Fall Protection Testing and Re-Certification

Making sure your safety systems remain compliant

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Re-Certificaiton Timeline

Examples of what needs to be inspected, and when

System/EquipmentInspection Regime
Rooftop GuardrailAnnually

Mansafe Safety Lifeline systems

Annually

Working Platforms & Step Over Platforms

Annually
Suspended Access EquipmentAnnually
(Load testing)
Abseiling and Anchor EquipmentEvery 6 months
Personal Prevention Equipment (PPE)Every 6 months
(Inspected & recertified))
Building Maintenance Units (BMUs)Every 6 months
(Visual inspection)

Fall protection equipment must be inspected and re-certified in Scotland by law

Fall Protection equipment has to be annually certified under the Safety, Health and Welfare Act at Work Regulation 2007 Part 4: Work at Height.

The legislation requires that mansafe systems and other forms of fall protection and safe access systems be certified at least once a year by a qualified individual. If an accident occurs at height, your employer or those in control of the work (such as building owners or facility managers who may hire others to work) may be responsible, especially if the equipment is faulty and/or uncertified.

Does this apply to you?

The Work at Height Regulations apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall that could cause personal injury. They place duties on both employers and the self-employed.

Regulation 119 sets down the requirements for the inspection of work at height work equipment

Our Inspections Team provide annual and 6-monthly inspection, testing and re-certification services for safety systems throughout Scotland.  Our qualified engineers re-certify and provide testing of all types of fall prevention and safe access systems.

In 2019, BIG CHANGES to BS 7883 were made, increasing the standard of certification that could mean your systems are no longer compliant; find out more here.

Regulation 119

Work equipment exposed to conditions causing deterioration that is liable to result in danger must be inspected at regular intervals and also where any exceptional circumstances have occurred that are liable to jeopardise its safety. These inspections are important in ensuring that the equipment can continue to be used safely and that any deterioration is detected and remedied before it results in unacceptable risks.

A competent person should determine the nature, frequency and extent of any inspection, taking account of such factors as the type of equipment, how and where it is used and the likelihood of deterioration. Periods between inspections should be chosen on the basis of risk assessment and should be reviewed in the light of experience.

What makes APS the best choice ?

Our Facilities Services department is dedicated to the recertification and maintenance of all safety at height systems and is one of the finest in the whole of Scotland.

All inspections and repairs are carried out by our qualified and competent engineers, who will ensure that the system is recertified, fit for purpose, fully compliant and safe to use.

We offer

  • Routine Inspection & Certification
  • Testing
  • Accreditation
  • Upkeep
  • Annual Recertification Provision
  • Enhancements & Upgrades

Our service includes

  • Recertification of all types of fall arrest systems including roof cables
  • Inspection and certification of safe access equipment including step-overs, platforms and walkways
  • Recertification of collective protection such as rooftop guardrail
  • Testing and recertification of eyebolts and portable anchors
  • Maintenance and recertification of suspended access equipment
  • Maintenance and certification of lifting and handling equipment
  • Pull tests on abseiling tracks
  • Testing of lightning protection equipment
  • BMU electrical inspection

 

Mansafe Testing FAQs

1. What is mansafe testing and what does it involve?
Mansafe testing is the inspection and certification of mansafe systems used as part of fall protection systems. It includes visual inspection, load testing of anchor points, and checks to ensure the system meets current safety standards and UK regulations.


2. How does mansafe system testing improve workplace safety?
Regular mansafe system testing helps identify safety risks such as loose components, signs of wear, or incorrectly installed systems. This ensures fall protection equipment remains effective and helps protect workers from serious injury when working at height.


3. What types of systems require mansafe testing?
Mansafe testing applies to a range of systems including fall arrest systems, fall restraint systems, vertical lifeline systems, and rail system solutions. All such systems must be regularly tested to ensure they remain compliant and suitable for the fall hazards present.


4. Does mansafe testing include personal protective equipment checks?
Yes. In addition to fixed systems, personal protective equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, and fall arrest equipment should be inspected to ensure they are properly maintained and compatible with the overall protection system.


5. Who is responsible for arranging mansafe system inspection and certification?
Under UK regulations, it is the legal responsibility of building owners, employers, or those managing access areas to ensure safety systems are regularly tested and inspected by a competent person to maintain safety compliance.


6. What happens if a mansafe system is not regularly tested?
Failure to carry out regular testing can lead to non compliance with legal requirements, increased safety risks, and a higher likelihood of system failure in the event of a fall. This can result in serious injury and potential legal consequences.


7 Essential Reasons to Schedule Mansafe Testing

1. Ensure Legal Compliance
Mansafe systems must be regularly tested to meet UK regulations and fulfil legal obligations under work at height legislation.


2. Identify Safety Risks Early
Routine inspection and certification highlights issues such as signs of wear, loose components, or anchor points that are not securely fixed.


3. Maintain Peak Performance of Safety Systems
Regular testing ensures fall protection systems and safety equipment continue to perform effectively when needed.


4. Protect Workers from Serious Injury
Properly maintained fall arrest systems and fall restraint devices help prevent falls and reduce the risk of personal injury.


5. Keep All Equipment Fully Compliant
From fall protection equipment to anchor points and lifeline systems, regular testing ensures all components remain fully compliant with industry standards.


6. Support Safe Working at Height
Mansafe testing ensures systems provide safe access and suitable and sufficient measures for those working at height across all access areas.


7. Demonstrate a Proactive Approach to Safety
Regular testing shows a clear commitment to worker safety, helping businesses improve safety, meet compliance requirements, and maintain a safe working environment.

Get in touch with our team