Anchor Devices: Part of Safety Equipment Testing
Anchor points and anchor devices are a vital part of a correctly functioning fall arrest system. Anchor There are various types of this product that can be used to suit the majority of situations and building structures, depending on what the project requires. It is very important that you know which type of anchor device is required for the task in hand.
Anchor devices are categorised into groups. There are five different types of anchor device falling under the scope of EN 795, the applicable standard for anchor devices in Europe. These five types are A, B, C, D, E.
Originally published in 1996, EN 795 covered the five types – ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’ and ‘E’. However, types A, C and D, are classified as being outside the scope of the European PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. They describe anchor devices that are fixed onto a building or a other permanent structure and as such are not classed as being personal protection equipment under the definition of the PPE Regulation.
Anchor devices are rated to sustain the maximum dynamic force generated in a potential fall from height by the mass of one person, with the addition of any equipment that is being carried as well. A minimum safety factor of two is what the static strength tests are based on.
It is also vital to make sure that the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is used (for example, a full body harness and energy-absorbing lanyard) in conjunction with the appropriate anchor device. The applicable standard for anchor devices in Europe is EN 795:2012, and advice regarding multi-user devices is addressed by CEN technical specification 16415.
EN 795 was most recently amended in 2012 and one key difference in the latest version is that it now requires devices to be removable from the structure to comply. The 1996 version stated that the anchor devices should be fixed to a structure permanently.
