Anchors

Anchors

The anchor point is the single most critical component in any fall protection system. Regardless of how well-designed a harness, lanyard or fall arrester may be, the entire personal protective equipment (PPE) chain is only as strong as the anchorage to which it is attached. An anchor point — also referred to as an anchor device or anchorage — is the structural or portable fixing element to which the personal fall arrest system (PFAS) is connected. When a fall occurs, all forces generated by the event are transmitted directly to the anchor point, making its integrity, positioning and load capacity non-negotiable elements of worker safety at height.

At ipmarketi.com, the KARAM range of anchor products covers the full spectrum of anchorage solutions — from compact portable anchors for temporary works to permanently installed structural anchors for industrial facilities — all tested and certified in accordance with EN 795 and applicable European standards. This page provides a comprehensive guide to anchors: what they are, how they are classified, what standards govern them, how to select the right one, and how to maintain them correctly.

What Is an Anchor Point and Why Is It Critical in a Fall Protection System?

A personal fall arrest system consists of three subsystems: the full-body harness (body connection), the connecting subsystem (lanyard, shock absorber, self-retracting lifeline), and the anchorage (structural connection). The anchor point is where the entire system is fixed to a stable structure or surface. In the event of a fall, kinetic energy travels through the connecting subsystem and is ultimately absorbed partly by the shock absorber or SRL and partly transmitted as a residual static load to the anchor.

Modern fall arrest systems are designed to limit the peak arrest force experienced by the wearer — and by extension, transmitted to the anchor — to acceptable levels. Nevertheless, even in a well-engineered system the anchor point must be capable of withstanding substantial loads. EN 795 defines precise static test loads for anchor devices based on their type and the number of users they are intended to support. Selecting an anchor that meets these requirements, and installing it correctly on a structurally sound substrate, is therefore the foundation of any safe work-at-height programme.

Types of Anchor Devices

Anchors are broadly classified by their permanence (temporary vs. permanent), the substrate they are fixed to, the number of users they support, and their mobility along a structure. The following are the most widely used categories.

Temporary (Portable) Anchors

Temporary anchors are portable anchor devices that can be installed quickly for a specific task and removed once the work is complete. Typical examples include beam-clamp anchors that clamp to steel joists or H-beams, hook-type anchors that hang over structural edges, and multi-function portable anchors compatible with various structural profiles. Because they require no drilling, welding or permanent modification of the structure, they are popular with maintenance and inspection teams that work across multiple locations. EN 795 Type B covers many portable temporary anchors.

Permanent (Structural) Anchors

Permanent anchors are fixed to the structure for the long term and remain in place between uses. They include eyebolts mechanically or chemically fastened to concrete, welded or bolted anchor plates on steel structures, and integrated anchor brackets built into roof systems. These anchors are the preferred choice where regular access is required — for example, on maintenance walkways, industrial plant roofs, and commercial buildings. They fall under EN 795 Type A classification. Because they are permanently installed, regular inspection and certification are essential to confirm ongoing structural integrity.

Sling (Web) Anchors

Sling anchors — sometimes called web anchors — are textile or rope-based anchoring solutions that loop around a structural element (beam, column, pipe or rafter) to create an anchor point without any permanent attachment. Available in flat-webbing or round-sling configurations, they are lightweight, compact and extremely quick to deploy. They are particularly valued in steel construction, bridge maintenance, scaffold erection and any application where a temporary anchor must be created rapidly on an irregular structure. The relevant standard for the sling component covers webbing and rope slings; the assembled anchor device may fall under EN 795 B depending on configuration.

Concrete Anchors

Anchors designed for concrete substrates rely either on mechanical expansion or chemical (resin-bonded) fixings. Mechanical expansion anchors grip the concrete by wedging action as the bolt is tightened; they are straightforward to install but require crack-free, high-quality concrete. Chemical anchors (injected resin systems) achieve higher pull-out capacities and perform reliably even in cracked or lower-grade concrete. The choice between the two depends on the quality and condition of the concrete substrate, the required load capacity and environmental exposure. In all cases, installation must follow the manufacturer's instructions and the structural capacity must be verified by competent persons.

Steel Structure Anchors

Anchors for steel structures — columns, beams, plates and lattice frameworks — are available in welded or bolted configurations. Welded anchors provide the highest load capacity but require certified welders and post-weld inspection. Bolted anchor plates offer a non-destructive alternative that can be removed or repositioned if the structure is modified. Steel thickness, grade and weld configuration all directly influence the load-bearing capacity of the anchor assembly.

EN 795 Standard and Anchor Classes

The principal European standard governing anchor devices for personal fall protection is EN 795. This standard defines performance requirements, test methods and marking obligations for anchor devices intended to be used with personal fall protection equipment. Anchor devices are classified into types based on their design and application:

• Type A — Structural Anchors: Anchor devices fixed permanently to inclined, vertical or overhead surfaces (walls, columns, overhead structures). Tested under defined static loads.
• Type B — Portable Temporary Anchors: Anchor devices temporarily attached to a structure, including beam clamps, roof hooks and portable systems.
• Type C — Horizontal Lifeline Systems: Not a single anchor point but a flexible horizontal lifeline stretched between two or more anchor points. Allows the user to move along the line; multi-user configurations possible. The system must be designed and installed as a whole.
• Type D — Guided-Type Anchor Systems on a Rail: Rigid horizontal, inclined or vertical rails fitted to a structure, with a sliding traveller to which the user connects. Common on access ladders and maintenance platforms.

Each type is subject to specific static and dynamic tests under EN 795. Always refer to the current version of the standard and the manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity when specifying anchors for a project.

Anchor Strength and Safe Working Load

The load capacity of an anchor point is determined not only by the anchor device itself but also by the structural element to which it is fixed. An anchor rated to a specific load is only as good as the substrate and the quality of the installation. The Safe Working Load (SWL) — the maximum load that should be applied in service — is typically a fraction of the breaking strength and must account for dynamic loads arising from a fall event.

EN 795 specifies minimum static test loads per anchor type and per user. As the number of simultaneous users increases, the required structural capacity increases proportionally. For multi-user applications — particularly horizontal lifeline systems — the entire anchorage assembly must be designed by a competent engineer with relevant structural calculations.

Where the local structural element cannot provide sufficient capacity, load-spreading plates, anchor frames or composite fixing systems can distribute the load over a wider area of the substrate.

Single-User vs. Multi-User Anchors

Most standard anchor points are designed and rated for a single user at a time. However, some operations require two or more workers to be simultaneously connected to the same anchor or lifeline system. When multiple users must be accommodated:

• The anchor device or system must be explicitly rated for multi-user use in the manufacturer's technical documentation.
• The number of simultaneously connected users must not exceed the maximum stated in the relevant standard and the manufacturer's specifications.
• Structural calculations must account for worst-case simultaneous loading scenarios.

Horizontal lifeline systems (EN 795 Type C) are the most common engineering solution for multi-user applications, providing both mobility along a work zone and the capacity to support multiple connected workers — provided the system has been correctly designed and the anchor points at each end are appropriately dimensioned.

Anchor Positioning and Fall Factor

Where an anchor point is positioned relative to the worker has a profound effect on the severity of a fall. The key concept is the fall factor — the ratio of the distance fallen to the length of the connecting lanyard or rope in use at the moment of the fall. Fall factor values range from 0 (the anchor is above the user and falls are immediately arrested) to 2 (the theoretical worst case, where the anchor is at the user's feet).

As the fall factor increases, so does the energy the system must absorb and the peak arrest force transmitted to the anchor. This is why it is always preferable to position the anchor point at or above shoulder height — ideally directly overhead. Anchors positioned below the working platform significantly increase fall distance, arrest force and the risk of the worker swinging into an obstruction (the "pendulum effect").

In addition to fall factor, adequate clearance distance below the anchor point must be verified — meaning sufficient free space must exist below the worker to allow the fall to be arrested before any obstruction is reached. This calculation must account for the free-fall distance, the deployment of the shock absorber or SRL, the height of the worker and an appropriate safety margin.

Relevant Standards

The following standards are relevant when specifying, installing and using anchor devices as part of a personal fall protection system:

• EN 795: Personal protective equipment — Anchor devices for fall protection systems
• EN 354: Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Lanyards
• EN 355: Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Energy absorbers
• EN 360: Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Retractable type fall arresters
• EN 361: Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Full-body harnesses
• EN 363: Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Personal fall protection systems

In addition to the above PPE standards, structural fixings are subject to relevant construction product regulations and national building codes. Always consult a competent structural engineer when permanently installing anchor points on existing structures.

Applications

Anchor points and anchor devices are used across a wide range of industries and work-at-height scenarios:

• Construction: Roof work, facade installation, steel erection and formwork — temporary and permanent anchors for all phases of building construction
• Industrial maintenance: Refineries, petrochemical plants, power stations and manufacturing facilities where workers must access elevated equipment for inspection, servicing and repair
• Telecommunications and energy: Antenna masts, communication towers, wind turbines and high-voltage transmission towers
• Roofing and facade maintenance: Cleaning, painting and weatherproofing of commercial buildings, public facilities and residential complexes
• Bridges and civil infrastructure: Inspection and repair of bridge decks, piers, arches and viaducts where fall protection systems must be engineered for each unique structure
• Mining and quarrying: Wall anchors and ground anchors for working on steep faces and within mine workings
• Rail and transport infrastructure: Maintenance of overhead line equipment, stations, gantries and embankment structures

Selecting the Right Anchor

Choosing the correct anchor device for a given application requires a systematic evaluation of several factors:

1. Substrate type and condition: Concrete, steel, masonry or timber substrates each require different anchor types and installation methods. The structural condition of the substrate must be assessed before selection.
2. Permanence of use: A short-term project with changing work locations calls for a portable or temporary anchor; a permanently manned access point warrants a fixed structural anchor.
3. Number of users: Is the anchor for a single worker or must it accommodate multiple simultaneous users? Multi-user requirements drive up the structural demand significantly.
4. Working height and clearance: What is the available clearance below the anchor point? Is there enough free space to arrest a fall before the worker contacts any obstacle?
5. Environmental conditions: Corrosive environments (marine, chemical), extreme temperatures or UV exposure may require stainless steel, coated or specially rated anchor materials.
6. Regulatory requirements: Which EN 795 type is required? Are there project-specific or client specifications that must be met?
7. Compatibility with the rest of the PFAS: The anchor's connector — typically a steel ring or eye — must be compatible with the karabiner or connector on the lanyard or SRL being used.

When in doubt, consult a qualified safety professional or the technical support team at ipmarketi.com before making a selection.

Installation, Use and Inspection

Installation

All anchor devices must be installed strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and any applicable engineering drawings. Permanent anchors should be installed by competent, trained persons. Following installation — and before first use — the anchor assembly should be inspected (and load-tested where required by the manufacturer or project specification) to confirm that the installation meets the required standards.

Pre-Use Check

Before each use, the anchor point should be subjected to a visual inspection by the user:

• Are there any signs of corrosion, cracking or deformation on the anchor body or its fixing?
• Are all bolts and fasteners secure and at the correct torque?
• Is the substrate (concrete, steel beam, etc.) visibly undamaged around the fixing?
• Is the marking/labelling legible and within the service life indicated?

Periodic Inspection

Anchor devices must undergo periodic formal inspection by a competent person at intervals not exceeding those recommended by the manufacturer — typically at least once per year, or more frequently in demanding environments. Records of these inspections should be kept. Any anchor device that has been involved in a fall arrest event must be taken out of service immediately and assessed by a competent person before being returned to use.

Service Life and Retirement

The service life of an anchor device depends on the material, the frequency of use, the environmental conditions and the maintenance history. Manufacturers specify the maximum service life in the product's technical documentation. An anchor must be immediately retired from service if any of the following apply:

• It has been subjected to a fall arrest event
• Visible corrosion, cracking, distortion or mechanical damage is observed
• The maximum service life specified by the manufacturer has been reached
• A periodic inspection has identified a non-conformity
• The origin, history or conformity of the device cannot be established

Retired anchor devices should be rendered unusable and disposed of appropriately to prevent inadvertent reuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an anchor point and a fall arrest anchor?

These terms are often used interchangeably. Broadly speaking, any fixed or portable point to which fall protection equipment is connected can be called an anchor point. A "fall arrest anchor" specifically refers to an anchor used as part of a personal fall arrest system — one designed to stop a fall in progress, as opposed to a fall restraint system which prevents the worker from reaching the fall hazard in the first place.

How much load must an anchor point support?

EN 795 specifies static test loads for each anchor type. The exact requirement depends on the anchor classification and the number of users it is designed to support. Manufacturers' Declaration of Conformity documents state the test loads to which each product has been subjected. For project-specific requirements, a structural engineer should confirm that both the anchor device and its substrate meet the necessary load criteria.

Can more than one person connect to the same anchor?

Only if the anchor device has been explicitly rated and certified for multi-user use. Single-user anchors must not be shared. For applications requiring simultaneous connection of multiple workers, a multi-user anchor system or a properly engineered horizontal lifeline (EN 795 Type C) should be specified.

Why should I use a sling anchor instead of a fixed eyebolt?

Sling (web) anchors are ideal when drilling or welding into the structure is not possible or desirable, when the work is temporary and in a different location each time, or when the structural element — such as a steel beam or column — provides a convenient loop point. They are lighter, faster to deploy and can be removed without leaving any mark on the structure. Fixed eyebolts are preferable for permanent, regularly accessed anchor points where the anchor does not need to be moved.

How often should anchor devices be inspected?

At minimum, a visual pre-use check should be performed before every use. A formal periodic inspection by a competent person is required at intervals recommended by the manufacturer — usually at least annually, and more frequently in harsh environments or under intensive use. Any anchor involved in a fall arrest event must be inspected before the next use, regardless of how recently it was last periodically inspected.

What is the EN 795 standard and why does it matter?

EN 795 is the European harmonised standard for anchor devices used in personal fall protection systems. Products conforming to EN 795 have been tested and certified to meet defined performance and load requirements, giving the buyer confidence that the anchor device will perform correctly under the conditions for which it is rated. Specifying EN 795-compliant anchors is essential for meeting regulatory requirements in EU countries and Turkey, and for demonstrating due diligence in workplace safety management.

Why Choose KARAM Anchors from ipmarketi.com?

KARAM is an internationally recognised manufacturer of fall protection equipment with decades of engineering experience. KARAM anchor products are developed and tested in accordance with EN 795 and relevant European directives, and carry the CE marking required for sale within the European Economic Area and Turkey.

Purchasing KARAM anchor devices through ipmarketi.com offers the following advantages to B2B customers:

• Complete product range: Temporary anchors, permanent structural anchors, sling anchors and all associated accessories available from a single source
• Technical expertise: Access to product selection guidance, application analysis and advice on regulatory compliance
• Authentic, certified products: Direct access to original KARAM products with full documentation — no risk of counterfeit or non-compliant items
• Fast fulfilment: Stock-supported dispatch to minimise project delays
• B2B-focused service: Corporate pricing, account management and bulk order handling tailored to procurement teams and safety managers

Selecting the correct anchor point is one of the most important decisions in any work-at-height safety plan. Browse the KARAM anchor range on ipmarketi.com, or contact our technical support team for guidance on finding the right solution for your specific application.