Fall Protection Anchors
Anchors
Anchorage connectors, as defined by OSHA, are secure fall protection anchor points of attachment for lifelines, lanyards or deceleration devices and are designed to hold fast under the forces generated during a fall. Anchorage connectors vary by industry, job, type of installation and structure.
An anchorage connector may be a beam anchor, hook, tie-off adaptor, D-ring plate, tripod, davit or other secure device that serves as a point of attachment.
Fall protection anchors and anchorage connectors must be independent and capable of supporting 5,000 lbs. per worker attached, or they may be designed, installed and used under the supervision of a qualified person as part of a complete personal fall arrest system that maintains a safety factor of at least two times the maximum arresting force. Anchors must be located high enough for a worker to avoid contact with a lower level should a fall occur.
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Anchorage Connectors
Designed to provide a secure point of attachment, fall protection anchors are components that attach to the structure where work is occurring, either temporarily or permanently.
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Horizontal Lifelines
These safety systems are used to protect workers operating in the horizontal plane who may not have continuous access to suitable anchorage points. They can be temporary or permanent, and vary by connection point, connection type and number of users.
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Access Systems
Access systems provide purpose-built fall protection anchor points that can surround equipment that requires work at height, such as rail cars, aircraft or vehicles, often consisting of a ladder access system, jib or mobile frame.
Anchorage Connectors
Considerations when choosing an anchorage connector
There are many types of anchorage connectors available, each designed to offer a combination of features that fit a particular job. In general, you will want to consider:
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Structure and attachment typeAnchorages are designed for what they need to connect to by what they connect to, and the structure will often require a specific type of attachment means. All-purpose wrap-around choker style anchorage connectors are the most versatile and will connect to various structure shapes and sizes. In addition, anchors are offered for steel, concrete, roofs and even specialty styles for poles, leading edges and more.
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Portable or permanent installationAnchors can be permanently installed for areas accessed often, or portable for temporary anchor points. Permanently installed anchors are typically constructed from durable, heavy-duty and corrosion resistant materials for extended periods of use and longevity.
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Fixed or mobile styleFixed anchor points are typically the easiest to use and find – they remain in one place and limit your work space. Mobile anchors move with you expanding your work area for maximum freedom of movement. You will also need to consider the connecting subsystem attached (ex. lanyard, self-retracting lifeline)
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Durability, usability and strengthAll components must be made from quality materials strong enough to endure rough handling and exposure to the elements, and easy to use so they are used consistently and correctly. Your anchor and connecting components must be rated for your application such as fall arrest, rescue, work positioning or material handling. Choose one that maximises strength, minimises weight and offers maximum usability.
Horizontal Lifelines
Considerations when choosing a horizontal lifeline
Horizontal lifelines may be temporary or permanent – learn more about building permanent lifelines into a structure using permanent lifeline systems. In either case, there are several considerations:
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Anchorage structure typeThe structure your system must attach to, such as an I-beam, rebar stud, concrete column or roof, can dictate the type of specialized system required. A horizontal lifeline may appear to be a basic line strung between two anchors, but it is not. It is critical to choose a system that has been precision engineered and rigorously tested for the application and structure it will be attached to.
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Lifeline typeLifeline type or style can have a significant impact on your systems' ease of use or installation, longevity and fall clearance to name just a few. Synthetic lines are extremely lightweight and compact while galvanized or stainless steel options offer added corrosion and abrasion resistance and typically require less fall clearance.
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Clearance requirementsThe distance between the work area and the next level or obstruction below is often called “fall clearance,” and this is a critical factor when choosing your system. Anchorage height, type of lifeline and length are just a couple of factors that will affect the required clearance needed. It is critical to choose the right system and connecting components to arrest the workers fall prior to hitting the ground or obstruction.
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Number of usersThese systems are used to protect workers operating in the horizontal plane who may not have continuous access to suitable anchorage points. Always consider the number of workers required to get the job done and choose a system that can accommodate your personnel safely. Systems are available for one, two, and even up to six workers depending upon your jobsite needs
Access Systems/Portable Frames & Jibs
Tailoring access systems to your need
Depending on your application, you may be in the market for standard, common access systems, modular systems that can be adjusted to fit your application, or a completely new custom design. Whichever is right for you, 3M has the expertise and products to bring your vision to reality. When it comes to versatile, reliable fall protection for unique work environments, we will help you every step of the way:
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Standard designOur pre-engineered standard systems accommodate most applications and environments. We will work closely with you to determine if the off-the-shelf system is appropriate or if customization is necessary.
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Custom designA custom access solution is created based on your application requirements and design constraints. We will work together to determine goals and expectations; account for safety, code compliance, ergonomics and productivity; develop concepts and create 3D renderings of the solution; and work together to fine-tune the design.
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EngineeringIn the engineering phase, we produce models and drawings to your exact specifications. Together, 3M and your team will validate the design solution, perform a structural analysis, select materials, and approve third-party components. Based on approval of detailed CAD drawings, we then produce a full production drawing package for fabrication.
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FabricationFinally, expert welders and fabricators bring your project to life. From materials purchasing and scheduling, to fabrication, quality checks, delivery, and installation, we will work together through the entire project installation requirements.
Our Fall Protection team has years of experience and are here to help you.
How to choose other Fall Protection equipment
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Discover our extensive range of fall arrest harnesses designed with the latest technology. They provide freedom of movement and flexibility to work in a more comfortable and efficient manner.
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Connector types vary depending on whether the worker needs connection for a personal fall arrest or positioning and travel restriction.
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Our goal is not only helping keep workers safe at height, but getting them safely back to the ground with advanced, reliable rescue systems. We offer the most complete line of safe, easy-to-use and effective rescue systems in the industry.
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Our broad selection of both permanent and temporary, horizontal and vertical lifelines offer significant advantages in safety and productivity and have been precision engineered for a wide range of applications.
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Objects dropped from height can result in personal injury to workers, others at the worksite and equipment. When planning for workplace safety, remember, fall protection is about you; dropped object prevention is about those around you.
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No two confined spaces are exactly alike. Type, size and hazards vary greatly, along with different standards, regulations and company policies that can apply to each working environment.
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Working in any environment above any level where a person could fall causing injury. This includes working on a ladder, scaffolding, flat or sloped roofs, near an edge or an opening in a floor or wall and many, many more.
