If you manage a building or oversee site safety, the anchor points and fall protection systems on your roof are your responsibility. Since the major revision of BS 7883 in 2019, the standards for compliance have shifted significantly.
If your systems have not been reviewed against the 2019 standards, you may be providing equipment that is technically non-compliant, increasing your liability and risking the safety of anyone working at height. Health and safety guidelines categorise anchor systems into five types.
The 5 Types of Anchor Systems
- Type A – Permanently fixed anchors (e.g., eyebolts)
- Type B – Removable/transportable anchors
- Type C – Flexible line systems (wire rope, webbing, fibre rope)
- Type D – Rigid rail systems
- Type E – Deadweight anchors relying on mass and friction
Key Responsibilities for Building & Site Managers
BS 7883:2019 introduces clearer inspection categories and more structured testing.
Pre‑use, periodic, interim and supplementary inspections are now required.
Inspection outcomes must fall into one of four defined categories: pass, fail, conditional pass, and conditional fail.
1. Introduction of the “System Designer” role
A named individual must take responsibility for the full system design, including:
- System specification and layout
- Structural load calculations
- Fixing details and hidden elements
- Certification and handover documentation
If an installer chooses the equipment and its location, they become the system designer and must meet these obligations. Ensure the role is clearly assigned.
2. Mandatory System Technical File
A complete technical file must be produced and handed to the duty holder. It should include:
- Design records and calculations
- Layout drawings
- Structural fixing details
- Inspection and testing requirements
- Installation photographs
- O&M manual
This file must be retained for the entire life of the system. If you don’t have it, you may fail the inspection.
Why This Matters
Regular inspection and recertification by a competent, independent party is a legal requirement.
If your systems haven’t been reviewed since the 2019 update, you may be exposed to compliance failures and liability risks in the event of an incident. If your site receives anything other than a Pass, you have a legal and safety obligation to address the specific shortcomings identified in the inspection report.
How GB Group Helps You Manage Risk
GB Specialist Access Solutions takes the guesswork out of site management. We don’t just test equipment; we ensure your building meets the full scope of BS 7883:2019.
- Audit-Ready Documentation: We help compile or recreate your System Technical Files.
- Independent Inspection: Expert, unbiased testing of all five anchor types.
- Remedial Strategy: If a system is non-compliant, we provide a clear roadmap to bring it up to standard without disrupting your operations.
Ensure your site is safe and your liability is covered. Many insurers will not cover equipment that doesn’t meet British Safety Standards, so contact our London or Birmingham offices today for a compliance review.
Our approach ensures:
- Clear system design responsibility
- Audit‑ready documentation