Anchorage points selection guide
Anchors
The anchor device is part of the personal fall protection system and includes an anchor point that may be temporary or permanent, depending on the classes defined by the EN 795 standard. Learning how to select the right anchor device is therefore essential, based on the available substrate, the number of simultaneous users, and the configuration of the workstation (horizontal movement, confined space, roofing, etc.).
The EN 795 standard
Use: There is no good fall arrest system without a good anchor point. Whatever type of work is to be carried out, and whether it is temporary or regular, it is essential to choose the right anchor point and to check that the host structure (building, metal structure, pylon, etc.) is sufficiently strong.
As anchors form a very broad product family, they are divided into different types. Here is a summary of the various types of anchors:
Type A
Anchor device requiring the fixing of one or more structural anchors
Type B
Anchor device not requiring the fixing of one or more structural anchors
Type C
Anchor device using a horizontal flexible anchor line
Type D
Anchor device using a horizontal rigid anchor line
Type E
Deadweight anchor device
What to choose ?
The anchor point is unquestionably the most delicate element of a fall arrest system to select if it is to guarantee optimal safety. When choosing the anchor point, you must first determine where to install it. To do so, the following aspects must be taken into account:
- Static strength of the anchor point: > 12 kN
- Installation height: high enough relative to the first potential obstacle in the event of a fall (see fall factor diagram)
- Position: directly above the workstation in order to avoid the risks associated with the pendulum effect (see pendulum effect diagram below)
The different fall factors
Fall factor 0
Anchor point positioned above the user's attachment point
Fall factor 1
Anchor point positioned at the same level as the user's attachment point
Fall factor 2
Anchor point positioned below the user's attachment point
The pendulum effect
As far as possible, priority should be given to work situations with a fall factor of 0 or 1, and installing a fall arrest system on an anchor point with a fall factor of 2 should be avoided where possible; the pendulum effect must be kept as low as possible.
Load axes on anchor points
In a 3D representation of space, symbolised as follows:
Legend:
x = right / left axis
y = up / down axis
z = back / front axis
We have created the following 4 pictograms to help you understand the direction in which the load can be applied to our anchor points:
This anchor is to be used only in a horizontal direction relative to the installation.
This anchor is to be used only in a vertical direction relative to the installation.
This anchor is to be used in both a horizontal and a vertical direction relative to the installation.
This anchor is to be used in all 3 directions relative to the installation.
With this guide, you now have everything you need to correctly choose the anchors required to work at height with comfort and safety on a daily basis. Choose KRATOS SAFETY today.
