. The training may also need to be updated due to modifications and upgrades to equipment over time.
The Importance of Fall Protection System Certification
While every care is taken in manufacturing an FPS for rooftops, it is not an infallible system, and several things can go wrong. If an accident occurs due to improper maintenance or recertification, it could lead to serious legal and safety consequences for business owners. Over time, rooftop fall protection systems are susceptible to removal, damage, unauthorised tampering, or incorrect installation; this means they must be regularly maintained and recertified. The frequency of inspections depends on the system, its usage, and the operating environment. Visual inspections before each use are recommended, with recertification advised every 6-12 months, ensuring optimal performance and adherence to safety standards.
Changes to BS 7883 in 2019
With its introduction in 1997, BS 7883 created clear guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of anchor devices. The standard emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety regulations, and the changes in BS 7883 reflect this commitment.
It was most recently revised in 2019 to reflect rooftop fall protection systems technology advancements. The recent amendments could very well affect your FPS.
The new legislation now covers five ‘types’ of anchor systems:
- TYPE A: Permanently fixed Anchor Systems incorporating one or more structural anchors, such as an eyebolt.
- TYPE B: Removable and transportable anchors that do not include a structural anchor and are not permanently fixed to a structure.
- TYPE C: Structurally anchored Anchor Systems, incorporating a flexible anchor line such as wire rope, fibre rope, or webbing.
- TYPE D: Structurally anchored Anchor Systems incorporating a rigid rail or tube.
- TYPE E: Anchor Devices relying solely on mass and friction between themselves and load-bearing surfaces.
When Do My Systems Need Inspecting & Recertifying?
| System/Equipment | Inspection Regime |
|---|---|
Fall arrest cable system | Annually |
| BMUs and Suspended access equipment | Annually (Load testing) |
| Abseiling equipment | Every 6 months |
| Personal Fall Prevention Equipment (PFPE) | Every 6 months (Inspected & recertified)) |
| Building Maintenance Units (BMUs) | Every 6 months (Visual inspection) |
Why Choose Harcon for Recertifying Roof Safety Systems?
Based in the Northwest, our focus extends nationwide as we collaborate with clients throughout the UK to enhance the safety of their sites and instil peace of mind. Our committed team engages closely with each client, offering a tailored approach encompassing the entire process – from initial specification to installation and continuous inspection and recertification of all your rooftop safety equipment.
Harcon is also Manchester’s member of the Kee Safety Group, a world-renowned global provider of the full range of safety solutions and guard railing safety systems. Operating through its offices located in the UK, Germany, France, Poland, USA, Canada, UAE, Singapore, and China, the Kee Safety Group is a trusted entity worldwide. The core philosophy that guides the Kee Safety Group is straightforward yet impactful: “Separating People from Hazards.”
Our Recertification Service Covers:
- All types of fall arrest systems, including roof cables
- Safe access equipment, including step-overs, platforms, and walkways
- Collective protection systems such as rooftop guardrails
- Testing and recertification of eyebolts and portable anchors
- Suspended access equipment
- Lifting and handling equipment
- Pull tests on abseiling tracks
Maintaining a safe workspace extends beyond the initial installation of the equipment installed in height safety solutions. Annual maintenance by qualified individuals or companies is essential, accompanied by proper instruction, supervision, and training for all users. It is essential to keep your workers safe and separate them from hazards. Contact our team today HERE for more information or to speak to us about Recertifying Roof Safety Systems for your project.
For more information on industry best practices and additional safety resources, visit the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.