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In many instances external works require access from the interior as well as the exterior. Such operations may include window cleaning and in some cases minor maintenance operations. To ensure operative fall arrest safety "eyebolts" "roof anchors" and "ladder restraints" are the common user-friendly solutions. Legislation BS 8213 Part 1: 1999 Windows, doors and roof-lights provides guidance to designers of reach limits in relation to cleaning. Should these limits need to be exceeded then suitable anchorage points in accordance to BS 7883:2005 Code of practice for the design, selection, installation, use and maintenance of anchor devices conforming to BS EN 795 : 1997 Protection against falls from a height anchor devices - Requirements and Testing need to be provided for the operative to attach via a lanyard and harness.
Other relevant legislation is: BS 8437:2005 Code of practice for selection, use and maintenance of personal fall protection systems and equipment for use in the workplace. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations under Regulation 16 deals with the ability to clean windows etc safely. Paragraph 156 states:- " Suitable provisions should be made so that windows and skylights can be cleaned safely if they cannot be cleaned from the ground or other surface." Paragraph 157 states:- " Suitable provision includes: (c) providing suitable conditions for the future use of mobile access equipment, including ladders up to 9 metres long."... " Where a ladder over 6 metres long will be needed, suitable points for tying or fixing the ladder should be provided." (d) " suitable and suitably placed anchorage points for safety harnesses." Annual Re-certification In the case of fall arrest products BS EN 365 : 1993 Personal Protective Equipment against falls from height - General requirements for instructions for use and for marking. This can be carried out by PWC as a service contract and included within the quotation for the system. With reference to ladder restraints there are no requirements for annual re-certification, however, the straps, Ratchet and "J" hooks must be visually inspected by a competent person every time they are utilised. Biannual Re-certification In the case of rope access work where work positioning is required and a continual load is applied to the anchor device, then the requirements that apply for a thorough inspection and certification are every six months. BS 7985: 2002 A.4.1 Eye bolts: Code of practice for the use of rope access methods for industrial purposes.
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These
structural anchorage points need to be installed and tested to
BS 7883:2005 Code of practice for the design, selection, installation,
use and maintenance of anchor devices conforming to BS EN 795
: 1997 Protection against falls from a height anchor devices -
Requirements and Testing. 