Fall Arrest Anchor Points

Why Anchorage Matters in Fall Protection

Anchorage devices must withstand significant forces during fall arrest events. For single-user systems, that's a minimum of 12kN. Multi-user applications demand higher load ratings. Structural assessment by a competent person is essential—it verifies that your chosen anchorage installation can safely support these forces without failure. Skip this step, and you've got a critical weak point in your entire fall protection system.

Mobile vs. Permanent Anchorage

Mobile beam anchors and trolleys suit steel-framed buildings and construction sites. They clamp securely to structural beams and can slide horizontally along the beam length, giving you flexibility to position the anchor exactly where you need it. Roof anchors handle pitched roof work, with designs ranging from temporary ridge anchors to permanent eyebolt installations. Anchor straps provide quick temporary anchorage around scaffold tubes, beams, or other robust structural elements—no tools, no modifications required.

The trade-off is straightforward. Mobile systems offer flexibility but require verification at each new location. That takes time and expertise. Permanent installations—like fixed eyebolts—demand one-time installation and testing, but then you're done. You know they work. The disadvantage? They're fixed in place, so you can only use them at that specific location.

Deadweight Anchors and Multi-User Systems

Deadweight anchors let you create secure anchorage points on surfaces without drilling, penetrating, or permanently modifying structures. Common on flat roofs and temporary work sites. Multi-user anchor systems enable multiple workers to connect simultaneously—critical for team operations at height. These systems are specifically designed so that if one worker falls, the anchor can support the arrested load without affecting other connected workers.

EN795 Certification and Safe Working Loads

Every anchorage device we supply meets EN795 standards. That's the European standard for permanent and temporary anchorage devices used in fall protection systems. Each device clearly displays its safe working load and maximum number of users. These aren't suggestions—they're limits based on rigorous testing. Exceeding them puts workers at unacceptable risk.

Selecting the Right Anchorage

Ask yourself: Is the structure strong enough? How many workers will use this anchor simultaneously? Will I return to this location, or is this a one-off project? Can I modify the structure, or do I need a non-penetrative solution? The answers point you toward mobile beam anchors, roof anchors, eyebolts, temporary straps, deadweight systems, or multi-user configurations. When in doubt, involve a competent fall protection assessor. It's not an unnecessary expense—it's insurance against catastrophic failure.

At Gloves n Stuff, we stock a full range of EN795-certified anchorage devices with fast UK delivery, so you can secure your fall protection foundations properly and quickly.