Height Sure Ltd provides specialist fall protection system installation, inspection and testing services for commercial and industrial buildings across the UK.

Safe access to roofs and other areas at height requires careful consideration of how people will reach, move around and work within those areas. Depending on the building and the work being undertaken, this may require permanent fall restraint, fall arrest or other height safety systems.

Our team can assist with the installation, inspection, testing and ongoing maintenance of fall protection systems, helping building owners, facilities managers and contractors provide safer access for people working at height.

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Fall Protection Systems

There is no single fall protection solution suitable for every building.

The appropriate system depends on factors including the layout of the building, the areas requiring access, the work being undertaken and the risks presented by the site.

Fall protection solutions can include:

• Fall restraint systems

• Fall arrest systems

• Horizontal lifeline systems

• Safety line systems

• Roof anchor points

• Abseil and rope access anchor points

• Fixed access equipment

• Roof safety systems

• Personal fall protection anchor systems

Our approach is to consider how the area will actually be accessed and used before determining an appropriate solution.

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Fall Restraint Systems

Fall restraint systems are designed to restrict a user’s movement so that they cannot reach a position where a fall could occur.

Where it is reasonably practicable to prevent somebody from reaching a fall hazard, restraint can provide an effective means of protecting people who need to access areas such as roofs for inspection, cleaning or maintenance.

A restraint system may incorporate anchor points or a horizontal safety line together with appropriate personal protective equipment.

The exact arrangement depends on the building, system design and intended use.

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Fall Arrest Systems

Where it is not possible to completely prevent access to a fall hazard, a fall arrest system may be required.

Unlike restraint systems, fall arrest systems are designed to arrest a fall should one occur.

Because of this, careful consideration must be given to factors such as available clearance, system design, anchor locations and how a person would be recovered following a fall.

The correct system should always be selected according to the particular building, access requirements and risks involved.

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Fall Protection System Installation

Correct installation is critical to the performance of any height safety system.

Height Sure Ltd can install fall protection and anchor systems for a range of commercial and industrial applications.

Depending on the project, this can include systems intended to provide safer access for:

• Roof maintenance

• Gutter cleaning and maintenance

• Plant inspection

• Façade maintenance

• Window and glazing works

• Building inspections

• Rope access operations

• Other planned work at height

Systems should be selected and installed according to their intended purpose, relevant design requirements and manufacturer guidance.

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Fall Protection Inspection & Testing

Installing a fall protection system is not the end of the process.

Systems and anchor points can be affected over time by use, weather exposure, corrosion, damage, alterations to the building and other factors.

Appropriate inspection and maintenance are therefore an important part of ensuring a system remains suitable for continued use.

Height Sure Ltd provides inspection and testing of fall protection systems, helping clients identify deterioration, defects or other issues that may affect their continued use.

Depending on the type of system and inspection required, this can include:

• Visual inspection of components

• Inspection of anchor points

• Inspection of horizontal lifeline systems

• Checking fixings and system components

• Identification of visible corrosion or damage

• Inspection following building alterations or concerns

• Testing where required by the relevant system, standard or manufacturer

• Inspection records and system documentation

The exact inspection and testing requirements will depend on the type of equipment, its use, the manufacturer's instructions and the applicable standards.

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How Often Should Fall Protection Systems Be Inspected?

Inspection frequency should be determined according to the type of equipment, manufacturer requirements, applicable standards, its use and the environment in which it is installed.

Some personal fall protection equipment requires more frequent examination than permanent anchor systems, and additional inspections may be required where equipment has been exposed to conditions that could cause deterioration or following an event that may have affected its safety.

For that reason, we don't recommend applying a single inspection interval to every fall protection system without first establishing what equipment is installed and its requirements.

If you're unsure when your system was last inspected or what inspection regime applies, Height Sure Ltd can help identify the system and determine the appropriate next steps.

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Existing & Older Fall Protection Systems

Not every building has complete information available for its existing height safety systems.

Documentation can become separated from a building over time, particularly following changes of ownership, facilities management providers or maintenance contractors.

If you have an existing fall protection or anchor system and are unsure of its history, condition or documentation, speak to our team.

Depending on the system and the information available, further investigation may be required before its condition or suitability can be established.

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BS 7883 & Fall Protection Anchor Systems

BS 7883 provides recommendations covering the design, installation, use, maintenance and inspection of personal fall protection anchor systems.

The requirements applicable to a particular installation will depend on the type of system, its original design and installation, intended use and other relevant standards and manufacturer requirements.

Height Sure Ltd can help clients understand their existing systems and arrange appropriate inspection, testing, maintenance or installation work.

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Roof Safety & Safe Access

Fall protection forms part of the wider consideration of how people safely access and work on a roof or other area at height.

A building may require access for:

• Roof inspections

• HVAC and plant maintenance

• Gutter maintenance

• Cleaning

• Glazing

• Façade works

• Solar panel maintenance

• General building maintenance

Considering these requirements as part of the system design helps ensure the chosen solution is appropriate for the way the building will actually be maintained.​​