Eyebolt Testing Equipment
Eyebolt Testers rely on quality testing equipment to ensure that an eyebolt installation is safe.
We only use the best equipment, calibrated regularly and in accordance with the relevant regulations.
The importance of the safe installation, inspection and testing of eyebolt systems cannot be underestimated as lives may depend on it.
Call us today on 0800 1588 318
info@sussexropeaccess.co.uk
Eyebolt Testing Equipment
Test equipment and procedures
Load testing devices should direct the reaction loads at least 50mm from the centre line of the anchor device and, in the case of masonry, into adjacent masonry units in order to also test the strength of the horizontal mortar joints.
The load should be held for the required time as stated above without any sign of failure, i.e. movement of the anchor point or damage to surrounding structure including mortar joints. The 15 second requirement for proof tests is because resin anchors which are marginal or still curing may fail during this period. The load may reduce slightly due to stress redistribution in the base material but it must be possible to return the load to 6kN without the anchor point moving. The load should be applied through the anchor point into the structural anchor and not directly into the structural anchor unless specifically called for by the manufacturer.
The test meter should be calibrated every 12 months and whenever the tester or gauge suffers any damage e.g. is dropped.
Hydrajaws Safety Eyebolt tester kit Mk II.
The 150 load spreading bridge spans across the brick in a wall of conventional brickwork as long as it is used in the vertical plane.
The 150 bridge is narrow so it will test anchors close to walls and windows – in this case the handwheel is replaced with the special 22mm A/F nut, supplied as part of the Mk II kit, which we turn with a ratchet fitted with a 22mm A/F socket.
Different Eyebolt Safety Systems Explained
The key difference between a Fall Arrest/Fall Restraint System and a Rope Access/Work Positioning System is the type of usage expected. The standard of installation is the same, but the inspection period is 12 months for a Fall Arrest installations and 6 months for Rope Access installations.
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, by 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.