BS 7883 is a long-standing guide to the rules around the design, installation, and upkeep of anchor devices and systems. First published in 1997, it was updated in 2005 and more recently in 2019 (the edit we’ll be focusing on), bringing changes to how businesses maintain safety at heights. 

If you’re not clued up on the rules outlined in BS 7882:2019, we’ve put together a simple guide ensuring your fall protection solutions follow British standards. 

A Quick Look at BS 7883:2019

BS 7883 provides guidance for those working at heights on the best practices around anchor devices. The rules outlined only apply to anchors that are used as direct attachments to personal fall protection devices in the workplace. 

The latest revisions take into account new technology in the fall protection industry. The guidelines also look at inspecting and maintaining anchorage devices, which is crucial for long-term safety.

It’s also good to note that BS 7883 is complementary to PD CEN/TS 16415, BS 8610, and BS EN 795.

What’s Included in the BS 7883:2019 Revisions

Some of the new details you’ll find outlined in  BS 7883:2019 include:

• An introduction to the System Designer job role

• Details of documentation contents including System Design Specification, System Technical File, Examination Scheme for Inspection & Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manual

• Installation guidelines for rope access

• Example of calculations for designs, proof test loads, and imposed loadings on the structure 

• Advice on reverse engineering design checks of hidden elements of existing anchor systems

• Inspection of anchor devices and anchor systems to previous versions of BS 7883

To get to grips with these changes, we’ve taken a look at the new content in closer detail.

New Categories

When BS 7883 was first published, the only anchor devices currently in widespread use were eyebolts. Over the years this has drastically changed and alterations to the guidelines were necessary to cover all devices now in use. To meet this, BS 7883:2019 splits devices and systems into categories which we’ve outlined below.

• Type A - A system that’s permanently fixed and includes one or more structural anchors (like an eyebolt)

• Type B - An anchor that’s removable (not fixed permanently to the structure)

• Type C - A permanently fixed anchor that’s attached to a flexible anchor component, like a rope or webbing

• Type D - A permanently fixed anchor that incorporates either a rigid rail anchor line or a tube

• Type E - An anchor system which uses the mass and friction between the device and the load-bearing surface to work

All of these categories are included in the BS 7883:2019 amendments and should be monitored and maintained according to the standards outlined.

Introduction to the System Designer

In BS 7883:2019, we see an introduction to the system designer. The system designer should be in charge of personal fall protection (including gaining certification and sorting out handover documents). If you’re choosing the personal fall protection systems used, you’re the system designer.

The system designer will work closely with the duty holder and anybody else involved, including the end user, and should consider factors such as the tasks that will be carried out using the anchorage system, how frequently these tasks will need to be done and the ongoing requirement for inspection, testing, repair and maintenance. Even the competency of the end user should be considered. 

The revisions also incorporate technical design considerations, including material choice and limitations, structural load calculation as well as the fall protection application. 

System Installation

When installing an anchor system, it’s important to refer to BS 7883:2019 to ensure safety. Some key pieces of advice in the publication include following manufacturer instructions and potentially even having the manufacturer (or a verified installer) set up the system, particularly for type A, C, and D anchors.  

The guidelines also push the fact that detailed documentation around fall protection is a must. They introduce the requirement of keeping comprehensive records when working at height and having information about anchor system specifications, technical files, and operations and maintenance (O&M) manuals. 

Inspection

The 2019 amendments detail more requirements around inspections than previous guidelines, including the need to inspect systems:

• Before use

• Periodically throughout use

• Between uses

It’s important to note that if any information or elements aren’t detailed in the technical files for the anchor system, the inspector needs to conduct reverse engineering checks to ensure the anchor is safe for use. 

In the 1997 and 2005 versions, pass or fail criteria after inspections were able to be interpreted once given. Now, though, there are clear standards that will make it easier to finalise what to do when a system is unsafe. The 4 results are outlined below:

• Pass - Satisfies all relevant recommendations. This allows the equipment to remain in use and be labelled as remaining in service.

• Conditional Pass - The anchorage system satisfies the recommendations of BS 7883:2019, a previous standard or code of practice and does not present any immediate safety concern so it should be labelled as remaining in service. However, an inspection report should be presented to the duty holder with recommendations on remedial work required to improve the anchor device within an appropriate completion timescale.

• Conditional Fail -This represents an immediate safety concern and requires the anchor system and/or PFPE to be taken out of service and labelled accordingly or decommissioned to prevent use. In these cases, the safety concern can be rectified so the duty holder should be presented with a detailed inspection report including remedial works that must be carried out before the anchor system is re-inspected and returned to service. This result also applies to systems that may have satisfied a previous standard or code of practice but do not conform to all current recommendations.

• Fail - As the result suggests, this represents an immediate safety concern that the anchor system or device can not be repaired or improved so it should be taken out of service and labelled with “Do Not Use” to avoid any uncertainty.  Where possible, the system should be decommissioned to prevent potential use. Permission to physically remove an anchor system or device should be sought from the duty holder.

The System Technical File

The system designer should always create a technical file which will be given to the duty holder. This document details records of the system layout and design, calculations, details for structural fixings, and test requirements. Anyone carrying out inspections or works on the system will need to see the technical file.

It’s also crucial that any hidden elements are detailed in the file along with installation photographs, particularly for future inspections. 

Stay in the Loop

As technology advances, so too do British safety standards. To learn more about BS 7883:2019 or ensure your environment is compliant, get in touch with Altus. When it comes to fall protection systems for those working at heights, we’re the UK’s leading specialists.