Testing of fire escapes, guardrails and safety belts
Testing of fire escapes and roof guardrails
Almost every building or facility is equipped with fire escapes. Like roof guardrails, they must be in good order whatever the season, because their purpose is to allow people to evacuate and emergency services to gain access during a fire. This is why fire escapes and roof guardrails are tested for strength. It is important that the results of such tests confirm that the structures comply with the criteria established by law.
These tests are carried out under paragraph 381 of Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 14 dated 16 January 2009. Under the technical regulation on the key fire safety criteria, external fire escapes and roof guardrails of buildings must be kept in good order, with operational tests carried out at least every 5 years. A test report is drawn up during such tests. Rescue equipment must also undergo scheduled inspections in accordance with the technical documentation or the product data sheet (ST RK 2218-2012). An examination must also be carried out when a building is put into operation, and every 5 years thereafter.
The following structures must be inspected:
- beams, fixings and guardrails;
- ladders, their rungs and their fastenings to the building;
- platforms and flights.
Fire escapes and roof guardrails must be tested to keep the building safe. External ladders are tested regularly, as the regulations require. This type of work is entrusted to specially trained specialists who are certified and have the relevant experience.
Our organisation holds the approvals and permits required to carry out such work. Racking, ladders and other structures are tested in accordance with the international quality standard (quality management system) and the accreditation system of Kazakhstan for compliance with ST RK ISO/IEC 17025-2007, for which we hold the relevant permit.
The work itself is carried out promptly, and on completion you receive the necessary set of documents. It includes:
- the test report for the fire escapes and guardrails;
- expert recommendations on eliminating any defects found;
- documentation for the equipment used for the testing (copies) and the licence.
How often fire escapes and guardrails must be inspected
Under the current requirements, tests are carried out at least every 5 years. In addition, the quality and technical condition of the structures are inspected visually every year. The structures must remain serviceable whatever the weather or season, because they may be needed at any time, so external ladders and guardrails must be inspected promptly and systematically.
Safety belts
When work is carried out at height by members of various professions, including industrial climbers, installers and emergency service personnel, and also when personnel are evacuated from trenches, wells and similar confined spaces in an emergency, safety belts and fall arrest harnesses are a mandatory part of the equipment. Their use for the protection and health of workers is governed by health and safety rules, since they protect against and minimise the risks to life and health from injuries caused by falls from height.
The initial check and testing of safety belts and fall arrest harnesses is carried out by the manufacturer. The protective equipment is subjected to various static and dynamic loads, after which a tag showing the date of the check is attached to the product. Thereafter, at least once every 6 months, safety belts and fall arrest harnesses must be inspected by specialised organisations for compliance with the requirements of the regulatory documents. Under GOST, this inspection includes a visual examination and static tests.
By contacting us you can order an inspection and receive a full report on whether the belts are fit for further use. This will help you maintain the required level of safety for your employees.