The anchor point is a crucial and vulnerable component in any fall protection system. It is both the first and last line of defense within the system. If someone were to fall, the anchor point must be able to bear the weight and force of an arrested individual.
Clearly, identifying a secure fall protection anchor point is essential. But it can also be a daunting task. It involves a number of factors, such as its load capacity, its compatibility with the fall protection gear being used (the carabiner), and the structural integrity of the building component to which the anchor is attached.
It also requires care and precision. Getting it wrong isn’t just a harmless mistake – it puts workers’ lives at risk.
This article will go over everything you need to know about choosing a suitable anchorage point. By the end, you should have a clearer understanding of what’s involved in this critical step of your fall protection planning.
What Is an Anchorage System?
As the name suggests, an anchorage system consists of more than just one piece of fall protection equipment. There are really two: the anchorage and the anchor.
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct aspects of a fall protection system.
Anchorage
The anchorage (or anchor point) is the structural element to which the personal fall arrest system is attached. It can be an overhead I-beam, a framing element, a doorframe, or a metal flat roof galvanized sheet, to name a few.
This structural element must be strong enough to withstand at least the same impact force as the anchor itself.
Your anchorage options will typically be rather limited, as they are based on the structural elements of the building or equipment and how they are positioned.
Anchor
The anchor (or anchorage connector) is the element that connects the fall protection system to the anchorage.
Unlike the anchorage, you will have full control when selecting the anchor. These connectors come in a wide variety of lengths, materials, and strengths to meet the needs of any given task.
Types of Fall Protection Anchorage
The anchor point is generally above the head (or at foot level in certain applications, although this is not recommended) and must be able to support the weight of the worker and the force of the arrest if they were to fall.
Structural Anchor Points
The vast majority of anchorages are structural elements of a building, such as:
- Framing elements (trusses, wood beams, door and window frames)
- Load-bearing structural members
- Vertical or horizontal metal I-beams in buildings or bridges
- Concrete posts
- Rebars, especially when a sling is wrapped around them and concrete is poured to solidify the anchorage
Natural Anchor Points
In rare or extreme cases (e.g. rescue operations), natural anchorages may be considered if the team doing the work has adequate training in selecting them. Some examples might include:
- Trees
- Large rocks
- Rocks that make a natural anchorage (e.g. one with a hole that allows a rope or sling to pass through)
Types of Fall Protection Anchors
One of the most common criteria for selecting anchors is choosing whether they are permanent or temporary.
Here’s a breakdown of each type.
Permanent Anchors
Permanent anchors are designed and installed for frequent or ongoing use at heights. Many permanent anchors are engineered and often pre-installed on buildings.
Some common examples include:
- Permanent Anchorage Points on equipment that works at heights (e.g. aerial work platforms)
- Rigid Lifelines – Generally installed on flat roofs and might support more than one user at a time
- Permanent D-rings and Roof Anchors – Generally bolted or fastened to a roof, allowing frequent access for repairs or maintenance
- Wall Anchorage Connectors – Provide anchorage points on vertical surfaces for work positioning or fall arrest systems
- Concrete Anchor Bolts – Expansion anchors or chemical anchors used to secure attachment points directly into concrete
- Travelling Bridge Systems – Also known as Mobile Bridge Anchorage Systems (MBAS), these are designed to provide a secure anchorage point that moves along a horizontal track or bridge
- Swing Arm Anchor Tracks – Also known as Anchor Tracks or Swing Arm Systems, these provide overhead anchorage in various industrial and construction settings
Temporary Anchors
Temporary anchors are generally used for short-term jobs or where permanent points aren’t available. These can be:
- Single use anchors (e.g. roofing nylon nail-on anchors, concrete anchors, rebar anchors)
- Temporary reusable anchors, which can be easily disassembled and moved to another location (e.g. sliding I-beam anchors, window and door jamb anchors, screw or nail-down metal reusable roof anchors)
Common types of temporary anchors include:
- Beam Clamps – These typically have a locking mechanism that grips to an I-beam flange, providing a stable anchor point for a lanyard or lifeline (lightweight and portable, ideal for use on various steel structures)
- Tripods – Can be set up quickly and provide a versatile anchor option, especially on uneven terrain or where there are no suitable permanent structures
- Davits (or Davits Arms) – A crane-like device that is used to create a movable anchor point, giving workers greater freedom of movement within a designated work area (often used on roofs, along walkways, or around loading docks)
- Synthetic Webbing Slings – A lightweight and portable solution for creating fall protection anchors around pipes, beams, or other suitable structures
- Metal Wire Slings – Heavier and bulkier than webbing slings, but with a higher load capacity
- Window and Door Jamb Anchors – Suitable for work positioning or low-risk fall prevention tasks around windows and doorways (typically not meant for high fall arrest loads)
- Metal Screw-Down or Nail-Down Hinged Roof Anchors – These anchors have a hinge design that allows them to be used on different roof slopes
Pros and Cons of Permanent and Temporary Anchors
Each of these has distinct advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before deciding which anchor to use.
Advantages of Using a Permanent Anchor
- Long-lasting
- Reusable
- After initial installation, connecting fall protection takes only a few seconds
- Generally provides a very strong load capacity
Disadvantages of Using a Permanent Anchor
- Can be difficult to install and require professional installation
- Requires frequent inspection and maintenance
- Costlier than temporary anchors
- Less diverse in application when compared to temporary anchors
- Since they remain attached to the structure, they can create long-term liabilities in case of malfunction or misuse
Advantages of Using a Temporary Anchor
- Widely available
- Comes in a wide variety of materials and sizes
- Relatively cheap
- Easy and quick to install
- One anchor can be used in many different applications
- Can be installed by the end-user without specialized training
Disadvantages of Using a Temporary Anchor
- Wasteful (thrown away after a single use)
- Not very durable and may be weakened by elements on longer jobs (e.g. UV exposure will make nylon frail)
- Often has a lower strength rating compared to permanent anchors
- Its strength might be undermined by the anchorage, which might not be as solid or structurally sound as the ones used for permanent anchors
- If work has to be done again in the same area, a new anchor will be needed (which might damage a finished roof or other aspects of the building)
Requirements for Anchor Points
The weight support requirement for anchor points varies, depending on the type of fall protection system.
OSHA standard 1926.502 states:
“Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall be… capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached, or shall be designed, installed, and used as follows: as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two”
According to the requirements set out in ANSI/ASSE Z359.2 and Z359.6, an anchor is expected to withstand the following levels of impact.
Anchors Used for Fall Arrest
Anchor points used for fall arrest must have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds per person attached.
Alternatively, anchor points can be designed, installed, and used as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two, under the supervision of a qualified person.
Anchors Used for Fall Restraint
Anchor points used for fall restraint must be capable of supporting at least 1,000 pounds (4.5 kN) per person attached.
Alternatively, anchor points can be designed and installed to meet a safety factor of at least two times the foreseeable forces that would be exerted in the event of a fall.
The system must be designed to ensure that a worker cannot reach the fall hazard. This often involves the use of lanyards or other connecting devices that are shorter than the distance to the hazard.
Work Positioning System
Anchor points for work positioning systems must be capable of supporting at least 3,000 pounds (13.3 kN) per person attached.
Alternatively, anchor points can be designed and installed to meet a safety factor of at least two times the foreseeable forces that would be exerted in the event of a fall or other forces exerted during positioning.
Selecting the Right Anchorage
When selecting anchorage, there are a few helpful things to keep in mind:
- Purpose: Whether the anchorage will be used for fall protection, fall restraint, or work positioning.
- Compatibility: The anchorage must be compatible with the other materials used in the fall protection system, including the anchorage connector. This means not only avoiding accidental disengagement but also not weakening the entire system by using differently rated fall protection components.
- Structure: The structure to which the anchorage is attached should be able to withstand at least the same impact force as the anchor.
To select the right anchor, review the types of anchors and consider their limitations. If you’re unsure of the best option or a particular application, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Regularly Inspect Fall Protection Anchors and Anchorage
Every component of the fall protection system should be inspected daily, before use. This includes anchorages and anchorage connectors.
Employees should be trained in how to thoroughly inspect their fall protection equipment. Often, anchor points are identified and anchors are installed right before being used. That makes it critical for workers to be competent in selecting an anchorage, installing an anchor, and inspecting all components.
The anchors available on the market are as varied as the applications they are used for, so providing generic instructions on how to inspect them would be futile. Likewise, the formal fall protection training the employee completes should be supplemented by a review of the manufacturer’s instructions for the inspection process for that specific anchor model.
For permanent and reusable anchors, it is a good idea to schedule regular inspections from third-party professionals.
If an inspection reveals any defects, inadequate maintenance, or unsafe conditions, remove the equipment from service immediately.
Any component that has been involved in a fall should also be decommissioned immediately. While it may appear to remain in good condition, even a minor fall can subject it to an amount of force that could compromise its effectiveness.
Anchorages to Avoid
It can be difficult to find a sturdy and convenient anchor point for a personal fall arrest system. This can tempt workers and supervisors to use makeshift anchorages that are not adequate to the task. Often, they do this to avoid losing time and delaying their work. However, those sub-par anchorages and anchors can undermine the integrity of the fall protection system and put workers at risk.
Never use the following as anchorages.
- Weak Structures: Including guardrails, ladders, rungs, scaffolding components, light fixtures, plumbing pipes, conduit, ductwork, and ventilation pipes. These structures aren’t designed to handle fall arrest forces and could break, putting the worker at even greater risk.
- Non-Structural Elements:
- Furniture (Desks, Chairs, Tables): These items are not designed to act as anchorage and can tip over or break.
- Roofing Materials (Shingles, Tiles): These materials are not designed to handle the forces from a fall and can easily break away.
- Rebar: Unless the anchor is embedded in concrete and specially designed for this, rebar itself isn’t a reliable anchor point.
- Improvised Anchorages: Using vehicles, cranes, scaffolding or other structures as anchors is highly risky. These might not be stable enough to withstand a fall.
- Damaged Anchorage: Even certified anchorage needs to be inspected. If it shows any sign of damage, don’t use it until a qualified professional checks and approves it.
When it comes to poor anchor choices, here are some additional points to consider.
- Anchor Capacity: The chosen anchor point must be rated to support the weight of a potential fall, including the worker, equipment, and any potential swing forces.
- Location: Avoid attaching your fall protection system to an anchor point that could cause the worker to swing. The swing can lead to the worker impacting a level below or coming in contact with a sharp edge or another hazard during a fall.
This list is not exhaustive. All potential risks should be considered when choosing your fall protection anchorage.
Making the Right Choice
Year after year, falls from heights are part of OSHA’s Fatal Four. But with good training, careful planning, and proper selection of fall protection components, most fall-related injuries could be avoided. Knowing how to choose a proper anchor and suitable anchorage is an essential step in ensuring the safety of employees.
However, always remember that eliminating the hazard is the best control method. So before getting bogged down into which anchor or anchorage is best, see whether it would be possible to remove the risk of falling altogether.
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