Understanding the new Personal Fall Protection Equipment Standard: BS 8681

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.

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 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.

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.

To read the overview in full click here

The BSIF (HSG) has produced a webinar on the subject of BS 8681 that brings together industry experts to discuss the requirements of providers within the industry. The webinar is available via the following link:- BS 8681:2024 Personal fall protection equipment – BSIF HSG Webinar – BSIF Height Safety Group.

To view the BSIF’s overview of BS 7883, designed to help the understanding of best practice for those designing, installing, maintaining and inspecting anchor devices and systems, visit: www.bsif-heightsafetygroup.org

For more information: https://www.bsif-heightsafetygroup.org/