Eyebolt Testing in London, South East and Nationwide

Spectrum Specialist Support test and install eye bolts and safety systems for a number of properties in Central London. Our experience and expertise in using these systems ensure the best possible installation to make safe and ease of use for the operatives using these systems.

As an authority on specialist rope access and working at height, we are very happy to be able to extend our knowledge of safety in this area to our clients.

Firstly, the implementation of revised Health and Safety Executive Regulations in 2005 means that anybody that works at height must have the appropriate eyebolts or safety equipment in place to ensure fall protection. It is essential that this protective equipment is maintained regularly and tested annually. We are industry certified to install, maintain and test all safety equipment, ensuring it meets regulatory standards.

The absolute necessity for our commercial and industrial clients to uphold the highest standards; not only to comply with law, but also to secure the protection of staff and clients alike, is unquestionable.

Building managers that engage Spectrum will be provided with the best staff in the country to carry out works, a complete and accredited service, and a detailed report and roof plan of the building, with every test and inspection in black and white to keep on record. We also retain the professional certification issued for every test on file for clients, so that we can make sure every building can prove compliance to all health and safety codes and guidance.

Why Spectrum?

Spectrum use eyebolts on a day-to-day basis. This depth of knowledge allows us to design the best system for your specific maintenance needs, to minimise cost and maximise safety and effectiveness.

We offer a huge range of support services at Spectrum and it is always possible to tie in testing and certification with other maintenance works such as window cleaning, allowing us to offer our clients discounts and the best rates.

More about eyebolt testing:

Examination

British Standards require that anchor devices used for fall arrest systems should be examined at intervals of no more than 12 months, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, by a competent person authorised by the manufacturer. If used for work positioning or rope access they should be examined every six months.

When testing eyebolts, a number of factors have to be taken into consideration; the structure of the building, the correct position of the eyebolt, the potential free fall distance for the user etc. These factors are all determined by the BS 7883:2005 Code of Practice for the design, selection, installation, use and maintenance of anchor devices conforming to BS EN795.

Unfortunately over the years a worrying proportion of eyebolts have been installed by contractors who do not work to these guidelines, and as a result many eyebolts are found in an unsafe condition. Building owners can protect their liability by ensuring that all eyebolts on their premises are professionally examined at the prescribed intervals.

Examination procedure

Each eyebolt, if of the “resin socket” variety, should be removed, examined, and refitted at the required period, by a certified installer. Once removed a visual inspection will also be completed of the eyebolt, the socket and surrounding structure.

Each eyebolt should be tested to 6kN, and the load sustained for a minimum of 15 seconds, using specialist pulling equipment.

Eyebolts which are fixed through the structure of a building have a slightly extended inspection regime, involving the disassembly of a proportion of the eyebolts to check that the correct componentry has been used and properly assembled. Theremaining eyebolts are inspected without disassembly. This disassembly is required only on the first examination by a new examining body.

Proof testing is typically accomplished using specialist equipment to tighten tension on the eyebolt to a predetermined torque. Eyebolts installed through cavity walls must not be tension tested. Eyebolts installed through solid structures may be tension tested to 6kN if called for by the manufacturer.

All eyebolt installations will be checked to see that they comply within the recommendations of BS 7883:2005. This includes base material suitability and anchor compatibility, edge distance, free fall distance, free space and more.

Each eyebolt will then be labelled with PPE identification tags, stating the individual eyebolt ID, category of use and the next test due date. Failed eyebolts will be fitted with ‘Do Not Use’ tags or alternatively permanently removed.

A Test Certificate will be issued on satisfactory completion of the examination and will include recommendations for any remedial work necessary. We also supply location sheets, which state exact location of all eyebolts, both passed and failed

Installation of new eyebolts

We can install eyebolts into a variety of substrates such as concrete, brickwork and steel.

Installed eyebolts should conform to theBS EN795:1997 Protection against falls from a height - Anchor devices - Requirements and testing, and theBS 7883:2005 Code of Practice for the design, selection, installation use and maintenance of anchor devices conforming to BS EN795.

Our basic installation procedure for eyebolts set into solid brick or concreteis as follows:

The intended structure will be checked that it is of load bearing capacity and the required minimum structural thickness.

The intended position will be checked that it conforms to BS 7883:2005.

A hole of the required diameter will be drilled into the substrate to the necessary depth using a hammer drill with vacuum attachments to minimise dust.

Resin bond will be applied and a knurled receiving socket then inserted to the correct depth.

A PPE Disc, showing conformity and date for retest, will then be applied.

Now the new eyebolt will be inserted into the socket, complete with flexible washer, and machine-tightened. It should not be possible to loosen eyebolts by hand.

The new eyebolt will then be load tested using specialist equipment to 6kN for 15 seconds.

If the structure is of a substrate which we deem to be relatively weak, such as soft brickwork or stonework, we may carry out three trial tests, as recommended by BS 7883, to determine the suitability of the proposed anchor in this structure. These tests will be on anchors installed for the purpose. Following the tests the eyebolts will be removed and the holes filled.

Our service

All of our engineers are experts in the field, and are fully trained in eyebolt testing, eyebolt installation and fall-arrest systems; assuring quality and anentirely regulated service. We are also able to provide fully bespoke solutions to any safety or access issue, from a simple fixed ladder to a complete fall-arrest system.

Of course some clients do not wish for installations or works to be carried out during normal working hours. We are fully able to adapt to individual client needs in this and most other respects. Contact our team today for further information and details of our programmes for eyebolt installation, eyebolt testing and fall-arrest systems.

Speak to one of our experts