SAEMA guidance
SAEMA, the Specialist Access Engineering & Maintenance Association which focuses on raising standards in the façade access industry, has published a new guidance document.
Using permanently installed suspended access equipment covers everything from the responsibilities of the duty holder through to safe use and statutory record keeping.
Many modern buildings such as shopping malls and office blocks have large and inaccessible areas that require routine cleaning and maintenance. Access to these areas is increasingly provided by trolleys, platforms and gantries which are permanently installed to provide a safe and productive place of work for maintenance personnel.
The new guidance document – available on the SAEMA website www.saema.org – stipulates that all in-service activities concerning suspended access equipment should be carried out in compliance with BS 6037. According to SAEMA, failure to comply with this code of practice could render duty holders liable to prosecution.
The document also covers the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), rigging platforms, dealing with breakdowns and malfunctions, and what procedures need to be followed upon completion of the installation.
