Personal fall protection systems rely on safe and secure anchor points. Without this crucial component, the rest of your height safety solution could be completely useless.
Anchor points hold the forces that occur should an employee fall from their working platform. Safe anchorage can consist of simple eyebolts or clamps which fix to an existing structure. Alternatively, larger systems or free-standing units provide support when there is no safe structure available. Once safely attached, anchorage points connect to lanyards, lifelines and harnesses to form a fall protection system.
Choosing an anchorage system
Always ensure you choose from a trusted supplier and look for anchorage systems certified to the current EN795 Standard.
Assess the task at hand and conduct a throughout risk assessment to help you select the most appropriate anchorage for the job:
Roof Anchors
– eyebolts, horizontal lifelines, roof hooks or roof slings can attach to structurally sound roofing or an additional anchor beam.
Beam Anchors
– beam clamps and trolleys provide secure, mobile attachments to existing beams or anchor beams.
Mobile Man Anchors
– freestanding weighted anchors for workers requiring temporary access to flat roofs or structures of pitches up to 5 degrees where it is impractical to install other systems.
Mobile Systems
– portable, quick-install devices like our Door Anchor Beam or Syam system, ideal for window fitting/cleaning, balcony installation or façade working.
Tripods & Quadpods
– helpful when there is no overhead attachment point available, such as manhole working.
Positioning your anchor points
Existing structures used for anchorage points must meet sufficient structural requirements, approved safe by a competent person. Structurally sound points could include roofing, beams and columns.
Anchorage points should never be fixed to:
- standard guardrails
- balcony rails
- light fixtures
- pipes, ducts or plumbing
- another lanyard
- roof stacks or vents
- TV antennas
- anything else lacking sufficient structural integrity.
Checking your anchor points
Always check inspection history, rating and loading capacity before relying on your anchorage point. Look for the loading capacity label and never use a system if you are unsure whether it can support the force of a fall. Bear in mind that with multiple users, anchor points must be strong enough to withstand users falling simultaneously.
Anchor points must be inspected regularly for faults by a competent person in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
Training
Any team member using fall protection equipment must complete adequate training to ensure their safety. This should include comprehensive height safety training as well as training for specialised equipment.
Need help choosing your anchorage system and training packages? Contact us today to speak to a member of the HITEWORX team.
