A Safer Alternative to Makeshift Anchor Points
Before the roof anchor point became the industry standard, workers would tie themselves off to whatever was available at the time. If the makeshift anchor point weren’t sturdy, this would pose a great risk of death or injury if a fall were to occur. Pro-Bel patented the first roof anchor in North America, revolutionizing the safety of workers.
Nowadays, the industry has standardized tieback anchors available for rooftop workers, offered as either a single-point anchor or a horizontal lifeline system (also known as a horizontal fall protection system). They’re typically installed on buildings that have a parapet under 42 inches and are equipped within proximity to the roof edge.
There are roof anchor testing requirements mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure your workers' safety.
How rooftop workers use anchor points
When the hazard zone (within 10 feet of the roof edge) has no parapet and equipment that requires maintenance, workers use anchor points to secure themselves to the building. Workers use anchor points for roof fall protection, either in the form of a horizontal lifeline system or a single-point anchor, when working at heights.
Horizontal Fall Protection System
When implementing a horizontal lifeline system, the permanent roof anchors are laid out to allow a cable to pass through them and reach any equipment in the hazard zone. Then, the worker attaches their lanyard to the cable so they can traverse the hazard with reassurance that the horizontal lifeline system will catch them in the event of a fall.
Single Point Anchor
A single-point anchor serves the same purpose as a horizontal fall protection system; however, the roof anchor point stands alone, and the worker ties themselves off with a simple knot rather than setting up a complete cable line.
Anyone using these systems is required to have up-to-date training in working at heights, ensuring there’s no risk of injury or death due to unfamiliarity with the equipment.
How suspended maintenance workers use anchor points
Suspended maintenance workers use anchor points to either act as a tieback anchor for their lifeline or to host both their primary suspension line and lifeline.
Although window washers and other suspended maintenance personnel are associated with davits and platforms, most direct descent work involves permanent roof anchors and Bosun’s chairs. This type of setup is used on buildings under 300 feet (or 90 meters in Canada).
For some buildings, descent fall protection equipment such as davits or outrigger beams is used to host their suspension lines, and fall arrest anchors are used for their safety lines. Workers who routinely work on buildings with a drop distance of 300 ft would use this setup.
Design Safer Rooftop with the Right Roof Anchors
With our permanent anchor point, we’ll help ensure full compliance and safe access for rooftop or suspended work.
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