Case Study:Eyebolt Testing to Maintain Safety In Hammersmith

This luxury property in Hammersmith, spanning 28 blocks and featuring a mix of residential and commercial spaces, depends on a robust Mansafe system for regular facade maintenance.

Maintaining safety at height is a legal responsibility for anyone managing a property with a working at height safety system installed. 

Through meticulous eyebolt testing, Spectrum Specialist Support has been a trusted partner at this property for over a decade, ensuring the safety system remains compliant with EN795 safety standards. This case study demonstrates how our comprehensive approach safeguards lives and upholds the property’s reputation.

The Site

Located in Hammersmith, this residential development has 28 blocks of varying heights and sizes. These blocks range from 5 to 12 storeys and combine luxury residential and commercial spaces. We have been attending this property for over 10 years, often utilising our rope access skills to access all areas of the property. The site has approximately 670 eyebolts and anchor points, which are vital for our team to access the building safely for maintenance. Some areas of the roofline are curved, which can make typical access difficult, so our team's experience with rope access and working at height is especially helpful.

Our long-standing relationship with the property management team here has cemented Spectrum as their trusted provider for building maintenance services. We regularly work alongside the Development Manager, Facilities Manager, and Assistant Facilities Manager to meet the site’s maintenance needs. This partnership includes window cleaning, facade repairs, leak detection, and, most recently, eyebolt testing. We attend this site every 6 months to assess the system's condition. Our team’s familiarity with the site allows us to deliver efficient and high-standard services every time.

The Problem

Eyebolts are crucial components of a building's Mansafe system, providing secure anchor points for abseiling and other high-level maintenance activities. These fixtures are designed to ensure the safety of personnel working at height while enabling efficient access to difficult areas. To remain compliant with BS EN 795: 2012, eyebolts must meet stringent safety criteria, including the ability to withstand specific tensile and torque loads and demonstrate resistance to corrosion and deformation. This standard ensures that all anchor devices used in personal fall protection systems meet European Directive 89/686/EEC for safety and reliability. Regular testing, as mandated by these regulations, is essential to identify wear, corrosion, or other issues that could compromise safety and compliance.

For this property, Spectrum conducted a comprehensive inspection of 670 eyebolts, performing detailed static and dynamic strength tests to confirm they adhered to the latest safety standards. This rigorous process guaranteed that the site remains safe for personnel and fully compliant with regulatory requirements.

Our Solution

Spectrum’s solution involved a meticulous inspection process for every eyebolt on-site, ensuring compliance with BS EN 795: 2012, the standard governing anchor devices used in personal fall protection systems. This standard specifies stringent requirements for static and dynamic strength, corrosion resistance, and proper installation to ensure the safety of personnel working at height.

Using the Hydrajaw device, our operatives conducted torque and tensile tests to confirm that the eyebolts met these criteria. Specifically, the eyebolts were assessed to withstand a tensile load of 6 kN, reflecting the minimum force required to simulate fall arrest conditions, and were securely fixed at a torque of 35 Nm to guarantee stability. Additionally, visual inspections were carried out to detect corrosion, cracks, or other deformities that could compromise safety. As these are used for abseiling, the eyebolts that passed were tagged with certification valid for 6 months, while those that failed were marked “DO NOT USE” in accordance with the standard’s guidance for identifying non-compliant anchor devices.

Our Process:

• Initial Inspection: Each eyebolt was removed and inspected for physical faults such as corrosion, cracks, and damage to surrounding structures. These steps adhered to BS EN 795’s emphasis on ongoing monitoring and maintenance to prevent failures.

• Reinstallation: Eyebolts were refixed to the structure at the required torque of 35 Nm, ensuring precise installation as per the standard’s guidelines.

• Load Testing: The Hydrajaw device applied a tensile load of 6 kN for 30 seconds to verify the structural integrity of the eyebolt. BS EN 795 mandates that anchor devices must withstand loads significantly exceeding expected usage scenarios to ensure a safety margin.

• Corrosion and Material Testing: The visual inspections included checks for material degradation, as BS EN 795 highlights the importance of corrosion resistance in maintaining long-term safety.

• Certification: Eyebolts that passed were tagged with the testing date and expiry, ensuring clear compliance with the standard’s requirement for traceable labelling of tested equipment. Non-compliant eyebolts were clearly marked and flagged for immediate replacement.

• Documentation: A detailed report was provided to the client, outlining results for all 670 eyebolts. The report included images, individual results, and recommendations for the 10 eyebolts that failed testing, ensuring complete transparency and compliance documentation.

Given the scale and layout of the development, eyebolts were located at various heights and levels, including penthouse roofs and residents’ balconies. BS EN 795 stipulates that anchor devices must be capable of safe and efficient use in such complex environments. Accessing these areas required a combination of abseiling techniques and pre-arranged access to balconies where necessary. Spectrum’s extensive familiarity with the site ensured seamless navigation of these complexities, minimising disruption to residents and optimising efficiency.

Results

By completing a comprehensive inspection of 670 eyebolts, Spectrum has ensured this property remains safe, compliant, and equipped for all high-level maintenance needs. The 10 eyebolts that failed were immediately flagged for replacement, ensuring the site remains compliant and safe for all maintenance activities. Each eyebolt’s certification will remain valid for 6 months, with testing scheduled biannually to maintain compliance. Spectrum’s team will return in July 2025 for the next round of inspections.

Spectrum’s thorough approach to eyebolt testing at the property highlights our commitment to safety, compliance, and efficiency. By combining our expertise, innovative tools, and a strong relationship with the client, we continue to ensure the property’s Mansafe system operates at the highest standards. Spectrum has maintained a strong partnership with this property for over 10 years, providing a range of essential building maintenance services, like window cleaning, facade repairs, and leak detection. 

With proactive maintenance and seamless execution, the property’s residents and facilities remain secure, reflecting the success of our ongoing partnership.