Technical inspection of pendulum swings

Vertic’Alps Expertise carries out technical inspections of pendulum-swing installations, at acceptance and during their operating life.

The installation may fall under NF EN 15567-1+A1, another suitable assessment framework or solely the manufacturer's requirements. The applicable framework and inspection frequency are defined according to the installation.

Where it falls within NF EN 15567-1+A1, we carry out acceptance inspections and annual principal inspections.

Our assignment is to identify differences between the assessment framework's requirements, the manufacturer's documentation and the actual condition of the installations inspected.

Our work includes a visual inspection and documentary examination in accordance with applicable requirements and the manufacturer's manual. Functional checks are adapted to the selected framework and installed system.

• Suspension components and their connections: visible condition, wear, damage and fixings.

• Supports and anchors: condition of accessible structures, connections and fixing points.

• The departure area and trajectory: access, platforms, protective measures, clearances and collision risks.

• Launch, restraint and return devices: inspection points defined by the manufacturer.

We examine the manufacturer's documentation, technical substantiation and monitoring documents specified for the installation.

A debriefing at the end of the assignment explains the observations and priority corrective actions.

We also share our analysis of the activity's risks on the inspected site, based on field experience and lessons from varied installations and settings.

This discussion focuses in particular on situations and risks not explicitly covered by standards, so that we can discuss areas requiring attention and improvement measures suited to the site.

Following the inspection, we provide an inspection certificate, a summary of priority findings and a detailed inspection report in PDF format.

A favourable safety opinion is subject to resolving findings that compromise safety and providing the necessary substantiation for supports, anchors and suspension components.

Documents are adapted to the selected framework and the manufacturer's requirements:

• The manufacturer's documentation: drawings and assembly, operating and maintenance instructions.

• Strength substantiation for supports, anchors, suspension components and connections.

• Equipment instructions, maintenance and servicing records.

• Previous inspection reports and follow-up of corrective actions.

• Records of inspections, upkeep and maintenance operations.

• Operating and monitoring documents required under the applicable framework, including accident reports, safety events and PPE documents where applicable.

• An up-to-date tree-health assessment where trees are used as supports.

Documents specific to ropes courses are not automatically required for an installation governed by another framework.

Work must be complete and equipment accessible. A person must be present on site to accompany the inspector.