Anchor Points for Fall Protection
In any active fall protection system, careful consideration must be taken in determining a suitable anchorage point for tying off. Single point anchors can be used in a variety of tasks and applications. The important considerations for single anchorage points are as follows:
- Does the anchor point provide full and safe access in the work area? Anchor points can often unknowingly be misused. Going too far away from the anchor point and creating dangerous swing fall situations must be avoided.
- Is the anchor in a place that allows for sufficient fall distance to arrest or prevent the fall? An overhead anchor point is typically preferred over a foot level anchor point to minimize fall distances.
- Is the anchor point going to be used for suspended access or window washing? If so, there are special strength requirements for these types of anchors that may exceed a standard fall arresting anchor point.
- Is the structure the anchor point is attached to capable of supporting the required loads? Improvised or non-certified anchor points must be able to withstand 5,000 lbs. FLS Certified anchors points are typically engineered to much lower load requirement, allowing the use of anchor points on structures that ordinarily might be insufficient.
- How do I access an anchor point safely? Getting to a tie off point safely is just as important as doing the work safely. Evaluating the work path to ensure and ensuring that the user can tie off safely before being exposed to the fall hazard is essential. Sometimes this may require the use of taglines or other devices that allow the user to tie off before climbing or accessing the fall hazard area.
- Who is qualified to design a certified anchor point system? A qualified person, typically a structural engineer with experience in the design of fall protection systems, should be the only person designing certified anchorage points.
Flexible Lifeline Systems are experts in the design and implementation of anchorage points for use in fall protection. From pre-engineered rigid rooftop anchor posts and innovative portable systems to custom-designed overhead systems, Flexible Lifeline Systems offers anchor point solutions to meet a range of needs and budgets. OSHA and ANSI compliant, cost effective and easy to use, our tie off options anchors are being used in general industry and building maintenance applications around the world. All Flexible Lifeline System anchors exceed the industry standard requirements.
