FAQ: What If My System Fails Testing?

Height safety (Mansafe) system testing is intended to identify potential hazards within a system and ultimately prevent any harm coming to users, the general public, or your building as a result of a non-compliant system. As such, when a system is found to be unsafe or deemed not to meet the standards, this is not a disaster but a crucial discovery. The test has done its job by finding a critical safety issue before a worker's life ever depended on the system.

A failed test isn't the end of the line; it's the start of the solution to restore safety and compliance. Here is a clear breakdown of what you can expect and the pathway to compliance.

Common Reasons Systems Fail

A height safety system can fail for several reasons, and it's not always due to a catastrophic fault. Often, it's a combination of small issues that compromise the system's overall integrity. Common reasons include:

• Wear and Tear: Over time, components can suffer from rust, corrosion, or fatigue due to normal use and exposure to the elements.

• Environmental Damage: Damage from weather events, pests, or even unauthorised use can compromise a system's safety.

• Outdated Standards: A system that was installed many years ago might have been compliant at the time, but it may no longer meet the requirements of a new standard, such as BS 7883:2019.

• Improper Maintenance: A lack of regular maintenance or a poor-quality previous inspection can lead to undiscovered issues.

The Immediate Next Steps

When a KaydeeSayfa Compliance Engineer finds an unsafe or non-compliant system, our protocol is clear and transparent:

1. Immediate Notification: Our engineer will inform your on-site team or designated contact person of the system's status right away.

2. Clear Condemnation: The system will be clearly tagged and marked as "condemned" or "unsafe for use." This is crucial to prevent anyone from using it until it's fixed.

3. Detailed Report: Following the site visit, you will receive a comprehensive report outlining all the findings. This report will detail the specific reasons for the failure, supported by photographic evidence and technical analysis.

   
   

This detailed documentation gives you all the information you need to make an informed decision on how to proceed.

Developing a Plan of Action

A failed test is not the end of the line—it's the start of a critical fix. As your supportive partner, we will work with you to develop a clear, prioritised plan to restore safety and compliance.

The recommended course of action will depend on the nature of the failure:

• Simple Repairs: For minor, isolated issues, the system may simply require a targeted repair to bring it back to a compliant state.

  • KaydeeSayfa Solution: Our experienced engineers are equipped with the technical knowledge and practical skills to easily identify and perform simple repairs on systems with partial defects, such as missing components.
    

• Partial Replacement: If a section of the system is compromised (e.g., a specific anchor point or a portion of a lifeline), a partial replacement may be the most efficient solution.

  • KaydeeSayfa Solution: As a manufacturer of height safety and height access systems, we have access to an extensive network of suppliers and can perform partial replacements on almost all systems.

    
    

• Full System Replacement: If the system is too old, too damaged, or no longer meets current safety standards, a full replacement is often the safest and most cost-effective long-term solution.

  • KaydeeSayfa Solution: As experienced installers of height safety and height access systems, our team can offer a first-class service for our compliance customers, utilising our industry-leading design & installation teams to provide you with a fully compliant system and documentation.

Why You Need to Act Fast

Leaving a condemned system in place carries significant risks. A system that cannot be legally used exposes all Dutyholders to serious legal and financial penalties for non-compliance. This can also result in significant delays in carrying out crucial cleaning and maintenance activities due to a lack of safe access, which could become costly and generally detrimental to the workings of the building. Acting quickly to fix the issue demonstrates a clear commitment to safety and responsibility.

We Are Here to Help

A test failure can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. As experienced installers and testers of height safety & access systems, we are here to guide you through the next steps. We will provide a clear path forward, from the initial report to the final re-certification, ensuring your building is returned to a safe and compliant state.

Facing a test failure? Contact us today for no-obligation advice and support. We’re ready to help you turn a potential risk into a secure, safe solution.