Following a few recent on-site incidents, one where a wall-mounted speaker detached and fell from height, and another where a baby change unit fell from a changing room wall, we felt it important to share best practice and guidance on the safety considerations and risks linked to wall-mounted equipment and fixtures. Fortunately, no one was injured on either occasion, but under different circumstances the outcome could have been much more serious.
Our info brief outlines different wall-mounted equipment and fixtures to consider within your leisure facility, and what a best practice approach looks like.
Health and safety guidance for wall-mounted equipment involves a comprehensive approach, including risk assessment, professional installation, regular maintenance, and proper usage. The specific hazards depend on the type of equipment, its weight, and the environment in which it is used.
What type of equipment might we consider?
- Gyms and studios: TVs, speakers, hoops/backboards, climbing walls/frames, scoreboards, protective padding, football goal hooks, large clock, gymnastics equipment, equipment holders (e.g. for goals).
- Spas and wellness: Towel warmers, shelving, heaters, infrared panels, light fittings.
- Hospitality and event rooms: Projectors, screens, mounted TVs, speakers, lighting rigs, display shelving.
- General: Noticeboards, digital information screens, fans, air conditioning units, signage, benches, some vending machines.
Risk assessment
A thorough risk assessment should be completed by a competent person before installing any wall-mounted equipment to identify potential risks and implement appropriate control measures.
- Identify hazards: This includes the risk of the equipment detaching and falling, creating crushing or impact hazards, particularly with heavy items like display screens or safes. Other risks include:
- Structural damage to the building from improper installation.
- Electrocution from damaged or faulty electrical components.
- Entrapment or crushing from motorised or height-adjustable equipment.
- Evaluate the risks: Assess the likelihood and severity of harm to all people who may be affected, including employees, contractors, visitors, and children.
- Implement controls: Establish and enforce safety measures and consider eliminating or substituting the equipment where appropriate.
- Review: Re-assess the risks and update controls whenever there are significant changes, such as new equipment, changes in use, or reports of new hazards.
Installation
Proper installation is critical to prevent failures and should be done by a competent individual following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Professional installation: Heavier or complex equipment, such as wall safes or motorised displays, may require professional installation to ensure structural integrity and correct fitting.
- Structural integrity: Ensure the wall can safely support the weight of the equipment and its mounting hardware. A solid masonry wall is ideal, but for stud walls, the mount must be fixed to the studs for maximum strength.
- Hidden hazards: Use a stud finder or other appropriate tool to check for hidden electrical cables, pipes, and asbestos before drilling into a wall.
- Correct fixings: Always use the manufacturer’s recommended fixings, which are designed for the specific wall and equipment type.
- Positioning: Choose a location that avoids creating other hazards, such as blocking doorways, impeding emergency exits, or creating an obstruction that could be walked into.
Use and operation
Safe use is essential for preventing accidents and injuries.
- User training: Provide training on the correct operation and any safety features of the equipment. Restrict access to controls for motorised units to authorised personnel only.
- Manufacturer instructions: Always operate equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Display screen equipment (DSE): When mounting monitors or TVs, ensure they are positioned ergonomically to prevent neck, shoulder, or back pain. The centre of the screen should ideally be at or slightly below eye level.
- Cable management: Keep cables tidy and secured to prevent them from becoming a trip hazard or getting damaged. Avoid running them across walkways or in front of doorways.
Read the rest of our info brief here: Wall-Mounted Equipment – Info Brief October 25
HSE has shared guidance that may particularly useful for schools. The guidance concerns certain motorised display screen wall mounts intended for use in schools and educational establishments, that it has advised are a serious risk of injury. Read the guidance here.
