Is Anchor Point Testing Really That Important? (Yes It Is!)

Anchor points are an essential component in safe and effective window cleaning. It’s these features of the building that enable an abseiling window team to descend and ascend to clean. Anchor points are a part of a building structure that need to be totally reliable, which is why testing them often is crucial.

Anchor points – Why Are They Necessary?

Anchor points are also known as eyebolts. They are built into the façade of a structure to provide a point at which equipment can be securely fastened to support a cleaning team who are going up and down the building façade. There are lots of risks that may arise during the commercial cleaning of tall buildings as a result of factors such as the heights involved and the weight of the equipment that is required.

Safe and reliable anchor points are essential to providing the infrastructure necessary to effectively complete the work. If you don’t check on the condition of your eyebolts on a regular basis then you may encounter issues, including:

Accidents and issues with health and safety may result in injury to cleaning staff. Dangerous conditions may make it difficult to engage cleaners in future.
Lack of compliance. Health and safety legislation and regulation are important for every business and ensuring the safety of working conditions is a big part of this.
Damage to the building as a result of an incident that has occurred because anchor points were not tested and have caused problems.

What Does The Testing Involve?

As you might imagine, anchor points need to be robust. They may be required to support the weight of the cleaning staff, as well as equipment. As a result, it’s essential that they are regularly examined to ensure that they are suitable for the job.

Testing anchor points is best done by the cleaning team that you regularly work with, as they will understand how the building is cleaned and therefore where the key anchor points are and how the pressure and weight is most likely to be distributed.

The testing process will ensure that the anchor points that are in position around the building are in good condition, and are strong and well maintained enough to be able to withstand the wear and tear that they are exposed to every day.

Why Anchor Testing Is So Important

Aside from damage to the building that could result if an anchor point breaks or gives way while in use, there is also the potential human cost in terms of injuries and fatalities. To ensure that maintenance standards are high and deliver complete peace of mind when it comes to the essential processes that are involved in building cleaning, anchor testing is crucial.

For any building that requires regular abseil cleaning, anchor point testing should be regularly scheduled. Expert testing not only provides reassurance and guarantees compliance but underpins positive working relationships with your cleaning partners too.

Health and Safety is a priority for Aquamark, to ensure that the security and safety of our customers are at the centre of everything we do. Get in touch with Aquamark to speak to one of our team about your window cleaning requirements today.