Ongoing Maintenance & Safety Measures of a BMU System

eurosafesolutions eurosafesolutions.co.uk Ongoing Maintenance & Safety Measures of a BMU System With every item of BMU system there is detailed guidance on how this should be maintained to ensure they are secure and fit for use. Under BS 6037-1:2017 it states that a BMU is subject to an annual load test, quarterly visual inspection, 6 monthly thorough visual inspection and a quarterly visual inspection to be carried out by a competent person. The HSE States: The Regulations apply to all work at height where there is risk of a fall that is liable to cause personal injury. They place duties on employers, the self-employed and any person who controls the work of others (such as facilities managers or building owners who may contract others to work at height). Those with duties under the Regulations must ensure that: » All work at height is properly planned and organised » Those involved in work at height are competent » The risks from work at height are assessed, and appropriate work equipment is selected and used » The risks of working on or near fragile surfaces are properly managed » The equipment used for work at height is properly inspected and maintained Detailed Inspections A detailed inspection should be completed regularly on all equipment as per the regulations set and in-line with British and European Standards. Engineers who are competently trained, will ensure that equipment meets all relevant requirements and will inspect a range of fall protection equipment such as: Cable based systems Walkways BMU systems Davit systems Rail based systems Travelling ladders & gantries Eyebolts Lightning protection Guardrail and balustrades Flagpoles including glass balustrades PPE Ladders & ladder ties Abseil equipment Steps Suspension points Frequency of Testing As a building owner you have the responsibility to make sure that employees, workers, subcontractors or any one accessing the area at height has the correct PPE, training and that the equipment is fit for purpose and safe to use. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 states: (3) Every employer shall ensure that work equipment exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous situations is inspected - (a) at suitable intervals; and (b) each time that exceptional circumstances which are liable to jeopardise the safety of the work equipment have occurred, to ensure that health and safety conditions are maintained, and that any deterioration can be detected and remedied in good time. Legislation, Regulations & Standards Failure to comply with legislation and regulations means that you could be held liable should a fall or accident occur, resulting in a fine or custodial sentence. There are many different regulations, British Standards, manufacturer guidance and legislation that our test and inspection division consider when advising you on the frequency of inspection and applications to ensure that your equipment is safe and meets the relevant requirements. Below are some of the more common regulations which fall within the Work at Height Regulations 2005: » Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, (PUWER) REGULATIONS » The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, (LOLER) » The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 » The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 » Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Before allowing anyone access to an area at height, you must: Make sure Make sure your equipment is tested and inspected they have the correct PPE Make sure anyone accessing the area has the correct Make sure they have suitable RA/MS for the works being CERTIFIED training carried out BMU Systems from Eurosafe Solutions BMU systems are one of the specialist working from height solutions. Through employing the services of a proven professional company to install them, you have the piece of mind that you will receive ongoing maintenance and health and safety after care as well. To find out more about BMU systems please see our website at: www.eurosafesolutions.co.uk/solution/facade-access/ Our Services Include: Roof Assessment & Evaluation Test & Inspection Plan of Action & Safety at Height Management System Programme of Requirements Training & Education Installation & Implementation Sheffield, UK eurosafesolutions Unit 51b Dorehouse Ind Est Orgreave Drive Sheffield, S13 9NR 0114 250 7411 eurosafesolutions.co.uk E [email protected]