QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q: What if a Fall Protection System was installed before 2019?

A: BS7883:2019 requires all fall protection systems to be supported by a System Technical File, O&M Manual, and Examination Scheme for Inspection, regardless of their installation date.

Q: So, will a Fall Protection System automatically fail inspection without supporting documentation, even if it is mechanically functional?

A: Yes.

The system is not compliant to the standard without suitable supporting documentation being available.

In most instances this will be considered a ‘conditional fail’.  Provided the system is observed to be mechanically functional, and if the supporting documentation can be prepared within an agreed timeframe, it is likely that the system will be passed as safe and compliant.

Q: If no supporting documentation is available, will the fall protection system be condemned?

A: Not necessarily.

We can prepare the System Technical File, O&M Manual and Examination Scheme for Inspection for fall protection systems which have already been installed, ensuring full compliance to the standard after the fact.  We gather the necessary information to populate these documents via an Installation Review, which will be designed specifically to meet the requirements of each individual fall protection system.

Costs for this service will vary dependant on the specific fall protection system, but will always be a fraction of the cost incurred by installing a brand new system.

Q: Why has my Fall Protection System failed inspection now?  It has passed regular inspections since the new standard was introduced in 2019.

A: The new BS7883:2019 standard came into effect in 2019, however, owing to disruption associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread implementation of the standard was unofficially delayed in many instances, effectively allowing an additional ‘grace period’ to demonstrate compliance.  Many duty holders are now finding that this unofficial latency period has come to an end, and are noticing higher stringency regarding supporting documentation.

For further information contact us at 08000487958 or info@heightsure.co.uk