BS 8610:2017 is a British Standard that provides clear guidance on the design, installation and use of anchor fall protection systems. Introduced by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in 2017, it sets the benchmark for the highest safety levels a system must meet.
The 2024/2025 Health and Safety Executive report identified that falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities, with 35 deaths. Falls from even slight elevations can pose serious injury risks. The BS 8610:2017 standard plays a crucial role in helping employers, contractors, and safety managers implement appropriate systems and procedures to ensure secure and consistent protection.
Sustainable Framework
BS 8610:2017 offers a framework for organisations to follow, enabling them to incorporate a fall protection system suitable for the task and personnel. Before this standard, inconsistent regulations led to numerous serious workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities. BS 8610:2017 addresses these discrepancies and emphasises the importance of safety standards.
Fall protection systems are essential in industries such as construction, maintenance, roofing, and manufacturing, where work at height is prevalent. In the event of a fall, an effective protection system will arrest or prevent the user from falling.
The BS 8610:2017 standard outlines the requirements and testing procedures for restraint, fall arrest, rope access, work positioning, rescue, and evacuation systems designed for use by one or more users simultaneously. It reflects the latest best practices, requiring compliance with specific criteria and testing for design, functionality, and performance.
Rigorous Testing
Equipment must undergo rigorous testing to achieve BS 8610:2017 certification. The tests evaluate the structural quality, load capacity, performance, and fall arrest capabilities of the system.
These tests are static, deformation, dynamic, and corrosion resistance.
Static testing holds the specified force required by each test for three minutes, ensuring the system is strong enough to support the minimum and maximum weights.
Deformation testing measures how well the system maintains structural integrity while supporting the loads under typical use. For three minutes, the system must hold its form.
Dynamic testing simulates a fall. The drop test ensures the system can handle the force and impact of a fall while preserving its structural integrity to prevent injury.
Corrosion resistance testing exposes the system to a neutral salt spray, simulating harsh environmental conditions and evaluating durability and performance.
Once the equipment passes all tests, the certification is granted.
Additional Assessments
BS 8610:2017 establishes strict standards that safety systems must meet, enabling users to work efficiently and securely. It is also vital to conduct a thorough site assessment of the area, tasks, and potential hazards.
An additional evaluation helps develop strategies to mitigate or eliminate risks of injury or death associated with working at height. Paired with the standard, this ensures you make an informed investment. Considering your work environment, tasks, and personnel, ensure that the system is compatible with your operations and facilities.
Met-Track® Fall Protection Range
Metreel offers a range of fall protection systems compliant with BS 8610:2017, including the Met-Track® rigid rail fall arrest, the Met-Track® rigid rail fall restraint, and the Met-Track® rigid rail abseil systems.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – invest in a fall protection system that complies with BS 8610:2017 and safeguard lives.
Our expert team is ready to assist you in exploring height safety solutions.
Contact us on 0115 932 7010 or fill out our online enquiry form here.