Archetech Issue 34 2018 | Page 119

MSA leads industry with rigorous testing process MSA has won the rigorous German DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik) safety certification for its Latchways Constant Force® system. MSA’s Latchways Constant Force® post for Kalzip standing seam (65/400) roofing has successfully completed all Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt) testing and approvals. Having worked closely with Kalzip, MSA can now offer DIBt certification for work-at-height safety across Germany, giving access to the engineered fall protection systems and PPE that have long since set the standard worldwide. Further profiles are currently undergoing testing. This recognition from DIBt, the German body that approves non-regulated construction products - proves claims that the company offers the best testing on the market. Technical Manager, Tim Bissett, says: “We test all our products and systems above and beyond the very latest standards. We have in fact exceeded European standards since our Constant Force Post® was launched. This certification from DIBt just confirms our forensic attention to detail and engineering excellence. Since MSA acquired Latchways in 2015, the company has continued to invest in developing its fall protection business. Tim continues: “We are committed to investing in innovative fall protection, and testing is a fundamental part of this. The DIBt guidelines require fall protection systems to be tested on the specific roof type they will be used on. Different roofing structures perform differently under load and in order to provide the life- saving protection fall protection necessary it is wrong to assume that because a fall protection system is suitable for one structure, it is also suitable for all structures. This is the very foundation of how MSA does business - we understand exactly how and where a system will be used, and we used our engineering expertise to develop the highest performing solutions.” MSA has led the fall protection market in the UK for a number of years, and is fast becoming a globally recognised manufacturer, thanks to its engineering innovation, rigorous test methods and rapidly expanding portfolio. Tim concludes: “To us it’s simple - before specifying any fall protection system, check what standards it has been tested to. When lives are at stake, you have to be sure.” For further information please contact your local MSA affiliate or visit MSAsafety.com. MSA’s fall protection solutions already exceed both the Europe- wide requirements set out in the EN 795 standards and the guidance in ‘The Magenta Book’ which recommends testing anchor devices on representative roofs - the exact structure they will be used on. We haven’t had to actually change our products to achieve this recognition, and it proves they stand the test of time.”