Eyebolt Installation & Testing
Anyone working at height knows that their life could depend on the safe and expert installation of eyebolt and fall protection systems.
Sussex Rope Access technicians are qualified, trained and experienced in the installation of Class A1 Anchor Devices for Fall Arrest, Fall Restraint, Work Positioning and Rope Access systems to BS EN795 and BS 7883:2005.
With a full installation, testing and certification service, you can be sure of the most stringent and rigorous compliance standards.
Call us today on 0800 1588 318
info@sussexropeaccess.co.uk
Different Eyebolt Safety Systems Explained
A ‘Fall Arrest’ eyebolt installation is to save the worker in the event of a fall from height on ONE occasion (after which it will be replaced in accordance with HSE and LOLER standards). These would be used by, for example, window cleaners accessing the window from the inside.
Rope Access/Work Positioning Systems are in place for works to be carried out using ropes attached to these eyebolt systems, to enable them to carry out regular work.
What Makes a
Safe Eyebolt Installation
There are strict standards (BS EN795 and BS 7883:2005) applicable to eyebolt installations.
Eyebolts can be installed directly into brickwork, concrete, masonry or steelwork and the anchor systems used for eyebolt installations will vary for each structure. The eyebolts themselves, along with the anchor systems, can be made from galvanized, powder coated or stainless steel materials.
If eyebolts are already installed, periodic examination is an essential and legal requirement.
If the eyebolts installed are for rope access use, they will need to be tested every 6 months; if the eyebolt system is for Fall Arrest, they must be tested every 12 months.
Periodic Examination & Pull Testing of Existing Eyebolts
All eyebolts should be marked in accordance to the relevant British Standards and the PPE Directives.
They should have a label attached, indicating the date of the next examination, category of use and any other detail required by that category of use.
You should be provided with a Certificate of Periodic Examination.
Any aspects of an existing system that do not comply with the requirements, will be recorded in detail and a report issued to the clients stating which eyebolts may remain in use, and those which should be withdrawn together with reasons and recommendations for remedial action.
Eyebolts – The 4 categories of use
Restraint System
A Restraint system restricts the user’s travel so that access is not possible to zones where the risk of a fall from a height exists.
The typical force on the restraint system equates to the weight of a user, say 100kgf i.e. approx 1 kN.
Anchor devices manufactured to BS EN 795 may be used for all 4 categories of eyebolt installation as there are links between Fall Arrest and Restraint and between Rope Access and Work Position Systems.
Work Positioning Systems
Work positioning systems enable the user to be held in a partly or entirely supported position via a primary support and a back-up system.
Rope access systems may be used for work positioning.
Typical force on a work positioning system clearly relates to the weight of a user, plus any tools, again say, 100kgf i.e. approx 1 kN.
Anchor devices manufactured to BS EN 795 may be used for all 4 categories of eyebolt installation as there are links between Fall Arrest and Restraint and between Rope Access and Work Position Systems.
Rope Access Systems
These systems employ two separately secured lines, one as the means of support and the other as a safety back-up for access or egress to and from the workplace, both lines being attached to the user’s harness.
The typical force on anchor points, due to the dynamics of the application has been determined to be approximately twice the weight of the user, say 200kgf i.e. approx 2kN.
Anchor devices manufactured to BS EN 795 may be used for all 4 categories of eyebolt installation as there are links between Fall Arrest and Restraint and between Rope Access and Work Position Systems.
Fall Arrest Systems
Fall Arrest Systems act to arrest a fall and which are used in situations where, if the user loses controlled physical contact with the working surface, there will be a free fall.
The energy absorber built into any lanyard is required to limit the force through the system to 6kN.
This may be regarded as the maximum possible applied load in practice, although we always allow a greater margin than this.
Anchor devices manufactured to BS EN 795 may be used for all 4 categories of eyebolt installation as there are links between Fall Arrest and Restraint and between Rope Access and Work Position Systems.