Frequently Asked Questions

• Fall Protection Systems (Anchors, Lifelines, Rails) - At least once every 12 months 
• Rope Access Systems (Abseil davit or fixed systems) - Every 6 months 
• Fixed Access Ladders - Every 12 months 
• Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE) (Harnesses, Lanyards, Helmets) - Every 12 months but pre use checks should always be undertaken

Note: Heavily-used, critical, or high-risk systems may require more frequent inspection schedules. We can advise based on your specific site and system setup.

This is the single most important document. It must be created by a competent System Designer and held by the Duty Holder for the entire life of the system. Inspectors cannot fully certify the system without it.

The STF should include:

• System Design Specification
• Layout drawings and as-built plans (showing wire routes, anchor points, intermediate supports, end anchors, etc.)
• Design calculations (structural loads, wire sag, fall clearance, multi-user capacity)
• Structural fixing/attachment details and calculations
• Information on hidden elements (fixings, substrates, etc.) — preferably with installation photographs
• Material and component specifications (wire rope grade, terminations, tensioners, energy absorbers, etc.)
• Manufacturer technical data and declarations of conformity (BS EN 795:2012 Type C where applicable)
• Installation method statements and records
• Any load test or commissioning certificates

• Evidence that the system was installed by a competent person/company
• Installation records (including torque settings, tensioning records for wire systems, etc.)
• Handover/commissioning documentation
• Post-installation inspection or test certificates

You must have a documented Examination Scheme (included in the STF) and keep records of all inspections:

• Initial/commissioning inspection report
• Periodic detailed inspection reports (frequency defined in your Examination Scheme — typically every 6 or 12 months)
• Pre-use checks (user-level visual and functional checks — should be documented where required by risk assessment)
• Any interim or supplementary inspections (e.g. after damage, extreme weather, or heavy use)
• Clear pass/conditional pass/fail outcomes with reasons and required remedial actions (as per BS 7883:2019 categories)

• All maintenance, repairs, component replacements, or adjustments (especially wire tensioning on lifeline systems)
• Records of who carried out the work, when, and what was done
• Any structural repairs or modifications to the supporting structure

• Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Manual specific to your wire system
• Safe system of work / user instructions for using the wire system
• Rescue plan (a legal requirement under the Work at Height Regulations 2005)
• Risk assessment specific to the use of the fall protection system

• Evidence of competence of designers, installers, and inspectors (in line with BS 7883:2019 role requirements)
• Training records for users of the system (where applicable)
• Any structural engineer approvals or building owner sign-offs

A Mansafe system is an MSA Latchways product that was bought to the UK market over 25 years ago (SAS were at the launch) and it became a common phrase used within the industry for a safety wire system. Since then, other phrases in the industry have emerged and systems are now more often referred to as;

• Cable Lifeline Systems
• Permanent Lifelines
• Roof Safety Wires
• Horizontal Anchor Lines
• Safety Cable Systems

We deliver projects across the South East, Midlands, and South West of the UK.

We also offer free site surveys and quotations within the M25 area.

Inspectors should follow the framework set out in BS 7883:2019 (Personal fall protection equipment. Anchor systems. System design, installation and inspection). This is the key British Standard that supports the legal requirements under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and PUWER 1998. For wire systems (horizontal lifelines), BS EN 795:2012 Type C is also relevant.

What are the risks if an inspector does not follow recognised standards?

Choosing not to follow the structured approach in BS 7883:2019 and related standards can create serious risks, including:

• Legal and regulatory risks — Potential HSE enforcement action, including improvement notices, prohibition notices, or prosecution.
• Civil liability — Increased risk of negligence claims if a system fails and causes injury.
• Safety risks — Greater chance of missing defects, particularly on wire systems where fixings and components may be hidden.
• Insurance implications — Professional indemnity insurance may not cover work carried out outside recognised standards.
• Reputational damage — Loss of credibility with duty holders, other professionals, and clients.

Why is it important for inspectors to use the System Technical File?

Under BS 7883:2019, every anchor system should have a System Technical File. This document contains essential information such as design calculations, layout drawings, fixing details, and the required inspection regime. Without referring to this file, inspectors cannot properly assess the system or identify potential issues.

What could happen if proper inspection procedures are not followed?Failing to follow recognised standards increases the likelihood of:

• Unsafe systems being certified as compliant
• Hidden defects going undetected
• Incorrect tensioning or clearance assessments on wire systems
• In the event of an incident, both the inspector and the duty holder facing significant legal and financial consequences

How does following the correct standards protect duty holders?

Using the framework in BS 7883:2019 provides documented evidence that inspections have been carried out competently and in line with industry best practice. This helps duty holders demonstrate compliance with their legal responsibilities under health and safety law.

Do older systems installed before 2019 still need to meet these standards?

Yes. BS 7883:2019 applies to both new and existing systems. For older installations that lack a complete System Technical File, a structured Installation Review process can be carried out to bring the documentation up to the required standard.

Skylights can appear solid but are often made of fragile materials like plastic or glass that cannot support the weight of a person. They’re a significant fall risk and must be treated as open edges unless properly protected. 

Yes. Skylights must be protected with:

• Guardrails around the perimeter, or 
• Fixed covers or cages that can withstand impact
  This ensures compliance with Work at Height Regulations and prevents accidental falls.

A skylight protection system is a permanent or temporary safety solution such as:

• Fixed galvanized or aluminium mesh covers
• Freestanding or fixed guardrails
• Fall restraint systems to keep workers away from the hazard

Only if collective protection is in place, such as guardrails or load-rated covers. Otherwise, personal fall protection (e.g., harness and lanyard system) must be used. 

Compliance depends on whether:

• The cover or barrier can support a person's weight (typically 1200N or more)
• The system is tested and installed to BS EN standards
• Inspections and risk assessments have been completed by a competent person

 MSA’s Wire Rope Systems include swaged terminations such as the MSA Swage Terminal Fittings, designed for fall protection lifeline assemblies. These fittings meet ANSI Z359 and OSHA requirements for strength and durability. The swaging process compresses stainless steel sleeves to provide secure end terminations with a minimum breaking strength often exceeding 5,000 lbs depending on rope size. 

Typically made from stainless steel or galvanized steel, MSA swage terminals come in sizes compatible with 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" wire ropes. They are rated for working loads of up to 1,800 lbs and minimum breaking strengths of 5,400 lbs or higher.

The MSA Wire Rope Directional Block is designed to protect wire ropes from wear at corners by providing smooth, low-friction redirecting points. These blocks are made from heavy-duty galvanized steel or aluminum with precision bearings to ensure minimal friction and longer wire rope life. 

Most MSA directional blocks are rated for loads up to 5,000 lbs and are designed to work with wire ropes from 1/4" to 3/8" in diameter. 

Under typical conditions, MSA shock absorbers have a service life of 3-5 years, but this depends on usage frequency, environmental exposure, and inspection results.

MSA turnbuckles often feature lock nuts, cotter pins, or wire-locking options to ensure they stay securely tightened even under vibration or cyclic loads. 

MSA force posts are engineered to limit deflection to less than 1/4 inch under maximum rated loads, ensuring system stability and safety. 

Turnbuckles should be tensioned evenly, following torque guidelines supplied by Sayfa, and locked using cotter pins or locking nuts to prevent loosening under dynamic loads.

Sayfa provides modular anchors and adjustable bases designed for retrofit installations, and their technical team can help assess the structure for safe, minimally invasive mounting. 

Typically, anchors and posts must be tested to withstand a static load of at least 12 kN (kilonewtons) per user, in line with EN 795 standards. For multi-user systems, the load capacity should be multiplied accordingly or a higher factor of safety applied.

Consider load capacity, environment (corrosive, outdoor), flexibility, and compatibility with connectors. Sayfa can advise on 7x19 vs. 6x36 constructions and appropriate swage or mechanical fittings. 

DBI-SALA systems are designed to limit maximum arrest forces to under 6 kN (approx. 1,350 lbs) in compliance with EN and ANSI standards. 

Leading edge (LE) SRLs are specifically designed to withstand sharp edge fall scenarios and include reinforced lifeline materials and energy absorbers tested for horizontal use. 

3M™ DBI-SALA® is known for premium fall protection equipment, including harnesses, self-retracting lifelines (SRLs), anchors, rescue systems, and engineered fall arrest systems, designed for high-risk work at height environments. 

SRLs reduce fall distance and arrest force significantly. They lock up quickly in the event of a fall, minimizing impact and risk of injury, and reset automatically 

Options include Rollgliss™ rescue kits, controlled descent devices (CDDs), and tripod-based retrieval systems. These are used for rescue after fall arrest or confined space entry.