OCS Technical building management safety testing roof access access equipment news 310106

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building management
safety testing
roof access
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OCS Secure Contract Win

OCS Technical has won a three-year contract with The University of Manchester, to provide a safety testing and inspection service for the eyebolts and roof wire systems on the university’s entire property portfolio.

OCS Safety eyebolts are designed so that external workers, like window cleaners, have safe access to the roof and outer building via the windows. They are needed wherever employees are required to work in areas where a fall of more than 2 metres is possible.

The testing of this equipment is necessary to ensure that the University meets the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and that a safe working environment is maintained for its maintenance staff. The Act states that all employers must provide safe methods of work to people when working on their premises, including people who are not their employees. Failure to meet with these regulations would result in the University being liable if an accident happened.

Chris Cracknell, OCS Chief Executive, said, “The testing and inspection services that we offer for eyebolts and roof wire systems are what we consider to be the most important part of our service. I believe that there should not be any compromises when it comes to people’s safety.

“The requirements for the testing of personal and protective equipment are well documented and our aim is to always exceed them. Our customers know they can rely on us and our products to deliver effective safety solutions for their premises.”

The contract, which expands OCS Technicals’ service in this area, will entail the removal, inspection, replacement and testing of the safety eyebolts. The testing will take place annually, and includes a series of inspections and tests. There are also a number of abseiling fixings that will be tested twice annually.

Each fixing is either tagged or has an ID disc confirming its location, the date tested and standard conformity. Any fixings not conforming to required standards are red tagged as ‘do not use’, and then reported to the site contact before completion of the inspection and a defects sheet is completed.

The bolts, which are manufactured from higher tensile or stainless steel, are designed for use by one person whilst the wire systems can be used by a number of personnel at the same time. Before sending its employees out in the field OCS provides 3 months intensive safety training to ensure their own safety, and to enable them to perform to OCS’ high standards.

This testing service is one of many provided by OCS Technical, which has three key divisions –Safety, Access and Mechanical & Electrical. OCS Technical surveys premises and recommends, installs and maintains safety and access systems. OCS ensures that installations comply with legislation and offer long lasting, cost effective solutions.

Email: jo.ritchie@ocs.co.uk