Are you planning to install
an anchor point on a building’s roof to improve safety while working on it at height? Anchor points are intended to ensure the safety of the professionals who work on your roof and they help to prevent accidents. However, there are a few important things to consider when installing the anchor – keep reading to find out.
What is the purpose of installing an anchor point?
The purpose of installing an anchor point is to secure professionals when they are working on a
building’s roof and to prevent them from injuring themselves seriously if they fall. However, for the anchor point to withstand and absorb the fall, it must be installed correctly and by a professional team only.
In a system with anchor points and cables the worker’s harness is firmly connected to the roof. The
system must be strong enough to support his weight and the additional force generated in the event of a fall. Simply put, anchor points are installed on roofs, walls, or structures with height to provide a safe anchor.
It is helpful to know that there are two types of anchor points, offering a range of options to suit your specific needs.
- Type I: Fixed anchor points. include those welded or bolted in structural concrete. Typically, fixed points are for horizontal lifelines or work tasks that require frequent connection and disconnection from the lifeline.
- Type II: temporary anchor points. fixed Temporary anchor point are designed to be portable and can be moved from one structure to another as required.
Which type of anchor point is suitable for the work site depends on several factors, such as the type of work performed or the surface on which the anchor point will be attached.
Why should the anchor points be installed by a professional team?
When choosing the location for an anchor point installation, it is essential to consider the forces it
will be subjected to, including weight, tension and fall forces. The anchor must withstand all these forces to ensure one hundred percent reliability. It must not fail if the person attached falls. Therefore, anchor points must be installed by qualified personnel. In addition, this is mandatory by relevant provisions and regulations of law.
Because their safety is top priority for workers at height, choosing the right company to install the anchoring points is important. A professional provider will install all anchor points safely, in the optimal places and he will ensure that you know how to use them properly. It is essential that the company who installs the system provides you with training regarding the use of the equipment
accompanying the anchor point. For example, instructions on how to correctly connect the anchor cables to the anchor points as well as to the harness and how to put on the harness itself correctly.
What is essential to know about anchor point maintenance?
In general, anchor points should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they remain in good condition and continue to provide adequate fall protection. After an anchor point is installed, inspections should be carried out by a qualified inspector at least once a year or more frequently, following the safety regulations. If maintained correctly, anchor points play a vital and critical role in preventing falls and ensuring the safety of workers in various work environments at height.
Installing, maintaining, and testing anchor points correctly is essential to ensuring the effectiveness of fall protection systems and preventing serious injuries or fatalities. Therefore, just as a professional company would assist you in installing anchor points, it is also important to use a professional team for anchor-point maintenance.
Essentials about anchor point maintenance
Anchor points should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they remain in good condition. Only then they can provide adequate protection from accidents for a long period
of time.
At least once a year or even more frequently, following the safety regulations, inspections should be carried out by a qualified inspector. Just as a professional company would assist you in installing anchor points, it is also important to use a professional team for anchor point maintenance.
If maintained correctly, anchor points can reliably play their vital and critical role in preventing
falls and ensuring the safety of workers.
Questions resolved? If not, contact GOVA!
In conclusion, installing an anchor point is an important step to improving work safety at heights. Proper installation is key to ensuring that the anchor point can withstand the forces it will be subjected to. The first step before installing a system is to understand and differentiate between temporary and permanent anchor points, their installation and associated safety protocols.
Thus, making an informed decision, you will be able to opt for an anchoring system that best suits the needs of the professionals working on your roof.
Contact the GOVA team for more information on installing anchor points of all kinds or in case of any further questions! We will be happy to provide you with a non-binding consultation.