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Rope Access Window Cleaning

Safety system testing & inspection

Roof anchor, eyebolt and safety system testing

Periodic inspection and testing of the anchors, eyebolts and fall protection systems that make work at height on your building possible, with a clear written report for your records.

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  • Roof anchors and abseil points
  • Eyebolts and fall protection anchors
  • Horizontal lifelines and rails
  • Written report with pass / fail per device

Why anchor systems need regular inspection

Roof anchors, abseil points and eyebolts are life-safety equipment. Anyone working on ropes or in a harness relies on them completely. They sit outside all year, exposed to weather, roofing work and occasional damage, so their condition can change between visits. Regular inspection by a competent person confirms they are still fit for use, and gives the building a record to show contractors.

Without a current inspection record, no rope access contractor should use the anchors. That can hold up window cleaning, facade work and maintenance until the system is checked.

Systems we inspect

  • Single-point roof anchors and abseil points: the anchors rope access technicians attach to.
  • Eyebolts: wall- or frame-mounted anchors, often found beside windows in older buildings.
  • Horizontal lifelines and rail systems: continuous systems that allow movement along a roof edge.
  • Associated components: fixings, end and intermediate brackets, and signage.

Relevant standards

Anchor devices for personal fall protection are covered by BS EN 795. The design, installation, use, maintenance and inspection of anchor systems in the UK is covered by the code of practice BS 7883:2019. The 2019 edition also sets out the roles of duty holders, system designers and the competent people who inspect systems. Our guide to anchor testing requirements explains this in plain English.

What the report includes

Each device is identified and its location recorded, with a pass or fail result and notes on its condition. Any device that fails is clearly marked as not to be used, and the report says what's needed to bring it back into service. Keep the report with your building records and share it with any contractor working at height on the building.

Pricing

What affects the cost

Testing is usually priced by the number and type of devices on the roof, plus access. These are the main factors.
Number of devices
The total count of anchors, eyebolts and system components that need inspecting.
Type of system
Single-point anchors, eyebolts and horizontal lifelines each need different checks and equipment.
Records available
Up-to-date drawings and previous reports make inspection faster. Unknown systems need surveying first.
Access to devices
Anchors on accessible roofs are quicker to test than eyebolts inside occupied flats or offices.
Combined visits
Testing on the same visit as cleaning or inspection avoids paying for access twice.
Remedial work
Repairs or replacements found during inspection are quoted separately, so you can decide.

How quotes are structured, and how to compare them like for like: our guide to what affects the cost.

How it works

From enquiry to completed work

  1. 01

    Send your records

    Share any previous test certificates, drawings or O&M manual sections for the system.

  2. 02

    Survey & quote

    We confirm what's installed and how many devices need testing, then quote in writing.

  3. 03

    Inspect & test

    Each device is visually inspected and, where appropriate, tested to the relevant standard.

  4. 04

    Report

    You receive a report listing each device, its result and any recommended actions.

What to ask any rope access contractor

Whoever you appoint, these documents should be available before anyone goes over the edge of your roof. Ask us for ours with your quote.

  • Rope access technician certificates (for example IRATA or SPRAT) for the people on your job, in date
  • A site-specific risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) before work starts
  • A rescue plan, and a named supervisor on site
  • Evidence that the anchors being used have a current inspection record
  • Public and employers' liability insurance certificates
  • Clear scope: which elevations, which glass and frames, and what is excluded

FAQs

Common questions

How often do roof anchors and eyebolts need inspecting?

BS 7883:2019 recommends periodic inspection of anchor systems by a competent person. In practice, anchors used for rope access and abseiling are commonly inspected every six months, and some fall protection anchors every 12 months. The right interval depends on the system, how it's used and the manufacturer's instructions, so check your installation records or ask us to review them.

Who is responsible for having anchors tested?

The duty holder, usually the building owner, freeholder, managing agent or facilities manager, is responsible for making sure anchor systems are inspected and maintained by competent people, and that records are kept.

What happens if an anchor fails inspection?

A failed anchor is taken out of use: it's clearly marked as not to be used and recorded in the report, with the reason and a recommended next step, such as repair, replacement or further investigation. Nobody should use it until it has been put right and re-inspected.

We don't know where our anchors are or when they were last tested. Can you help?

Yes. This is common, especially after a change of managing agent. We'll survey the roof, record what is installed and where, and tell you what can be inspected and what needs further investigation.

Can testing be done on the same visit as window cleaning?

Often, yes. Combining the two saves a separate visit. Anchors must have a valid inspection before they are used for cleaning, so testing comes first.

More on safety, pricing and booking in our rope access FAQs.

Related

Other services

Are your anchors due for inspection?

Send us your last report, or tell us you don't have one. We'll quote for the inspection.

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