Author: Ellis Fall Safety Administrator

Anchor points are attachment devices that allow access to unguarded structures and edges by trained workers. They are generally designed for protection from falls from heights. There are many types of anchors, and the correct anchor system should always be selected for each working site. It’s important that building anchor point installers are trained and capable of fabricating and installing the proper anchor system. Anchor points for window cleaners must be designed by registered structural engineers meeting OSHA regulations specifies in 2017.

There are several purposes of an anchor point, which include fall arrest, rope access and re-direction. Determining each purpose and appraising the surface’s suitability helps in the selection of the right anchor, and to the system layout. Anchors should have a minimum breaking strength of 15kN (1500kg static load) for one individual or 21kN (2100 kg static load) for two individuals. A competent worker is required to install, test and approve an anchor point in accordance with AS/NZS 1891.4: 2009 and more recently OSHA regulations for use with Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – selection, use and maintenance often prescribed by skilled window cleaner companies.

A lanyard can be attached to a horizontal anchor which consists of lifelines and static lines. This allows a series of movement along the path of the line. A competent worker should also install and check these lines regularly at least annually. With reference to the components utilized and significant forces, there will be limitations on use, including the maximum number of individuals who may be able to be connected at a particular time.

Competent workers are individuals who through a combination of training, education and experience, acquired knowledge and skills allowing them to properly perform anchor point fabrication and installation. 

Permanently installed anchor points should be regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. History of installation and testing can be viewed by individuals authorized to access the anchor site through an owner-approved tagging systems. Tags are mainly used to provide information on the installer’s name, date of installation and certification, the rating and purpose of the anchorage and the highest number of individuals allowed to be connected to the anchor at any particular time.

Ellis Fall Safety helps choose the structural engineer firm that is local and competent with proper licenses in the state of installation

Most industries have areas where workers are exposed to fall hazards. Developing and implementing effective fall protection programs in the workplace can put a stop to many injuries and fatalities. The proper set of fall protection equipment prevents injuries, saves lives and makes good business sense.

Fall protection equipment is used to protect individuals working at-height from fall injuries in the case of a fall. When fall hazards have been identified in a working environment, elimination should be taken into account. Elimination of all fall hazards from the workplace is the ideal method of fall prevention. This involves restructuring the working environment and the work procedures and processes. If this is unworkable, then fall prevention should be used.

Barriers, scaffolds (swing stages), movable platforms, and guardrails are ways fall prevention can be implemented by workers working at heights. Where these devices are unusable, personal fall protection equipment such as full body harnesses, lanyards, rope grabs, lifelines and retractable lifelines (SRD’s) can be considered. OSHA requires personal fall protection for workers at different heights depending on the job.

Anchorages, body support, and means of connection are the three major components that make up a complete fall protection system. Each one must be in place and correctly used to create maximum worker protection. While each of these components is important to worker safety, the connecting device is the decisive link in putting together a safe fall protection system since it bears the utmost force during a fall. Cautious consideration must be given to the materials, construction, selection, and maintenance/inspection of fall protection equipment before, during and after a connecting device has been chosen and inspection following a fall.

Since a lot of fall hazards cannot be eliminated, identifying potential hazards before starting a project is very important. Whenever the possibility for a fall is in view, a fall protection system must be used to make sure workers are safe. To save lives and lessen injuries, workers must be prepared with both the suitable equipment and adequate training.

Anchor points are required as a compatible system when workers are active on an elevated area that is close to an unprotected edge or workers are exposed to the hazard of falling. Anchor points are used as part of a fall protection system when workers are cleaning windows or carrying out suspended scaffold building maintenance. These can be part of a Building Facade Access System found commonly outside the USA.

OSHA defines an anchorage as a secure point of attachment for deceleration devices, lifelines, or lanyards. Anchorages are fixed structural components like a beam, girder, column or floor that can bolster the powers applied in arresting a fall. Anchorage connector is the component by which the connecting device is coupled to the anchorage. It may be a tripod, D-bolt, beam anchor, cross-arm strap, davit, hook anchor, or other secure devices that serves as a point of connection for deceleration devices, lifelines, or lanyards.

Anchorages and anchorage connectors are designed to support 5,000 lb per employee attached. Installation and usage of these components are done under the supervision of a qualified individual as part of an inclusive personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety feature of two or more. They must be independent and also be located high enough to prevent a worker from having contact with a lower level should a fall happen.

When building an anchor point, start by doing a hazard identification and estimation of the given work site. Then plan the system before beginning work. Put in thought every potential paths of user movement and all factors that could affect the user’s safety before, during and after a fall anyplace along these paths. All hazards identified in the work environment evaluation must be tended to and reasonable controls arranged and executed.

A certified individual must choose the components, materials, anchorage and anchorage connectors to match the system application, the work, workplace hazards and the environment. They must decide the fundamental areas of anchorages to guarantee that the user will be constantly connected when exposed to hazards of falling. Choose anchorages that are firm and have the strength required.

Cautiously choose the areas of the anchorages to lessen probable free fall distance, avoid swing fall dangers, and give clear space in the possible fall paths to avoid striking an item. Try not to choose anchorage areas that will require the user to work above the anchor as this will increase the possible free fall and avoidable fall distances. The angle of cable from anchor to edge must not exceed 15 degrees.

Anchor points are important for maintaining safety at height operations and are typically  installed on the roof of tall buildings. They form an integral component of the fall protection system that keeps workers safe while performing tasks like window cleaning, painting, concrete repairs, light installation, and more. Anchor points intended for window cleaners are critical for building owners and managers to understand that they must be certified for use by a registered structural engineer before use by any window cleaner. The window cleaner must receive the documented list of anchor points from the owner prior to starting work This is required by OSHA.  Temporary anchor points installed by a roofer or other trade are unsuitable for use by window cleaners

Anchor points are used as a connection point for lifelines, work restraint systems and rope access plus suspended scaffolds. They can be temporary or permanent, depending on one’s needs and the nature of the task. Permanent anchor points are used for buildings that require constant work by rope access technicians. They can also be simple or highly sophisticated and complex, offering workers a complete lifeline system.

Anchor point installation in USA requires diverse components that are determined – using product guidelines – by the substrate into which they will be placed. Technicians will first test the substrate by installing an anchor and performing a pull test between anchors until the anchor reaches 2500 lbs which is the required proof load. This is the unfailing indicator of substrate strength and its ability to support an anchor point and, by inference, a window cleaner’s bosun chair.

All anchors installed are pull-tested as per legislation. They are also tagged and distinctively numbered for inspection notification and a full report issued to the client. Anchors for rope access use are inspected every six months to one year.

There are two major types of safety anchors: mechanical anchors and epoxyl anchors. Mechanical anchors consist of a hole with an anchor rod driven into it. There’s a mechanical sleeve on the anchor, which expands, making it to choke when tightened. Mechanical anchors are swift and undemanding to install but they are generally not a good long-standing solution because they may cause waterproofing problems. Attachment to roof beams by welding isis often specified by the structural engineer

Epoxy anchors, on the other hand, may provide an alternative solution. For installation, a hole is made, cleaned out, and a two-part chemical mortar is injected before inserting the anchor rod inside the hole. The use of this particular chemical mix gives rise to an iron-strength bond between the anchor rod and the substrate. As long as inspections are kept up to date, and as long as stainless steel materials are used, epoxy anchors are often the strongest and can last for decades.

Anchor points can be found in a range of sizes, depending on the projected use. Choosing the right anchor point should always be carefully planned. The best way to go beyond OSHA regulations and make sure workers are adequately safe is to use an engineered anchor point, and to make sure workers know how to make use of it appropriately.    

Ellis Fall Safety can introduce you to an experienced installer who can install and test your anchors to OSHa requirements published in 2017.

Buildings, whether residential or businesses, are always in need of periodic or even emergency maintenance. Problems can be as small as an overgrown lawn or a clogged sink, or as large as structural damage or an electrical outage. For many of these problems, property owners rely on independent building maintenance contractors for solutions.

Building maintenance is the kind of service you contract for when you don’t have time to maintain the condition of your property professionally. If you’re a busy commercial property owner or landlord, it’s a practical solution to help preserve the excellent condition of your property – especially if it’s subjected to heavy foot traffic on a daily basis.

Whether your property is large or small, building maintenance should be considered a vital part of its overall protection and upkeep. Building maintenance contractors work full-time, with on-call hours often leading to working in the evenings, nights, or on the weekends. They are comfortable with heights and small spaces. Building maintenance contractors have a wide base of knowledge, as they work on many parts of the buildings and its corresponding systems.

Building maintenance can cover many professions, including construction, grounds, plumbing, electrical, and general maintenance. Building maintenance contractors will principally act as caretakers and be mainly responsible for fixing damage and replacing equipment, as well as replenishing any supplies necessary for the efficient operation of the property. They know how to operate not only machinery and tools, but also a business, interacting with landlords, business owners and residents.

Contracting building maintenance services will save you significant time and effort in taking care of every detail, no matter how minor, that comes with managing a commercial property. If your property is rented by numerous tenants, having a building maintenance contractor in place is a must, and also presents a huge advantage for forthcoming tenants.

Aside from timesaving, hiring building maintenance contractors to do the job they are trained for is also cost-effective. In order to fully enjoy the benefits of building maintenance services, you need to choose a reliable and reputable building maintenance contractor who can deliver on their promises and live up to your expectations. You can expect better job knowledge, higher efficiency, and more extensive experience in getting a good job done – one that meets or exceeds industry standards.

EXTENSION LADDER SAFETY: Another step in the right direction.

Expose to and discuss with as many workers as possible during Stand-Down week. NOTE: OSHA is planning on 5,000,000 workers to be exposed to the Stand-Down in 2018. Making workers aware of the danger of ladder falls is the goal. The OSHA Alliance and OSHA recommend holding horizontal ladder handholds only (rungs).

Our advanced theme is; Reduce ladder fall exposures at work and home!

Product: GrabSafe Portable Ladder Extension Mark II. Supplier: LeadingEdgeSafety.net.

GrabSafe feels safer for roof access and reduces fall exposures.

• 3-foot ladder extension product is safest for roof access transition.
• Fits to any existing ladder meeting ANSI A14.2 metal and A14.5 fiberglass.
• Meets OSHA ladder extension requirements: Clark Interpretation12-22-05.
• Meets worker expectations for this walk-through ladder, no step around.
• Aluminum – lightweight addition 6-pounds on each side.
• GrabSafe runglet is 1-1^{1/2 –}inches diameter, the optimum size for handhold strength.
• One less ladder for contractors to carry on the truck/van!
• Meets findings for Ph.D. thesis for horizontal handholds (rungs and grab bars).
• Reduces dangers of vertical handholds.
• Increases confidence in ladder use.
• Hold rungs and runglets ONLY on ladders for handhold reliability (especially for 18-24-year-old workers).
• Tested for 1000-pounds of strength without distortion.
• 15-degree angle enables many more applications, e.g. painting and excavation.
• Always tie down ladder before using.

Climbing ladders without fall protection represents billions of fall exposures.
Falls are the leading cause of work deaths.
Ladder accidents in 2014 represent over 20% of all work fall deaths.
Ladder fatalities have risen 18% since 2011 through 2014.
Excellent for use with 16-foot and 24-foot extension ladders.
Takes seconds to install at ground level each side.
GrabSafe locks onto your ladder and tightens for security.
Holding vertical siderails can cause the hand to slide; therefore  only hold rungs.

Did you know: Half of all OSHA ladder citations are for failing to extend 3-feet above step off level.

3-feet GrabSafe will quickly pay for itself!

DEMO: Requirements: Secure your extension ladder on a low commercial or residential building roof. GrabSafe Portable are $165 plus shipping from Leading Edge. Safety (1-800) 990-2990, att’n Cody for next day delivery! Gather group(s) 1-20 workers; invest 1 hour discussing ladder safety issues with your experienced ladder climber.  May 7-11 state the training given e.g. ladder safety, by your company and its length, location and date. All attendees will then receive an OSHA Certificate of Participation.

Patent #
D760, 917S
9,540,875 B2

Dr. J. Nigel Ellis was a guest speaker at the National Safety Council Congress and Expo on October 9, 2016 in Anaheim, CA. Dr. Ellis’ presentation was titled, “Three Point Control for Ladders”.
The slides from this presentation are available here.

Dr. J. Nigel Ellis was a guest speaker at the Slips, Trips and Falls, The Way Forward Conference on October 5, 2016 in London, England. Dr. Ellis’ presentation was titled, “Fragile Roofs: Skylights/Rooflights”. The Future of Plastic domes.
The slides from this presentation are available here.

Dr. J. Nigel Ellis was a guest speaker at the 21-hour Philo Seminar on September 24, 2016 in Detroit, MI. Dr. Ellis’ presentation was titled, “Fall Protection for Cell Towers/Poles/Rooftops”. The slides from this presentation are available here.