Table of Contents
Keeping Roof Safety Compliant and Workers Protected
When it comes to working at height, safety isn’t a box-ticking exercise. It’s a non-negotiable part of creating a safe working environment—and that includes keeping your mansafe systems regularly tested, inspected, and certified. But how often should you be doing that? And what exactly is involved in keeping your fall protection systems compliant?
Let’s break it down.
Why Mansafe Testing Matters
Whether you’re operating in facilities management, construction, or overseeing a commercial building, mansafe systems—like safety line systems, anchor points, or fall arrest systems—must be maintained to legal standards. Not only does this reduce your risk in the event of a fall, but it also ensures your workers have confidence that the safety equipment they rely on every day is in top working condition.
Mansafe systems are typically made up of:
- Stainless steel wire rope
- Constant force posts
- Anchor points integrated into the roof structure
These systems can be horizontal or vertical, permanent or temporary, and designed to work on major roof types, including metal deck, concrete, and membrane.
However, even the most robust protection system is only effective if it’s properly maintained. That’s where regular mansafe testing comes in.
The Legal Requirement: When You Must Recertify
According to the Work at Height Regulations and BS 7883, all mansafe systems must be inspected and recertified annually by a competent person. If your system includes fall arrest or fall restraint systems, this rule applies across the board – no exceptions.
In Scotland, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulation 2007 Part 4 makes annual mansafe testing a legal obligation. That includes recertifying:
- Horizontal and vertical safety line systems
- Fall arrest systems using anchor posts or fixed cable routes
- Collective solutions like rooftop guardrails and platforms
- PPE-based systems with personal protective equipment (which also require inspection every 6 months)
Miss a deadline, and you not only put your team at risk—you may be liable in the event of a fall, especially if the equipment is found to be out of date or improperly installed.
What’s Involved in Mansafe Testing?
Key Components Are Checked and Tested
A competent engineer will inspect:
- Anchor points and fixings to ensure they’re still secure within the roof structure
- Stainless steel wire rope for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage
- Constant force posts to confirm they will still react as designed under load
- The condition of any roof membrane in contact with the system
- The installation layout, especially if access areas or usage have changed
System Testing for Real-World Safety
Testing may include:
- Load-testing of anchors
- Measuring cable tension
- Compliance checks against standards such as CEN TS 16415:2013 (especially for multiple users)
Documentation is updated, and a compliance certificate is issued. If any components have deteriorated or no longer meet the requirements, the system may need repairs, adjustments, or replacement parts.
Common Mansafe System Types We Recertify
At APS, we offer mansafe testing for all common fall protection systems, including:
- Horizontal lifeline systems (permanent and temporary)
- Vertical cable systems for ladders and towers
- Fall restraint systems for rooftop safe access
- Fall arrest systems using energy absorbers and stainless steel cable
- PPE-based systems integrated with fixed anchor points
- Systems designed for specific roof structures, such as standing seam or metal deck
Whatever your setup, we ensure your protection system is tested, compliant, and ready to perform.
Why Choose APS for Mansafe Testing & Recertification?
✔️ Over a decade of experience inspecting and certifying roof safety and fall protection systems across Scotland
✔️ Fully trained engineers handling all types of mansafe systems and related safety equipment
✔️ Annual and 6-month inspection programmes tailored to your specific requirements
✔️ Testing and certification of horizontal and vertical safety line systems, PPE, and fall arrest systems
✔️ Pull testing of abseil anchors, eyebolts, and constant force posts
✔️ Full compliance support with BS 7883, BS EN standards, and CEN TS 16415:2013
Final Thoughts: Recertification Isn’t Optional
Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about protecting lives.
When you book regular mansafe testing with APS, you’re doing more than meeting regulations—you’re creating a safe working environment for your people and peace of mind for your business.
Need to check the status of your current safety systems?
Get in touch with our team to schedule your next inspection.
Mansafe Testing FAQs
1. How often should mansafe systems be tested?
Mansafe systems should be tested and recertified at least once every 12 months by a competent professional, as required by law.
2. What if my system was installed more than a year ago and hasn’t been tested?
If it’s been over a year, you are not compliant and at increased risk. Immediate inspection and certification are recommended.
3. Can multiple users use the same mansafe system at once?
Yes—systems such as Kee Line are designed and tested to accommodate multiple users, typically up to three, depending on configuration and compliance with CEN TS 16415:2013.
4. Do anchor points need to be replaced during every inspection?
Not always. If anchor points and their components pass testing and visual checks, they can remain in place. However, damaged or corroded items must be replaced to maintain compliance.
5. What is the difference between fall arrest and fall restraint systems?
Fall arrest systems stop a fall in progress. Fall restraint systems prevent the worker from reaching a fall zone at all. Both require regular testing and certification.
6. Does APS test other safety systems besides mansafe systems?
Absolutely. We test and maintain guardrails, walkways, PPE, BMUs, and other roof safety infrastructure as part of a full compliance service.
📅 Ready to schedule your next mansafe testing inspection? Speak to APS today and let us keep your people—and your building—safe.