Everything you need to know about BMUs

Building maintenance units (BMUs) are a type of permanent mechanical access equipment which is either operated:

• Manually

• Automatically

• By remote control

A BMU is often installed on the building’s roof level and can be positioned in a:

• Static location

• Fixed-standing track

• Free-standing track

From the main unit, a telescopic jib suspends a cradle or basket over the edge of the building that can be lowered or raised allowing access to all of the building’s façade for:

• General maintenance

• Window cleaning

• Façade panel replacement

The duty holder of a building has legal responsibility for ensuring that suspended access equipment under their care is:

• Safe and fit for the purpose for which it was intended

• Properly maintained and examined

• Used by competent and adequately trained operatives

The testing and inspection of suspended access equipment is laid down under BS 6037-Part 1-2003 which states a quarterly regime as follows:

Month 1 - Annual load test and inspection

Month 2 - Thorough inspection

Month 3 - General inspection

Month 4 - General inspection

Supplementary tasks are in addition to the statutory examinations and should include certain safety-critical components. These are generally carried out at intervals of ten years.