Anchor Points & Pad Eyes
Anchor Point Testing & Pad Eye Testing
Anchor point testing and pad eye testing is the proof load testing and thorough examination of the fixed points your people clip on to and your lifting gear hangs from. Each point is tested, tagged and certified on a GA1 Report of Inspection.
What gets tested
- Fall arrest anchor points, eyebolts and fixed roof anchors
- Welded and bolted pad eyes on plant, structures and steelwork
- Quayside, vessel and marine pad eyes, derrick and winch anchor points
- Anchor points for man-riding baskets and rescue systems
- Lifting eyes on skips, cages, frames and fabricated attachments
How the test is carried out
Each point is visually examined for cracking, distortion, corrosion and weld condition, then proof load tested with a calibrated load cell to the force required for its use. Points that pass are tagged and numbered so they can be identified on future visits; anything that fails is reported immediately with the reason and what is needed to put it right.
Certification and records
A GA1 Report of Inspection is issued for the tested points, and each one can be given a Smartcode QR tag so anyone on site — including an auditor or main contractor — can scan the point and see its current certificate straight away.
Related inspections
Anchor point and pad eye testing is usually carried out alongside lifting equipment inspections and GA1 inspections on the same visit. Call 083 870 5355 to book.
Frequently asked questions
- What is anchor point testing?
- Anchor point testing is the inspection and proof load testing of the fixed anchors that fall arrest harnesses and lanyards attach to. Each anchor is examined, load tested to the required force, tagged and recorded on a GA1 Report of Inspection.
- What is pad eye testing?
- Pad eye testing is the inspection and proof load testing of welded or bolted lifting eyes on plant, structures, vessels and quayside equipment, confirming the eye and its weld are fit to take the rated load.
- How often should anchor points and pad eyes be tested?
- Anchor points used for fall arrest and pad eyes used for lifting are normally examined every 12 months, and every 6 months where they form part of equipment used to lift people. Re-testing is also required after any repair, modification or overload.
- Do you test on site?
- Yes. Testing is carried out at your premises, site, quay or vessel. L&M Plant & Inspection Services is based in Castletownbere, Co. Cork and covers Cork, Kerry, Munster and the rest of Ireland.