On a national level, the Safety Elements Laboratory is unique in its specialization, infrastructure and equipment for the evaluation, by means of tests, of product specifications and technical requirements, which are necessary in the different Means of Protection and Auxiliary equipment used in building work to properly carry out temporary working at height.

The technical capability of the Safety Elements Laboratory is recognised by the National Certifying Body (ENAC) for carrying out different test methods. Through these tests, the requirements can be assessed and finally the compliance of the safety products can be passed. The tests carried out are included in the following Collective Means of Protection:

• Safety Net Systems → Standard UNE-EN 1263-1:2004  (# Accreditation 133/LE 1148)
• Temporary Edge Protection Systems → Standard UNE-EN 13374:2004  (# Accreditation 133/LE 1148)

The Safety Elements Laboratory has also begun tests on other products in which it is compulsory to guarantee levels of safety, such as:

• Equipment for temporary site work. Service and facade scaffolds made of prefabricated components → Standards UNE-EN 12810:2005, UNE-EN 12811:2005, UNE-EN 39:2001, UNE-EN 74:2008
• Anchorage devices for protection against falls from a height → Standards UNE-EN 795:1997, UNE-EN 353:2002, UNE-EN 364:1994

The laboratory specialises in the assessment of static and dynamic requirements (falls from heights – impacts – vibration) of resistance in the different protection systems and auxiliary aids. In addition, the pre-standard draft is being drawn up for the following products:

• Safety Nets for beneath frameworks
• Vertical Safety Nets
• Platforms for unloading materials on the plant floor
• Protection of protruding ends of Rebar on site