Fall Protection Systems

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that buildings don’t come in “small, medium, or large”. Every one of them has quirks. Good quirks! But quirks nevertheless.
So to make sure you get the right fall-protection setup, we start by getting to know your building and how your team needs to use it.

A site survey keeps things simple - it lets us work out the ideal design, equipment and installation so your system isn’t just compliant… it’s actually useful, safe and built around real-world access.

Every fall-protection system has its own story - design, age, condition, previous upkeep - and that all influences how often it should be inspected.

We start by carrying out an initial survey to give you a complete health check. From there, we can advise on the right inspection schedule for your setup. Most systems require an annual certification if they are not for suspending a person, but some environments, such as a coastal marine location will call for more regular attention.

And of course, if we spot anything during an inspection, any required repairs, fall risk concerns or updates will be clearly identified so you’re never left guessing.

These regulations cover all aspects of working at height, from planning and risk assessments to the design and maintenance of safety systems. They detail when collective and personal safeguards need to be installed, when rope access can be used and how inspections should be safely recorded.

As a competent contractor for fall-protection systems - backed by IRATA-qualified technicians and a 100% safety record - we know this legislation inside out. But it’s just as important that clients, duty holders and anyone using fall-protection equipment understand the basics too.

And the first question we always come back to is simple: is working at height truly necessary? If it isn’t, then the safest option is to avoid it altogether.

A Mansafe system is a rooftop fall-protection lifeline that people clip onto while working at height. It’s often called a horizontal lifeline (HLL) or anchor line.

“Mansafe” is actually a brand name owned by MSA Safety, but many people use it as a general term.

If you’re unsure what you have on your roof, send us a photo and we’ll confirm it.

BS7883:2019 is the British Standard that sets out how anchor systems and horizontal lifelines (covered by BS EN 795 and CEN/TS 16415) must be designed, installed and inspected.

It does not apply to guardrails or handrails. Those fall under Building Regulations Part K and BS EN 14122-3.

If your system is a lifeline or anchor point, BS7883:2019 applies.

Yes. Every anchor or lifeline inspected to BS7883:2019 must have a System Technical File (STF).

The STF proves how the system was designed, installed, fixed and commissioned. Without it, an inspector cannot confirm compliance.

If you don’t have one, we can advise on the quickest way to put it right.

Yes.

Older systems still need a System Technical File so they can be inspected properly.
If the fixings are visible, we can carry out an installation review and create an STF so the system can receive a conditional pass if everything is safe and compliant.

If your system is pre-2019, we can check it and tell you what’s needed.

The best first step is to contact the original installer or manufacturer and request:

• the STF
• installation photos
• delivery notes or product documentation

If nothing exists, we can guide you through the next steps. This situation can be complex, but we’ll help you work out the safest and most cost-effective path.

You’ll need an installation review or investigation.
This may involve underside access or carefully exposing a fixing so we can confirm how it was attached. Once confirmed, we can complete the STF.

We’ll always choose the least disruptive method.

Horizontal lifelines must be inspected every 12 months under BS7883:2019.
Your system should have an inspection tag showing the last and next due dates.

If you’re not sure when yours was last checked, we can confirm it for you.

O&Ms (operation and maintenance manuals), as-built drawings and roof specifications show how the system was originally designed and fixed.

Since BS7883:2019 came into force, inspectors must have documented evidence to prove a system is safe and fit for purpose. You can no longer rely on visual checks alone.

These documents help us confirm:

• how the system is fixed
• whether the structure can support it
• whether rooflights or roof type affect safety

Without them, the system cannot be signed off confidently.

You’ll receive a full inspection and testing report and a certificate.
Common fail reasons include:

• missing shock absorbers
• not enough fall-clearance
• unsafe layout or positioning
• systems installed too close to fragile rooflights or edges

If a system fails, options may include:

• adding shock absorbers (where suitable)
• installing rooflight covers or walkways
• redesigning and installing a new compliant system
• temporarily decommissioning the system

We’ll explain your options clearly and tell you what’s safe and what isn’t.

A typical quote may include:

• site attendance
• MEWP or access equipment (if needed)
• travel or overnight costs
• project administration
• all insurances and safety cover

Standard turnaround for a quote is around 10-15 working days from receiving a purchase order.

If the STF is missing or the fixings are hidden, more investigation time may be needed.