Rank: Forum user 
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Hi please can someone advise? We need a rope access company to abseil down our building to investigate a leak. They want to utilise the flagpole and supporting brackets which is on the roof as a primary anchor. Should this be tested prior to them doing this?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Yes.
But I'd also go with the default of telling them they can't. Most abseilers are not structural engineers but, my gosh, they seem to think that technical roping abilities grant them such powers.
Anchor points need to be unquestionably reliable (structural steel etc.) if you aren't going to test them. Brackets etc. that are bolted into a substrate of any kind for a totally different purpose will not fit the bill.
So, even though there will be secondary anchor, each anchor needs to be able to independently meet the required standards - and not just to hold a single 80kg abseiler - but also to withstand the dynamic load of a fall and then support at least two people during potential rescue.
So yes, test away assuming you/they can find the kit to do so. Bearing in mind that this will apply a lateral load to the flagpole and brackets which, if they're not strong enough, might damage the fixings etc.
Might be cheaper to install eyebolts, investigate other potential anchors in the vicinity, and/or look at deadweights on appropriate roof surface (although also fraught with potential pitfalls!)
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi, Anchor systems that comply to the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association ICoP and BS7985 must withstand a minimum force of 15KN. It is unlikely the flagpole will meet this requirement. A suitable solution will be to install additional anchors conforming to EN795 (EN7883), use dead weight anchors or rig a system from structural components on the building. All of which have to be tested, inspected, certified and documented prior to use. There are good Rope Access companies operating that do understand all the correcct anchor requirements with an 'application specific' rescue system in mind, which includes two person loads. (The PPE standard requires a test load of 100kg and not 80kg) Russ
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Rank: Forum user
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We use a drone with a camera to investigate issues like this if possible.
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 1 user thanked Dazzling Puddock for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Originally Posted by: Dazzling Puddock  We use a drone with a camera to investigate issues like this if possible.
Sorry how would drone help, you can't test them by drone only see them.
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Rank: Forum user
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Test what?
You use the drone to investigate the leak as per the IP, saves you having to abseil down the building in the first place!
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Rank: Super forum user
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Originally Posted by: Dazzling Puddock Test what?
You use the drone to investigate the leak as per the IP, saves you having to abseil down the building in the first place!
Sorry, misread your answer
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