Anchor Tests

Anchor testing refers to testing methods for anchor devices used to ensure the safety of workers at height. These devices are the anchor points to which fall arrest, work positioning, or restraint systems are attached.

Anchor equipment plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, stability, and security of various operations. The reliability of anchor equipment is crucial to the success of various applications.

Essentially, anchoring equipment refers to a collection of components used to stabilize a structure. It's used in industrial environments to secure platforms, equipment, or structures. Furthermore, anchoring equipment plays a vital role in preventing accidents that could pose a threat to both the environment and human life.

The European standard "EN 795 Personal fall protection equipment - Anchor devices" is an important standard designed to ensure the safety of workers exposed to fall risks in various sectors. For those working in construction, maintenance, or any elevated structure, compliance with this standard ensures that fall protection systems meet the highest safety requirements. This standard defines the performance requirements and associated test methods for single-user anchor devices intended to be removable from the structure. These anchor devices include fixed or mobile anchor points designed to connect components of personal fall protection systems in accordance with EN 363. However, the following are outside the scope of this standard:

• Anchor devices that allow multiple users to connect simultaneously
• Anchor devices used in any sporting or recreational activity
• Equipment designed in accordance with EN 516 or EN 517 standards
• Structural elements or parts (e.g. beams) installed for a purpose other than an anchor point or anchor device
• Structural anchors

EN 795 is a standard that outlines requirements for fall protection equipment and systems. Specifically, it covers the design, testing, and performance criteria for anchor devices used to prevent or arrest falls from height. These devices include anchor points, lifelines, and other systems designed to secure workers in high-risk environments.

This standard is essential for ensuring the reliable operation of fall arrest systems such as safety harnesses, safety ropes, and anchors under various conditions, including extreme weather conditions or dynamic forces. The EN 795 standard is legally binding in European Union countries and has been adopted as the benchmark for safety in fall protection systems in many parts of the world.

The EN 795 standard defines the following requirements for anchor devices used in fall protection systems:

• Durability and strength: All anchor devices must be able to withstand the significant forces generated by a fall. These forces include dynamic loads, which are the sudden, high-impact forces generated during fall arrest.
• Installation and testing: This standard requires all anchor devices to be installed and tested in accordance with detailed regulations. This includes testing the anchor's ability to withstand both static and dynamic loads.
• Instructions for use: Manufacturers are required to provide clear instructions on the proper use, maintenance, and limitations of anchor devices.

The various types of fall protection anchors defined in the EN 795 standard are:

• Type A (fixed anchors): Permanent anchor points secured to a structure. These are typically installed on rooftops, bridges, and other tall structures where continuous fall protection is required.
• Type B (temporary anchors): These are portable and can be moved from one location to another, providing flexibility for temporary work. They are often used in maintenance, construction, or other situations where the work area changes frequently.
• Type C (anchor devices for horizontal lifelines): These devices are designed for use with horizontal lifeline systems that allow workers to move freely across a roof or other elevated surface while remaining safely attached to an anchor point.
• Type D (positioning ropes and fall restraints): These devices are used in fall restraint applications where the worker is prevented from falling by the device.
• Type E (anchor devices for restraint systems): Used primarily for systems that restrict mobility and prevent the worker from reaching a fall hazard.

The EN 795 standard defines the following performance tests to ensure that anchors meet the required strength criteria:

• Minimum strength: The anchor must withstand a minimum force of 12 kN for Type A devices. This corresponds to the force generated by a worker falling from a height of 2 meters.
• Dynamic load testing: Anchors must be tested for their ability to absorb shock loads. For example, Type A anchors are subjected to dynamic testing that simulates the forces created when a worker falls.
• Wear resistance: The materials used must be resistant to environmental stress, including UV exposure, humidity and temperature fluctuations.

This standard ensures that all fall protection components, such as safety harnesses, lanyards, and connectors, are compatible with anchor devices. This means users can safely and securely attach their personal protective equipment to the anchor point without risking malfunction.

The EN 795 standard is considered important for the following reasons:

• Worker Safety: The primary goal of this standard is to protect workers at risk of falling, particularly in industries such as construction, roofing, and maintenance. Ensuring that anchor devices meet rigorous safety standards helps minimize accidents, injuries, and deaths resulting from falls.
• Legal compliance: In the European Union and many other jurisdictions, compliance with the EN 795 standard is required by law for all work involving fall hazards. Organizations must ensure that their fall protection systems meet the standard to avoid legal liability, fines, and other penalties.
• Industry best practices: The EN 795 standard sets the benchmark for fall protection equipment across Europe. Manufacturers use it to design reliable, high-quality products, while employers rely on it to implement best practices for worker safety. It's an internationally recognized standard that helps harmonize safety requirements across borders.

Companies that manufacture anchor devices are responsible for ensuring that their products comply with the relevant performance and testing criteria of the EN 795 standard, providing clear and comprehensive user instructions and warnings for installation, use and maintenance, and providing certificates of conformity to maintain traceability and prove that their products meet the requirements of the standard.

Employers, on the other hand, are responsible for ensuring that all fall protection systems, including anchor points, meet the requirements of EN 795, train employees in the correct use of the fall protection system and ensure that inspections are carried out regularly, and use only EN 795 certified equipment and install it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Consequently, the EN 795 standard is a vital framework for ensuring the safety of workers at height by regulating the design, installation, and testing of fall protection anchor systems. It helps minimize the risks associated with working in hazardous environments by ensuring anchor points and fall protection systems are reliable, durable, and compatible with other safety equipment.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, has a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide anchor testing services to businesses.