BMU Cradle Servicing & Testing
LOLER, PUWER and manufacturer-recommended servicing for façade access systems
Critical Height Safety Equipment
Building Maintenance Units (BMUs) are permanent façade access systems operating at extreme heights on high-rise buildings. They represent critical safety equipment requiring strict statutory compliance under LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and PUWER.
BMU failure at height causes fatal consequences. Thorough examination, load testing, and manufacturer-scheduled maintenance prevent catastrophic equipment failure, ensure operational safety, and demonstrate legal compliance.
Types of BMU Systems
Roof-Mounted Davits
Rotating davit arms supporting cradles or platforms. Require load testing, slew mechanism checks, and safety interlock verification.
Track-Mounted Rigs
Rail-guided systems with motorized carriages. Track integrity, limit switch testing, and emergency descent systems critical.
Monorail BMUs
Single-track systems requiring rope integrity checks, brake function tests, and control system validation.
Jib Systems
Articulated jib arms with suspended platforms. Load testing, hydraulic system checks, and safety overrides essential.
LOLER & PUWER Compliance Framework
BMU servicing and testing is governed by LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998, requiring:
- 6-monthly thorough examination by competent persons
- Annual statutory testing including load tests to 125% SWL
- Manufacturer-scheduled maintenance and component replacement
- Safety interlock and emergency descent system testing
- Wire rope/cable non-destructive testing (NDT)
- Electrical safety and control system validation
- Comprehensive documentation and defect reporting
Competent persons must hold appropriate qualifications, training, and experience in BMU systems—failures result in prohibition notices and prosecution.
Common BMU Defects & Failure Modes
Rope & Cable Deterioration
Wire rope fatigue, corrosion, and strand damage cause sudden catastrophic failure. NDT inspection and scheduled replacement critical.
Safety Interlock Failures
Bypass of safety systems, limit switch failures, and emergency descent malfunctions eliminate critical safety barriers.
Hydraulic & Mechanical Wear
Brake failures, hydraulic leaks, and structural fatigue compromise load-bearing capacity and operational safety.
Control System Degradation
Electrical failures, relay degradation, and control logic errors create uncontrolled movement and emergency response failures.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Inadequate BMU servicing and testing exposes organizations to:
- →Fatal falls from height: Equipment failure at extreme elevation causes catastrophic injuries and fatalities
- →HSE prohibition notices: Immediate equipment shutdown, enforcement action, and unlimited fines for LOLER breaches
- →Insurance invalidation: Policies void without valid LOLER certification and competent person examination records
- →Corporate manslaughter liability: Director accountability and custodial sentences for gross safety failures at height
Related Height Safety Services
Request BMU Compliance Assessment
Speak to our LOLER-qualified team about BMU servicing, testing and statutory compliance.