4 Important Fall Protection Anchor Point Requirements

1. Anchorages used to attach to personal fall protection equipment must be independent of any anchorage used to suspend employees or platforms on which employees work.
2. Anchorages used to attach to personal fall protection equipment on mobile work platforms on powered industrial trucks must be attached to an overhead member of the platform, at a point located above and near the center of the platform.
3. Must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) for each employee attached
4. Must be designed, installed, and used, under the supervision of a qualified person, as part of a complete personal fall protection system that maintains a safety factor of at least two.

General Requirements

1. Stability and Strength: Anchor points should be able to support the intended load. The anchor points should be attached securely to a structure capable of withstanding the forces created during a fall stop. The anchor points should be tested and certified for strength to meet the specific requirements of relevant standards.
2. Accessibility and Location: Anchors should be placed strategically to ensure that workers working at height are adequately covered. The anchor points should be accessible and placed in a manner that minimizes the risk of swing falls or any other hazards. The length of the lanyard or lifeline should be considered to ensure that workers can reach their working area safely without having contact with lower levels.
3. Compatible with Equipment: Anchor points must be compatible with the connecting hardware in the fall protection system. Compatibility with different connectors such as carabiners and snap hooks is important. Compatibility is important to ensure a safe connection and reduce the risk of equipment failure in a fall.
4. Inspection and Certification: Anchor points should be installed by qualified individuals and inspected by manufacturer guidelines and applicable standards. It is important to conduct regular inspections of anchor points to maintain their good working conditions and ensure they are free from any defects or damages that may compromise their integrity. A qualified engineer or testing lab should also certify anchor points to ensure their strength and conformity with applicable standards.
5. Education and Training: Workers must receive sufficient training in the use of fall-protection equipment, which includes anchor points. The training should include topics like identifying suitable anchor points, checking equipment for defects, and correctly using connecting hardware. The right training will enable workers to identify potential hazards and take the appropriate measures to reduce risks when working at height.

Types of Anchor Points

Anchor points are available in different types, each designed to suit specific environments and applications.

1. Fixed anchor Points: These permanent anchor points are installed into structures such as steel beams or concrete walls. Fixed anchor points are used to attach fall protection systems in industrial, construction, and maintenance settings.
2. Temporary Anker Points are temporary anchor points that can be installed and removed easily. These are usually portable or temporary structures such as anchor posts or davits that offer a safe attachment point for workers working at height.
3. Horizontal Lifeline Systems Horizontal Lifeline Systems Horizontal Lifeline Systems Horizontal Lifeline Systems Horizontal lifelines are made up of a cable or rail system that spans over a large distance and has multiple anchor points to connect lanyards. Horizontal lifeline systems are perfect for applications that require workers to move horizontally across a surface.
4. Rebar Anchors: These anchors are used to secure reinforcing bars found in many concrete structures. These anchors are a great solution for construction sites or other environments with limited anchor points.

Tips for Choosing Adequate Anchor Point

It’s important to consider the most safe options when choosing a fall prevention anchorage. It is better to use an engineered system than any other anchor point. If there are no other options available, use the strongest material first, like a steel member. Wood members can be a good option but they must be certified by a person who can verify the load capacity. A competent person must also inspect and approve any anchor bolts or through-bolts and plate washers as well as eyebolts and turnbuckles.

Avoid anchor points known to be unsafe and likely to fail in a fall. Use any of the anchorage points below:

• Standard railings and guardrails
• Ladders and scaffolding
• Light Fixtures
• The Plumbing
• Conduit and Wiring Harnesses
• Ductwork, pipe vents, and ductwork
• Rebar
• Lanyards
• Vents and fans
• Roof stacks

You should also never use items or structures that do not meet OSHA standards. You can rely on the manufacturers of personal fall protection systems to answer all your questions and guide you in selecting a system that suits your needs.

Anchor Point Inspection

An experienced person who is familiar with identifying hazards and evaluating the safety equipment should inspect permanent anchor points at least once a year, but more frequent inspections may be required. Inspection requirements for anchor points and fall arrest systems are often unique. Manufacturers will recommend inspections in the user manual, which includes an ideal inspection schedule. Document these inspections properly by keeping the information below:

• Name of the person who is performing the inspection
• Date of inspection
• The findings of the inspection, as well as any modifications made to the system

Before attaching your fall protection system to anchor points, perform a visual check. If you notice visible damage, such as corrosion or cracks, do not use this anchorage point. Fasteners that are loose, damaged, or weakened can affect the stability and strength of an anchor point.

Connect the shortest self-retracting lanyard possible if the anchorage is in good shape. This will allow workers to complete their tasks. For safety, the retractable lanyard must not be attached below the worker’s shoulders.

An anchorage point can be weakened by excessive force during a fall. The manufacturer or an engineer trained in fall protection must test the equipment if a worker falls.

An inspection may reveal that the anchor point has been damaged by regular use or a fall. Remove it immediately.

Conclusion

Fall Protection Anchor Point Requirements are an essential component of a fall protection system. Fall Protection Anchor Point provides a safe attachment point for employees working at heights. Employers can ensure their employees’ safety and well-being by understanding and adhering to the regulatory standards. Regular inspections, appropriate training, and the selection and use of anchor points that are suitable for the job will help to reduce the risk associated with working at a height.