Fall protection equipment plays a crucial role in safeguarding workers from the risks associated with working at height, which remains one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries in the UK. The use of proper fall protection systems, combined with rigorous training and adherence to safety standards, is essential in mitigating these dangers. The introduction of the new British Standard, BS 8681, marks a significant step forward in this area. Officially titled “BS 8681 - Personal fall protection equipment – Anchor systems – Specification for provider competence”, this Standard sets out clear guidelines for the industry, emphasising competence and safety across all aspects of fall protection systems. By focusing on the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience required at every stage of fall 30 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk August/September 2025 Handling & Safety Matters Focus on: Health & Safety The BSIF Height Safety Special Interest Group (BSIF HSG) offers an overview of the new Personal Fall Protection Equipment Standard, BS 8681, and outlines its implications for the industry and those it impacts. Understanding the new personal Fall Protection Equipment Standard: BS 8681 protection—from design to installation, inspection, and training – BS 8681 aims to enhance safety and reduce the high number of accidents and fatalities associated with working at height. A complement to BS 7883 BS 8681 has been designed to work in tandem with the existing BS 7883 standard, which focuses on the technical aspects of designing, installing, and inspecting personal fall protection anchor systems. While BS 7883 addresses the hardware and structural integrity of these systems, BS 8681 broadens the focus to include the competence of all professionals involved. This new Standard emphasises that every person in the “safety chain”—from system designers to installers, inspectors, and trainers— must have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to ensure that fall protection systems are safe and effective. Competence and responsibility One of the key objectives of BS 8681 is to raise the competence levels across the industry. The Standard aims to ensure that those involved in the design, installation, and inspection of fall protection systems are thoroughly qualified. For instance, System Designers, whose role was first introduced in BS 7883, must ensure that the systems they design are not only compliant with safety standards but also fit for purpose throughout their operational life. This includes considering factors such as safe construction, use, rescue, and inspection. BSIF HSG member Elizabeth Rickard of Spring Structural Ltd comments: “BS 8681 is a promising step forward in addressing industry challenges, particularly in the realm of personal fall protection systems. Generally, it takes two years to train a System Designer to simply provide the pertinent information. “Given my experience in training system designers over that two-year period, BS 8681 could significantly streamline onboarding by offering a clearer framework for competence. It also has the potential to improve collaboration with other stakeholders by establishing shared expectations. Furthermore, by ensuring that upstream information is more reliable and standardised, it can help reduce both rework and risk throughout the design and implementation process.” BSIF HSG member Harvey Dun of Time Consulting adds: “BS 8681 is a good start to assist in setting the benchmark of competency for people involved in the fall protection industry. Dun explains: “The Standard provides the purchasers of products and services, often referred to as the duty holder, with guidance check lists to confirm the provider they engage is suitably competent. These checklists may be adopted by Safety Schemes in procurement (SSIP) when assessing those providers operating in the fall protection industry.” Manufacturing and testing Manufacturers also play a crucial role under BS 8681. The Standard provides clear guidelines on the necessary steps to ensure that anchor devices and other components meet stringent safety requirements. This involves rigorous testing, certification, and documentation to guarantee that these products can withstand the demands of real-world use in high-risk environments. Training and qualifications Training and competency are central themes in BS 8681. The Standard supports the
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