Safety Equipment Inspection & Certification
Telephone: 0141 353 5003Fax: 0141 332 2928
E-mail: info@apssafetysystems.com
Inspection & Certification
It is a legal requirement for all safety equipment, including fall protection systems that have been installed in accordance with the recommendations of BS EN 795: ‘Protection Against Falls From A Height—Anchorage Devices—Requirements And Testing’, to undergo periodic examination by a competent person to certify that they remain compliant and are safe to use.
The complexity and frequency of certification regimes vary according to legislation, Standards / Norms and / or the manufacturer’s specification. Additionally, it is important that each certification regime takes into account how often the equipment is used and the environment it is used in.
The following is a guideline to the frequency of inspection and / or testing of fall protection equipment
- Personal Protective Equipment – minimum once every 6 months
- Abseil/roped access points – minimum once every 6 months
- Fall arrest/fall restraint systems – minimum once every 12 months
- Eyebolts – minimum once every 12 months
- Ladder ties – minimum once every 24 months
- or after a fall (whichever is the shorter period
A fall arrest/fall restraint systems working life depends on factors such as correct care and maintenance including the environments in which the system is installed.
- Never attempt to repair, modify or dismantle a fall arrest/fall restraint system
- Do not attempt to adjust the tension
- Never exceed the recommended number of users on the system
If YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT THE CONDITION OF YOUR SYSTEM YOU SHOULD WITHDRAW IT FROM SERVICE AND REPORT YOUR CONCERNS IMMEDIATELY
At APS we are able to offer our clients a comprehensive certification and maintenance service. All of our technicians are directly employed and are specifically trained in the installation and testing of fall protection systems.
Our technicians will pull test all systems as well as carrying out a visual inspection including inspection of all fixings. Our technicians are also qualified and authorised to re-certify PPE (harnesses, lanyards, travelling devices etc) ensuring that we can satisfy all our clients’ inspection and maintenance requirements in one visit.
As part of our service following installation APS will provide the following information to our clients,
- A certificate commissioning the system
- A system label detailing the installation date, testing requirements, maximum number of users, specific restrictions regarding user equipment
- A technical user instruction manual
- CAD drawing details of system
- Method statement & risk assessment on how to access & use the system
- Training on how to use the system and user equipment
APS maintains a comprehensive database of all APS installations and previous system inspections using the latest technology. Our system will automatically notify our clients two months prior to the annual inspection date therefore reducing client’s liability.
The details stored on our database include;
- The location of the installation
- A unique identification number
- The number and length of systems
- The maximum number of users per span and per system
- The length and type of lanyards
- The installation date
- The date of the next necessary service
- The name of our technician
All of the above items will form part of the annual inspection certificate that is issued to our clients.
APS provide warranties for all installation works. The warranty is invalidated if the minimum service intervals are not maintained by APS.
APS works closely with all of its clients to create a quality partnership arrangement offering both parties the opportunity to achieve life-time value.
