Roof anchor points - All you need to know

Have you ever tried working at heights? It’s a risky business. Working at heights remains a leading cause of work fatalities. Between 2015 and 2019, there were 122 fatalities from falls at height. It is always recommended to use roof anchor points when working at heights. This article will look at the best ways to stay safe when working on a roof.

Roof anchor points

The safest way to work on a roof is to install anchor points. These are especially useful if people regularly access your roof. The majority of businesses in Australia have anchor points installed as they have workers regularly accessing their roofs. In fact, anyone responsible for persons working at height on a roof must provide a roof safety system.

There are two types of anchor points:

Fall arrest points are used to restrain or arrest a fall. In Australia, they must be rated to a minimum of 15kN and comply with AS1891.4 and AS5532.

Abseil points can be used the same as fall arrest points but also to abseil. They must have a minimum rating of 15kN and comply with AS1891.4, AS5532 and AS4488. Although under AS1891.4 abseil anchor points can have a lesser rating of 12kN, they cannot be used for fall arrest or fall restraint. For that reason, installing abseil systems with a 12kN rating is not recommended.

There are two primary methods of fitting an anchor point to an existing roof – metal roof and tiled roof anchor point installation. There are different configurations of anchor points, such as:

• Purlin mounted
• Steel structure fix
• Concrete glue in
• Friction fix
• Surface mounted

The type you need will depend on the type of job and installation required.

Roof anchor point inspection

Anchor points must be inspected and certified every 6-12 months by a qualified and licensed technician. Surface-mounted anchor points usually only need a visual inspection. However, concrete glue-in and friction types must be load tested to 50% of their capacity for 3 minutes.

What is the best roof anchor point?

This is often a matter of choice, but some of the industry favourites are:

Miller by Honeywell RA35-1 – A temporary anchorage connection. It is a removable single-point anchor for flat roofs and surfaces. It meets all OSHA, ANSI and CSA standards.

Frontline Fall Protection ROWT18 – This roof wood truss anchor is designed to be installed in wood structures. It can be used in new or existing structures and weighs less than 1lb.

Sayfa 3Sixty Top Mount – The 360-degree swivel allows easier access and movement. It is perfect for lighter structures due to its uniform load distribution.

SafetyLink FrogLink Anchor – This surfaced mounted anchor is great for residential and commercial metal roofs. It is simple and fast to install, and its design reduces the impact on the person attached to the anchor. It offers 360-degree protection and is rated up to 15kN.

SafetyLink TileLink Anchors – With only a 30mm visible eyelet, this anchor is a great option for residential properties that don’t want an eyesore on their roof. It only comprises of one component, which makes installation simple and quick.

Frontline RO4W Multifunction 4-Way Anchor – If you need a higher anchor point, this beast is rated at 22kN. It can be used on concrete, metal or wood structures. It is made of ASTM-rated steel, making it very durable and strong. It meets or exceeds ANSI Z359.1-2007, ANSI A10.32-2012, OSHA 1926 and OSHA 1910.

There are many roof anchor points on the market, and your choice will depend on structure type, usage and installation. An authorised installer must install and certify all permanently installed roof anchor point systems in Australia. Therefore, it is best to consult them before buying anchor points.

I spoke with an expert at Sydney Anchor Points, and he said they use SafetyLink anchor points. He said his technicians love the engineering and construction of them. They are also impressed with the impact-absorbing qualities of this anchor point.

What to consider when buying a roof anchor point

There are many things to take into consideration before buying height safety equipment. Someone's life may depend on your choice, so it is not one to make lightly. Here are some of the things to consider before installing

• Always buy from a reputable company with high-quality products. This is not the time to try to get a bargain or save a few bucks. You can check online and see customer reviews to discern whether they are a good company with quality products.
• Does the anchor point comply with relevant standards such as AS/NZS1891.4?
• Is the roof anchor rated to withstand 15kN?
• What type of job are you using the anchor point for? Will it be a permanent or temporary installation? Choosing the correct roof anchor point for the job could save you a lot of money.
• What type of roof are you installing the anchor point to? Different anchor points are designed for different surfaces. This is where professional advice is recommended; making the wrong choice could lead to damaging the roof or even death.
• Is your installer qualified and certified to install your roof anchors?

Whether you are purchasing for a residential or commercial property, working at heights is a serious matter. Many deaths occur each year from falls from heights, many of that could have been avoided if the correct height safety system had been used.

Ladder brackets

If you need to access your roof using a ladder, it is strongly recommended to use a ladder bracket. Ladder-related incidents have caused a large percentage of injuries in Australia. Ladder brackets are simple devices that provide safety when using ladders. They are permanently fixed to your roof or wall and allow ladders to be secured in place. They prevent the top of the ladder from moving, making it safer when a person climbs up and down the ladder. Ladder brackets also protect your gutters from damage.

Ladder brackets can be moved easily, so you can fix them wherever you need access to the roof. They are easy to attach with simple tools, which means you can do it yourself. They are the cheapest, safest way to access your roof by ladder. A ladder bracket ensures three points of contact at all times so you can focus on the job at hand.

If you are interested in learning more about roof anchor points or ladder brackets, why not visit https://www.sydneyanchorpoints.com.au/. They have a wealth of information on their site.

A jack of all trades, but master of none, but often better than a master of one. I enjoy writing articles, Diy projects, and cooking. So come take a look at one of my articles and leave a comment.