thereby ensuring that systems remain safe throughout their operational life. A positive impact on the industry The introduction of BS 8681 is expected to have a profoundly positive impact on the fall protection industry. By setting higher standards for competence and safety, it aims to drive a cultural shift towards greater accountability and professionalism. Duty holders can now have greater confidence that they are working with competent professionals who can deliver safe, compliant, and effective fall protection systems. BSIF HSG member Ben Haughton of Ocean Technical Safety Services Ltd comments: “The fall protection industry is entering a new era; with the publication of BS 8681and the support of BSIF, professional competency standards within the industry are going to be raised and in turn, greatly improve worker safety.” Hynes adds: “There will be a period where these new expectations and requirements are a challenge to our sector, but in the long term, they are completely reasonable and readily achievable, and they should lead to a significant improvement in the quality of design, installation and record keeping we see for fall protection systems.” Dun concludes: “My message to the companies and people who procure installation, inspection and consultancy services is to use BS8681 as part of the tools available in their due diligence process of selecting competent contractors.” www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS June 2025 35 To view the BSIF’s overview of BS 7883, designed to help the understanding of best practice for those designing, installing, maintaining and inspecting anchor devices and systems, visit: www.bsif-heightsafetygroup.org The BSIF (HSG) has also produced a webinar that brings together industry experts to discuss the requirements of providers within the industry. The webinar is available via the following link: https://www.bsif-heightsafetygroup.org/bs-86812024personal-fall-protection-equipment-bsif-hsg-webinar For more information: https://www.bsif-heightsafetygroup.org/
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