Pull Testing of Fixings & Safety Devices

Pull Testing of Fixing and Safety Devices

Fixings fail quietly, until they don’t.

We test what’s holding your building together, so you know before it’s tested for you. We provide certified pull testing to validate the safety and compliance of fixings and fall protection systems, giving you confidence in their performance and regulatory approval.

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Pull testing

We carry out on-site pull testing to verify the strength, integrity, and safety of fixings and fall protection systems, helping ensure compliance with current regulations and manufacturer requirements.

Whether you’re installing new systems or validating existing ones, our testing provides clear, documented evidence that anchors, fixings, and safety devices are fit for purpose.

Why pull testing matters

Anchors and fixings play a critical role in building safety, from restraint systems and façade supports to fall arrest and abseil equipment. Over time, even well-installed components can degrade, loosen, or become non-compliant.

Pull testing provides assurance that these elements can withstand the loads they’re designed for: helping duty holders meet their responsibilities under the Work at Height Regulations and relevant BS/EN standards.

What we test

Our service covers a wide range of safety-critical components, including:

Abseil anchors and eyebolts
Fall arrest and restraint systems
Façade and cladding fixings
Balustrade and handrail connections
Roof safety systems (e.g. guardrails, lifelines)

We use calibrated equipment to apply controlled loads, recording results against pass/fail thresholds. All findings are documented in a detailed test report for your compliance records.

Test and report for compliance

Every pull test is backed by clear, structured reporting that supports regulatory and manufacturer sign-off.

Where failures are found, we provide practical recommendations to address them – whether through retesting, remediation, or alternative solutions.

Our testing helps ensure your safety systems remain compliant, reliable, and ready for use. Reports include photographic evidence, test readings, and pass/fail outcomes, providing a transparent record for duty holders, facilities managers, and third-party assessors. This helps you stay audit-ready and aligned with health and safety best practices.

Do you need to verify your fixings or fall protection systems?

Contact us to schedule a pull test and get the documentation you need for full compliance.

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FAQs

What is pull testing of fixings and safety devices?

Pull testing is a method of assessing the strength and reliability of fixings (anchors, bolts, brackets, etc.) by applying a controlled force to see how much load they can safely hold. It’s essential for verifying that installed safety-critical fixings, such as those used for façade systems, safety lines, or fall arrest equipment, perform as intended.

Why is pull testing necessary?

It ensures fixings are securely installed, meet manufacturer specifications, and can withstand expected loads without failure — a vital step in maintaining building safety, especially where systems support heavy or life-safety equipment.

What types of fixings require pull testing?

Common examples include façade brackets and cladding anchors; masonry or concrete fixings; handrails and balustrades; safety lines and fall arrest systems; and mechanical and electrical fixings with structural importance.

When should pull testing be carried out?

During installation, to confirm new fixings meet required strength; after repairs or retrofitting; periodically, as part of a planned maintenance regime; and when there are concerns about the integrity of fixings due to corrosion, damage, or age.

Can all fixings be pull tested?

Not all fixings are suitable for pull testing. Some fixings, such as adhesives or certain mechanical anchors, may require specific testing methods. A professional assessment is needed to determine the appropriate test method and whether pull testing is applicable.

Who is qualified to carry out pull testing?

Only trained and competent professionals with the correct equipment and calibration procedures should carry out pull testing. Buildtech Consultancy’s engineers use certified, calibrated equipment and follow industry standards (e.g. BS 8539) to ensure accurate, safe results.

What equipment is used in pull testing?

We use hydraulic or mechanical pull testers fitted with calibrated load cells and digital gauges. This allows us to measure the exact force applied and determine whether the fixing meets the required load-bearing capacity.

Will pull testing damage the fixings or the structure?

Proof load testing, when carried out correctly, does not damage the fixings or structure. Testing is done within safe limits to validate performance without causing unnecessary stress or failure.

What do I receive after the testing?

A detailed report including test location and method, type of fixing tested, load applied and result (pass/fail), photographic evidence, and any required recommendations or remedial actions — supporting compliance, safety audits, and insurance requirements.

How can I arrange pull testing with Buildtech Consultancy?

Get in touch with our team to schedule a site visit. Whether you need testing for façade anchors, safety systems, or general fixings, we’ll provide a compliant, professional service, delivered with clear reporting and minimal disruption.