Anchors and Application Areas

Anchors and Application Areas

When we classify working at height equipment and systems in occupational safety as A-B-C-D-E, the letter A (Anchorage) represents anchors. Works carried out at height are generally unique, and each working method may differ from one another. Therefore, there are many different types of anchor structures depending on the nature of the work and the type of structure to be worked on.

Anchors are secure safety points where personnel tie themselves to arrest a possible fall and restrict the work area while working at height. Anchors used in working at height must comply with EN 795 and CEN/TS 16415 standards. According to the standard, the minimum load-bearing capacity of these systems must be 12 kN.

Anchors can be mounted on concrete, steel, wooden, and roof structural elements. It is of vital importance that the structural elements where the installation will be made have the load-bearing capacities expected by the standard. Permanent and mobile anchor systems are preferred for working at height, rescue, and emergency evacuation operations in areas such as confined space works, roofs, facades, crane tracks, and on top of vehicles or machinery.

Anchor Types

Anchors used in working at height activities are divided into two as permanent and mobile according to their usage:

1. Permanent Anchors

Permanent anchors are tested and certified according to EN 795A, EN 795C, EN 795D, and EN 353-1 standards. Permanently mounted on the structure, these systems are applied to concrete or steel structures in areas such as industrial facilities, plazas, shopping malls, and hospitals. The main permanent anchor points are anchor plates, steel wire rope or rail horizontal lifelines, and vertical lifelines.

Criteria to be considered in permanent anchor installation on concrete:

  • Concrete quality must be minimum C25.

  • The concrete or wall must be drilled with a drill suitable for the structure.

  • The dust and debris inside the opened hole must be completely cleaned by blowing air.

  • An appropriate chemical anchor must be applied.

  • The permanent anchor must be installed in accordance with the standard together with the chemical anchor.

2. Mobile Anchors

Mobile anchors are portable systems certified according to EN 795B and EN 353-1 standards. It may not always be possible to install permanent anchors in work areas. In these cases, there is a need for systems that the personnel can carry with them and attach or remove according to the characteristics of the work.

The main mobile anchor systems are:

  • Mobile horizontal and vertical lifelines,

  • Endless webbing slings,

  • Profile (beam) anchors,

  • Adjustable anchor tripods.

Periodic Inspection and Safety

All anchor systems form the basis of working at height activities, as well as rescue and evacuation operations. In order to maintain the safety of these systems, periodic inspections must be carried out regularly every year by competent experts in accordance with the EN 365 standard.

You can contact ARGA SAFETY working at height system experts for correct anchor selection and engineering design processes suitable for your site.