Writing the Playbook
SAEMA (Specialist Access Engineering and Maintenance Association) is the recognised authority for best practice in the installation, inspection and maintenance of façade access systems in the UK. Through our Technical Committee and industry-leading membership, we are not simply following the standard – we are writing it.
Our Technical Committee meets several times each year to review the latest developments in technology, safety and regulation. These meetings are a critical platform for producing and updating our comprehensive library of guidance notes. These notes are designed to support our members across every aspect of their operations, from safe installation methods to ongoing compliance and maintenance procedures.
We don’t just serve our members. SAEMA also provides authoritative guidance to architects, consultants, insurance inspectors, facilities managers and other stakeholders, ensuring that everyone involved in façade access understands what best practice looks like. Our recommendations are based on decades of collective experience, rigorous technical expertise and an unwavering commitment to safety.
Why SAEMA Guidance Matters
Façade access systems are vital for the safety of those who install, maintain and inspect building exteriors. Poorly designed, installed or maintained systems can lead to operational inefficiencies, increased costs, and, most importantly, heightened safety risks. SAEMA guidance ensures that projects can be delivered with the highest standards of safety, reliability and compliance.
We work closely with regulators and industry partners to ensure our recommendations align with – and often exceed – statutory requirements. Our involvement in shaping British Standards and influencing legislation means that when you follow SAEMA guidance, you are aligning with the most current and respected industry benchmarks.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation
The façade access sector is evolving, with innovations in materials, technology, and building design demanding equally innovative access solutions. SAEMA’s role is to ensure that guidance evolves alongside these developments. This includes integrating sustainable practices, promoting efficient maintenance regimes and ensuring all systems are future-ready.
Supporting the Wider Industry
By setting the standard for façade access installation and maintenance, SAEMA helps create safer working environments, reduces operational risks and protects the reputation of all parties involved in building management. Whether you are commissioning a new system, auditing an existing one or ensuring ongoing compliance, our guidance provides the foundation for excellence.
When you see the SAEMA name, you can be confident that the advice and standards behind it represent the pinnacle of our profession. We are committed to keeping our members and the wider industry informed, compliant, and ahead of the curve.
14000 - Guidance Note for the Appropriate Selection of Permanent Access Equipment
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14001 - Guidance Note on Façade Access Mechanical Electrical Breakdown, Rescue and Rescue Planning
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14002 - Guidance Note on Determining the Loads imposed on buildings by equipment designed in accordance with BS EN 1808
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14005 - Guidance on Using Permanent Suspended Access Equipment
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14006C - SAEMA Guidance on the Management Control and use of Temporary Installed S A E Issue 1
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14007A SAEMA Guidance Document to Using Components of Existing BMU as Anchorage Points for Industrial Rope Access Equipment
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14008 - Guidance on lone working arrangements - operation, testing, inspection, maintenance and through examination of façade access equipment
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