What is eyebolt testing?
The guidelines for working safely with eyebolts require them to be installed and used correctly and tested periodically. According to Work at Heights Regulations of 2005 (www.legislation.gov.uk), safety anchor devices (eyebolts) that are used as safeguards against falls should be suitable for the job and have sufficient strength and stability to safely support the weight to which they are attached and arrest falls. Eyebolts used in other applications such as lifting equipment should comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 requirements (http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l113.pdf).
Why is Eyebolt testing important?
The aim of eyebolt testing requirements is to create a safe work environment for workers, contractors and the public, too. Periodic testing on eyebolts is extremely important as it ensures the integrity of the eyebolts is maintained for them to function properly.
Eyebolt testing procedure
Contractors and employers are obliged by law to ensure the eyebolts they install and use are tested for safety. The testing procedure basically involves a qualified, certified and competent person carrying out a manual step by step inspection of the eyebolts. For eyebolts that are already installed, each of them is removed and examined. The anchor devices are checked for approval for suitability on the structure on which they are installed. The tester also checks that the positioning requirements for the eyebolts are met. The device should be easily accessible in case of an emergency.
Before load testing is performed on the eyebolts, the area around the structure should be checked to ensure it is free of damage and cracks. Eyebolts installed for easy rope access applications should be check for correct anchor spacing between each other. Similarly, eyebolts that are set on solid constructions must be checked for defects, corrosion and correct thread engagement. Next, load testing is carried out on each eyebolt using specialised equipment. Load testing is directed at least 50mm from the eyebolt’s centre line. The testing device is held for at least 15 seconds, during which the eyebolt should not show signs of failure.
Reporting procedure after eyebolt testing
The eyebolts that fail the test are either removed completely or labelled with a ‘do not use’ tag. The rest are each tagged with an individual PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) identification that shows the device usage category such as fall arrest, rope access, work positioning, abseiling or fall restraint. It also shows the date for the next testing and any other required details. The tester then issues a certificate to show that satisfactory testing has been completed and that the eyebolts are suited to the application they are used on. According to the Work at Height Safety Association (WAHSA, http://www.wahsa.co.uk), eyebolt installations must be checked for compliance with the BS 7883:2005 requirements. For the existing eyebolts that fail the testing and safety requirements, the tester is required to record a detailed report showing the eyebolts that are suitable for use and those that should be removed and the recommendations.
The recommended intervals for eyebolt testing
Installed eyebolts should be tested periodically. Eyebolts that are used for rope access should undergo testing every six months and those used for fall arrest every 12 months. Normally, a client or owner of the premises is issued with documentation that contains manufacturer’s instructions that follow the BS 7883 recommendations for the specific application after eyebolts are installed. The client should provide this documentation and the person carrying out the testing should refer to the instructions when examining the eyebolts. If the documentation is unavailable, the tester should use the general BS7883:2005 guidelines. Work environments in which personal protection equipment is required are prone to accidents. Some of these are fatal and can cause serious injury or death. Testing eyebolts and other protective equipment must therefore never be overlooked.