BS8681:2024 - elevating fall protection standards

This standard ensures that professionals designing, installing, and inspecting fall protection systems meet the highest safety standards, thereby reducing risks and improving workplace safety.

The importance of BS8681:2024

BS8681:2024 is a comprehensive guide to best practices in fall protection, encompassing areas such as:

• Equipment selection and installation – Ensuring the proper use of fall protection systems to prevent accidents.
• Training and competency requirements – Defining the necessary skills and qualifications for individuals working within the field.
• Inspection and maintenance protocols – Establishing clear guidelines for the routine assessment of equipment integrity.

By implementing this standard, the industry has started on the journey to raise the level of professionalism, competence and accountability, ensuring that all fall protection systems adhere to stringent safety regulations.

Collaboration: Driving progress in fall protection training

The introduction of BS8681:2024 has been supported through a strategic partnership lead by BSIF who have ensured that extensive collaboration with organisations such as 8point8 Training, Kee Safety, Hydrajaws, SFS and other key industry personnel. These organisations have combined their expertise to develop industry leading training programs that meet industry requirements, and competency frameworks with the new standard, ensuring a seamless transition for organisations adopting BS8681:2024.

Key contributions of collaborating organisations

• BSIF (British Safety Industry Federation) – acting as the trade association for PPE and Safety Products in the UK, aims to uphold safety standards and encourage compliance among fall protection professionals.
• 8point8 Training – Providing specialised training programs tailored to the latest standards, ensuring industry professionals have access to expert-led education that align to both apprenticeship and commercial training opportunities.
• Smart Awards – In collaboration with industry Smart Awards acting as the Awarding Organisation for industry has developing both the NVQ and apprenticeship end-point assessments to align with current industry needs.
• Kee Safety – Offering innovative safety solutions that complement the new standard, helping companies design safer working environments.
• Hydrajaws – Contributing through advanced testing methods for fall protection anchor systems, ensuring equipment meets required safety benchmarks.
• SFS - Supporting the fall protection industry with safety systems and fixing solutions for working-at-height applications.

Their collective efforts are ensuring that work-at-height professionals receive the necessary training, tools, and industry knowledge to meet BS8681:2024 requirements and maintain a safer working environment. SFS, HydraJaws and Kee Safety have had a huge part to play in supporting 8point8 Training with the roll out of the training to the wider industry. 

Jonathan Seymour of SFS Group Fastening Technology Ltd explained: “Via our membership of the BSiF Height Safety Group, SFS was delighted to have the opportunity to support 8point8 Training Ltd with their delivery of the Level 3 Fall Protection Technician Apprenticeship and the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Accessing and Rigging.

This included training of key 8point8 Training personnel, sample SFS fall protection systems for the newly created Fall Protection Training area in Doncaster and, with the kind permission of their roofing OEM partners, the repurposing and supply of test roofing materials, such as metal decks and cladding sheets, to which apprentices are able to practice installation of roof top mounted fall protection systems”.

Graham Willmott, Kee Safety - risk management & standards director explained: “The opportunity to partner with 8Point8 and supply fall protection product, training and resources to facilitate 8Point8 to deliver the Level 3 Fall Protection Technician Apprenticeship and the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Accessing and Rigging, provides Kee Group and the industry with an opportunity to train fall protection installers & inspectors to the highest standards and achieve a professional qualification.”

Key 8point8 staff attended bespoke Kee Safety training sessions run by Simon Oates, Kee Safety fall protection training manager, to ensure the correct installation of our latest product, and this included our inspection App for recording inspection data. This ensures the apprentices can put into practice the required installation techniques to ensure product compliance and safety.”

Adrain Morgan of Hydrajaws commented: “Hydrajaws were thrilled to support 8point8 Training Ltd in the delivery of the Level 3 Fall Protection technician apprenticeship and the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in access and Rigging. It has been exciting to see the training facility take shape with the assistance of other supporting companies and this is a credit to David and his team.

Training was undertaken with key 8point8 staff to ensure the correct use of our latest equipment, and this included our App for recording test data. This ensures the apprentices can practice and learn present time techniques of testing.”

Celebrating milestones in fall protection training

In addition to the new standard and collaborative efforts, the industry is celebrating major accomplishments in fall protection training courses that have been developed to ensure site competence.

First completers in Level 3 NVQ in Access and Rigging - Fall Protection

The first two individuals employed by a major Group employer have successfully completed the Level 3 NVQ in Access and Rigging - Fall Protection, accredited by Smart Awards. This regulated qualification is critical for ensuring that professionals have the necessary skills to safely perform access and rigging tasks, further strengthening the industry’s workforce. 

Level 3 Fall Protection Technician Apprenticeship: A new era

The first learners are now reaching completion of the Level 3 Fall Protection Technician apprenticeship, signalling a new era of specialiaed fall protection expertise. This apprenticeship equips individuals with:

• Comprehensive training – Covering installation methods, anchor testing, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols.
• Hands-on experience – Providing practical assessments to ensure competency in real-world applications.
• Industry recognition – Establishing apprentices as qualified professionals in a rapidly evolving field.

Kee Safety one of the largest employers in the fall protection Industry have started to see the benefits of the apprenticeship programme with individuals now starting to complete their apprenticeships and enter their final assessments. Graham Willmott, Kee Safety - risk management and standards director explained: “Our Group recognises the importance of training and development of our fall protection technicians and inspectors. As soon as the apprenticeship program was available, we committed to the program and enrolled our delegates.”

David Ravensdale, head of training at 8point8 Training said: “These qualifications are raising the industry’s standards, ensuring that current and future professionals are fully equipped to handle the complexities of installing and maintaining fall protection systems.” 

The road ahead: Advancing fall protection

With BS8681:2024 now implemented, alongside industry collaboration and major training milestones, the fall protection sector is undergoing a transformative shift. These advancements emphasise worker safety, competency development, and adherence to best practices—critical factors in ensuring long-term success. 

Alan Murray of BSIF explained: “As more professionals achieve advanced qualifications, the industry will continue to evolve, innovate, and strengthen safety standards, creating a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering excellence in fall protection.”