BS 8610:2017

What is BS 8610- Specifications for anchor systems for personal fall protection about?

BS 8610 discusses personal fall protection equipment. BS 8610 is a standard that provides specifications for anchor systems for personal fall protection of the wearer against falls.

BS 8610 provides requirements and test methods for type testing anchor systems that are installed and tested in the base materials specified by the manufacturer for restraint systems, fall arrest systems, rope access systems, work positioning systems, rescue systems, and evacuation systems.

BS 8610 covers anchor systems intended for one or more users simultaneously and specifies the maximum number of users for each type of anchor system.

Note1: BS 8610 does not apply to:

• Equipment conforming to BS EN 516 or BS EN 517
• Type A load-limiting anchor systems for rope access and work positioning, rescue – accompanied descent, rescue – remotely operated – redirect attachment and evacuation
• Type C non-load-limiting and load-limiting anchor systems for rope access and work positioning, rescue – accompanied descent, rescue – remotely operated – redirect attachment and evacuation
• Type B and type E as they are not installed in a base material
• Bespoke structurally designed anchors incorporated into structures

Note2: Where the manufacturer intends to rate their anchor systems for more than the specified maximum number of users, it is recommended that they liaise with an appropriate test house, considering the principles of BS 8610, and develop a test specification accordingly.

Note3: The performance requirements in BS 8610 are intended as minimum requirements for anchor devices, structural anchors, and their base material(s). The performance requirements do not constitute structural verification of the structures for the imposed loads.

Note4: Anchor systems conforming to BS 8610 for rope access should meet the requirements of the rope access industry for anchor systems, as detailed in BS 7985 and the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA), International code of practice for industrial rope access (ICOP).

Who is BS 8610- Specifications for anchor systems for personal fall protection for?

BS 8610 on personal fall protection equipment is useful for:

• Anchor systems manufacturers
• System installers
• Examining bodies e.g., Notified bodies who test systems to certify fitness for purpose against the standard
• Other interested parties, e.g., architects and structural engineers, including those responsible for the design of safe access and egress on structures

Why should you use BS 8610- Specifications for anchor systems for personal fall protection?

Anchor systems are used to stop a person from hitting the ground if there is a fall from a height.

BS 8610 provides you with specifications, requirements, and test methods for manufacturing efficient and durable anchor systems to protect the wearer in case of a fall.

The test methods under BS 8610 assist in evaluating the performance of anchor systems to prevent accidents.

By adopting the specifications, requirements provided by BS 8610 the user can enhance the performance of personal fall protection equipment and ensure that the end-user is protected at the highest possible level during fall.