When working at heights, every component plays a critical role in maintaining safety standards. This includes eye bolts and abseil points, both of which are commonly used in rope access applications and subjected to pretty heavy loads. They act as fall protection systems that are responsible for the health and safety of its individual user when in use. That means it has to be up to par at all times.
As a part of your fall protection equipment, it’s important to keep your points and bolts working properly and free from damage. That’s where abseil point testing and eyebolt testing come in.
Note: Our team at Altus Safety offers a full eye bolt and abseil point compliance testing service to keep your site safe.
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at some frequently asked questions about points and bolts, from what these components are to why maintenance is so important and perhaps more critically – how often they should be tested in order for you to remain fully compliant as a safe site for at height workers. Learn more about best practices and ensure compliance with our expert advice below.
What Are Eye Bolts And Abseil Points?
Eye bolts can be temporary or permanent, depending on how frequently the area needs to be accessed. They provide a secure point for anyone working at a height to anchor themselves to, fixing their ropes to prevent falls. Different types of eye bolts include:
- Safety eye bolts
- Removable eye bolts
- Abseil points
Abseil points are a type of eye bolt used specifically for rope access. You might also see them referred to as abseil eye bolts or abseil anchors.
They all do the same thing – they’re single anchor points that act as fall prevention systems allowing workers to attach themselves securely to carry out their working at height task.
Can Eye Bolts And Abseil Points Be Used For Lifting Machinery?
No, it’s important to note that eye bolts and abseil points are designed for rope access only. Even when tested, these should never be used to lift equipment or machinery. Separate systems would need to be used for this to prevent structural damage to the anchor devices which could lead to a system failure when used by a worker.
Why Is Eye Bolt And Abseil Point Testing Important?
Anchor point testing is required by law to keep those using anchors safe. From window cleaning to building maintenance, all applications of eye bolts and abseil points must be assessed to make sure they’re working as they should.
All eye bolts and abseil point testing needs to be carried out in compliance with BS EN795 and BS 7883 2019.
Here the focus is on the abseil point or eye bolt and the surrounding area. Visual damage, loose fixtures and load testing will all be monitored during an eye bolt test to ensure the fall arrest system is still capable of acting as it should and protecting its users.
How Often Do You Need Abseil Point And Eye Bolt Inspections?
Testing should be carried out every 6 months in accordance with BS EN795 by a competent person – that’s someone with the proper training and experience to ensure your eyebolt installation is fully compliant with the relevant height safety regulations. Thankfully our compliance testing team are on hand to support you with your testing needs. Simply reach out today!
Do note that if you haven’t had abseil point or eye bolt testing within the last 6 months, all points should be covered with a ‘do not use’ warning to prevent anyone from fixing themselves to a non-compliant anchor.
- Eye bolts used for fall protection purposes should be tested every 12 months
- Eyebolts and abseil points used for rope access purposes should be tested every 6 months.
- Compliance with BS EN 795 & BS 7883 2019 is a legal requirement
What To Expect From Eye Bolt And Abseil Point Testing
When you contact Altus Safety for an abseil point or eye bolt inspection, we’ll carry out comprehensive checks in accordance with BS EN 795 and BS 7883 2019 on all your anchor points.
This includes a full review of the system technical file, thorough on-site audits to assess the quality of the anchor, and when necessary, load tests of the anchors to ensure it’s operating as it ought to and can protect your workers until the next compliance test is due. We can also carry out preventative maintenance across different types of eye bolts, helping your fall safety equipment last longer and stay in full working order without having to slow down work on your site.
Book A Consultation With Our Team Today
If you’re looking for abseil point and eye bolt testing to keep your systems compliant, we can help. At Altus Safety, we provide nationwide safety testing and maintenance for fall protection equipment including eye bolts and abseil points helping keep everyone safe when working at heights.
To learn more about our services or book an eye bolt inspection, get in touch with our team.