Successful Dynamic Test Proves Onestop Edge Protection System is Compliant

HARRIGEN Ltd has recently completed a series of dynamic swing bag tests for new client, Onestop Safety Solutions. They are believed to be the first specialist Edge Protection installer in Scotland to have completed this testing to prove that their design fulfils the requirements of BS EN 13374:2013+A1:2018 “Temporary edge protection systems – Product Specification – Test methods”.

The guidance contained in the Standard identifies that roof slopes greater than 10⁰ may allow a worker to slide or roll towards the edge protection and create high loads upon themselves and the system. It is important that the edge protection restrains the worker whilst absorbing energy to minimise injury.

Rob Harris, Director at Harrigen

Harrigen Ltd is a company that was established to facilitate this testing. It is independent of product suppliers and installers.

Founding Harrigen Director, Rob Harris says: “To prove the system will work, it has to be tested with a dynamic swing bag test – it cannot be confirmed by calculation. The result has to be recorded and evidence shall be available upon request.”

Edge Protection Test

The test involves swinging a 50kg bag at specified locations and distances along a built edge protection system. Then recording the relative deflection to establish sufficient energy absorption.

Rob Harris adds, “Building designers, main contractors and roofing contractors, need to be scrutinising the edge protection installer’s evidence to ensure that their designs, are fully compliant with EN 13374.

Onestop recognised the need to carry out the testing to prove their commitment to compliance and very high safety standards within the industry.”

FASET members, Onestop Safety Solutions are an established temporary works at height specialist, based in Scotland. They install edge protection, safety nets and stair towers along with permanent safety systems.  Contracts Manager, Stevie Barrons said “We were involved in the construction of a portal frame storage facility for Scottish Water. The main contractor was ESD and it was their temporary works team who identified that the roof pitch was greater than 10°, which defined it as a class B roof”.

The testing was completed at the Harrigen Test Facility in Buckinghamshire. Harrigen co-founder, Phil Gennard adds, “We were given a tight deadline to complete the testing. We never know if the system will pass the test or not, but the Onestop design we tested worked really well. This meant we were able to issue a pass certificate, supported by a report and video”.

Stevie Barrons concluded, “We were really happy with the test result and the way in which Harrigen worked. The certificate, report and video all confirm that our design conforms to EN 13374. The quality of the evidence created by Harrigen is very professional and something that we will offer clients without hesitation.”

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