The 3 Most Important Safety Tips When Using Roof Anchors

Any time you have employees working at height, they are exposed to the possibility of experiencing slips and injuries. Though your schedule may be hectic, it’s your responsibility as a manager or supervisor or even a company owner to provide your employees with the necessary fall protection systems to safeguard their lives. Roof anchor points are one such example, and they serve one purpose; to protect workers from falls.

Proper use of roof anchors might very well be the reason behind your workers returning home safely after a hard day’s work. But having a roof anchor in place is only half the job. Not only should workers use the correct equipment for the task, but they should be trained to use it correctly. Today we discuss a few handy tips to remember each time roof anchors are used to ensure your workers’ safety.

Use Certified Roof Anchors

The first and most important tip is only to use certified roof anchors that meet the relevant height safety standards. In Australia, this means that the anchor points are manufactured according to AS5532, and they are installed and certified to AS1891-4. The annual inspection and anchor testing is mandatory on all roof anchors before being used. Qualified installers/certifiers must conduct the routine inspections and testing.

Use The Correct Roof Anchor

There are different roof anchors to pick from. These can be anything from simple eyebolts to complex static line or rigid roof safety rail systems. It’s crucial that the correct anchor be used for the intended task. Upon selection, with support from experts in the field– such as the professionals at Anchored – you must ascertain:

  1. What is the design of the height safety system and what is the intended use?
  2. Is the Anchor point currently certified?
  3. What is the load rating of the anchor?
  4. How do you get access to points within the danger area (2meters from the live edge), such as with the use of primary and diversionary anchor points?
  5. If the anchor is to be used on its own or as part of a lifeline system?
  6. Will you need to use a temporary or permanent roof anchor?

Use The Anchor Correctly

It’s one thing to use the right roof anchor for the task which is inspected, tested and certified. But it’s still a safety hazard if the worker in question can’t use the anchor correctly. That’s why adequate training is required with regards to the correct usage of the height safety equipment.

Roof anchors are components in highly specialised systems. Be sure to use tested and certified equipment each time. And only use qualified technicians to handle the anchor inspection and testing. Insist on a roof anchor installation report from the installer each time you purchase a new component.

Our team at Anchored Height Safety doesn’t compromise where your workers’ safety is concerned. We have the necessary tools and know-how to conduct thorough and effective anchor testing and inspection. We also audit and conduct full design analysis of your height safety equipment at your request.

Taking a little time out of your day to ensure the above tips could be the difference that allows your employees to go home safely every night. For all your testing, supply, installation and maintenance of height safety equipment, contact Anchored Height Safety on 03 9555 3586. We care about your workers’ safety too.

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