Anchorage Selection
A worker is on a roof and using a horizontal lifeline with a lanyard and a full body harness.
Date Posted: 05/31/2024
WAC 296-880-095 defines anchorage as “A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or deceleration devices….” Insufficient anchorage strength and inappropriate anchorage connection are two common mistakes with fall protection equipment. While anchorage connectors are essential tools for keeping workers safe while working at height, they are only effective if selected and used correctly. WAC 296-880-40020 states that anchorages must be “capable of supporting at least 3,000 pounds (13.3 kN) per employee attached if using a self-retracting lifeline that limits the free fall distance to two feet or less or a shock absorbing lanyard that restricts the force on the body to 900 lbs or less. For all other systems, anchor points must be rated at 5000 lbs.
What are the Different Types of Anchor Points?
Fall protection anchors and anchorage connectors must be independent and capable of supporting 5,000 lbs. per worker attached, or they may be designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person as part of a complete personal fall arrest system that maintains a safety factor of at least two times the maximum arresting force. In addition, anchors must be located high enough for a worker to avoid contact with a lower level should a fall occur. Anchor points can either be engineered or non-engineered. Anchors can be permanently installed for areas accessed often or portable for temporary anchor points. Permanent anchors are typically constructed from durable, heavy-duty, and corrosion-resistant materials for extended use and longevity.
Non-Engineered: Non-engineered anchors are not designed by a qualified person. These anchor points may include attachment points installed specifically for fall protection or existing structural components for connecting lanyards and harnesses. These anchor points must meet the OSHA 5,000-pound requirement and be carefully examined before use.
Engineered: Engineered anchor points are designed and installed specifically for fall protection and meet the requirement for a safety factor of two.
Permanent vs. Temporary Anchor Points
When you choose an engineered system, you must select permanent or temporary anchor points. Many structures feature permanent anchor points for fall protection systems, from high-rise buildings to homes. Permanent anchors are typically constructed from durable, heavy-duty, and corrosion-resistant materials for extended use and longevity. Permanent options require regular inspections, but their simple, one-time installation makes them a cost-effective choice, especially when jobs after the construction phase would require crews to use fall protection systems while working at height.
Temporary anchor points typically do not penetrate the building and are designed for short-term use. Workers affix them using system-specific instructions involving nails, slings, beam clamps, or other fasteners. Crews can move these anchorage points as needed and remove them when the work is complete. However, some structures may be unable to accommodate permanent anchor points, making these temporary anchor solutions essential.
How do you Select an Anchor Point?
When choosing a fall protection anchorage, looking at the safest options is best. If an engineered system is available, it should be used over any non-engineered anchor point. If non-engineered anchor points are the only options, start with the most robust material, such as a steel member. A wood member can offer a viable option, but it must be certified by someone who knows or can determine the load capacity of the member. Additionally, any anchor bolts, through-bolts, plate washers, eyebolts, turnbuckles, embeds, or beam clamps must be inspected and approved by a competent person before they can be used as an anchor point. Finally, always avoid known unsafe anchor points likely to fail during a fall event.
The following are examples of items that should NOT be used as anchor points for fall protection:
Standard guardrails/railings
Ladders, rungs, and scaffolding
Light Fixtures
Plumbing
Conduit and wiring harnesses
Ductwork and pipe vents
Rebar
Lanyards
Vents and fans
Roof stacks / Roof hatches
Metal chimneys
TV antennas
Air-condition units
Inspecting Anchor Points
Anchorages should be visually inspected for damage, corrosion, and suitability before connecting the fall protection equipment. A competent person should inspect permanent anchors at least once a year or according to the manufacturer's instructions. Always have anchors tested and re-certified by a qualified person for their stability and strength according to the requirements of the anchorage manufacturer or after any fall event.
Other Considerations for Anchor Points
Identify the location of anchor points and include which anchor points are to be used during the current work in the fall protection plan.
Make sure that the anchor(s) used are appropriate for strength, stability, and location for the work.
Make sure any permanent anchor points used for fall restraint are marked for fall restraint only.
Use the shortest lanyard that allows workers to perform their work safely. The lanyard should be attached to an anchor not lower than the worker’s shoulder height (unless an anchor at shoulder height is impossible).
Consider the swing-fall distance and free-fall distance when selecting the location of the anchor. Always try to choose the anchor point directly above the worker to reduce swing when a worker falls.
Select an anchor so the lifeline attached to it does not travel over a guardrail, parapet wall, or other parts of the structure. This contact with other structures will limit the effectiveness of the lifeline and could result in its failure.
Make sure that workers are trained in fall protection, including the correct use of anchors, and be able to assess the strength, stability, and location of the anchor.
Inspect the anchor before tying off the personal fall arrest or restraint system.
Use appropriate connectors (e.g., carabiners, quick links, snap hooks, and soft loops).
Use temporary anchors when permanent anchor points are not available.
When using temporary anchors, install, use, and remove them according to the manufacturer's specifications or specifications certified by a professional engineer.
Always remove the temporary anchor after completing the work as directed by the manufacturer's instructions or a professional engineer.
Always have anchors tested and inspected after a fall by a professional engineer (Qualified Person) for fall protection systems or the manufacturer.
Do not allow a worker to use a damaged anchor until the anchor is repaired, replaced, or re-certified by the manufacturer or a professional engineer (Qualified Person).
Resources
National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction (wa.gov)
