Annual Roof Anchor Inspections vs Recertification

What is roof anchor recertification?

Roof anchor recertification refers to the required load testing on tieback anchors that compose either a rooftop fall protection system or a window washing system.

Compliance with OSHA 1910.27(b)(1)(i) requires that building owners inform employers, in writing, that they have identified, tested, certified, and maintained each anchorage so that it is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds in any direction, for each worker attached.

What is a roof anchor inspection?

The annual anchor inspections involve a trained professional conducting a visual inspection of the anchor points to confirm that there is no damage or issue with the system's structural integrity. These inspections are due annually, and if they aren't conducted after a 12-month time interval passes since the previous inspection, the building will take full liability in the event of an accident.

What is the difference between roof anchor recertification and inspections?

The annual roof anchor inspections are only visual and assess if the equipment has any issue that could affect performance, whereas roof anchor recertification actively load tests the equipment to ensure it can carry its maximum load capacity.

When is recertification/load testing due?

Recertification is due every 5 years for adhesive roof anchors and every 10 years for all other models (unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer).

After certification expires, no rooftop maintenance can be conducted on areas of the roof where workers are required to tie off anchor points. Additionally, no suspended maintenance work can be done until the tieback anchors are recertified.

Importance of anchor recertification

The tieback anchors on a building’s roof compose a fall protection system that keeps workers safe from injury or death that can occur in the event of a fall. It’s paramount that these systems are in peak order so there is no risk associated with rooftop maintenance. Hence, annual inspections and recertification via load testing are needed to ensure the fall protection system is up to code.

Whose duty is it to set up recertification

It’s the duty of the building owner, property manager, or any other building associate responsible for the safety of the property. Whoever is delegated that task takes full responsibility if an accident occurs on equipment that passed its inspection on the recertification date.

It’s always better to book both load tests ahead of their due date in case emergency rooftop maintenance is needed, which can’t be conducted on roof anchors past their certification date.

When should recertification be booked?

The best time to contact a fall protection company is when the 10-year or 5-year fall protection recertification is almost due or overdue. When recertification is overdue, window washing cannot be done, and work cannot be conducted anywhere on the rooftop that requires an attachment to tieback anchors. This can be a significant issue if any of the equipment on the roof needs emergency repairs. Hence, it’s always better to book in advance.

Additionally, a recertification needs to be booked immediately if any of the following are happening;
-A professional engineer does not approve the current roof plan
-The tieback anchors or other fall protection equipment received damaged
-The previous recertification occurred before the OSHA update

If any of the following issues are happening;
-The rooftop has an inadequate amount of tieback anchors
-The fall protection system failed the load test

Please contact one of Pro-Bel’s representatives, and we will discuss options to ensure your roof is OSHA-compliant.

How to schedule a suspended access/fall protection load test

To schedule a load test for recertification, contact Pro-Bel via our primary email, info@nullpro-bel.com, or call us at 1 800 461 0575.

Pro-Bel provides fall protection and suspended access equipment load tests throughout most of North America.

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