INFORMATION ON

Fixed Anchorage Points

Introduction
A high proportion of falls in workplaces had occurred either due to failure to anchor or unavailability of suitable anchor points. Where safety harnesses are used, they must be anchored securely in order to provide the intended protection from falls. Generally, anchors consist of an eyebolt that is held in position, the means of which differ by the type of anchorage. The type, position and quality are factors which affect the stability and safety provided by the anchor.

Distinction of terms
As the following terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a need to define the terms used in this document, to prevent any confusion. Anchor A complete set of fitting, prior to installation. May consist of eyebolt and socket; eyebolt, backplate and nutetc. Anchorage A complete set of fitting, already installed to a structure, to which a safety lanyard may be attached. These are often known as anchor points as well.

Attributes
Stability and Strength Anchorages should be sited at positions where there is sufficient stability, such as on load-bearing structures. This is to prevent structural collapse in the event of a person falling. This is especially important for walls constructed from brickwork or blockwork, due to the weaker structural strength of such constructs. Anchorages should never be sited on non load-bearing structures such as infill panel walls or in brickwork. Other examples of where anchorages must not be installed include the top of parapet walls or sections of walls directly below windows. Anchorages installed on such structures or locations may not be able to withstand the forces generated during a fall. Height and Location Anchorage points should ideally be positioned at a sufficiently high position but reachable with relative ease (that is, not too high up), to allow for anchoring without creating additional hazards for users. A sufficient height for the anchorage point will also serve to reduce the free fall distance, which in turn reduces the chance and severity of possible injury. Anchorage points below the waist level can be effective for travel restraint purposes, but are not suitable for fall arrest. Anchors should be positioned so as to prevent pulling forces from being exerted in an axial (parallel to the direction of the installed eyebolt) direction. The anchorage point should also be positioned such that swing back is reduced, in order to reduce the chance and severity of injury due to collision with structures.

Types of Anchors
While there are many types of anchors, listed below are 4 commonly encountered ones. Some types of anchorage are more suitable for certain construction materials than others. The compatibility between types of construction material and anchor is included in this section. Cast-in The anchor is cast into the surface of the structure as it is being built; hence it is usable for solid concrete structures. This type of anchor requires the use of cross bars positioned perpendicularly behind reinforcing bars (also known as rebars) and a socket positioned behind the cross bar for the insertion of the eyebolt. Expanding socket This type of anchor makes use of a steel socket which expands upon the installation of the eyebolt. This type of anchor will require drilled holes for installation. Through-type Through-type anchors utilise an eyebolt with an extended shank which runs through the material it is installed onto. The eyebolt is then held in place through the use of a backplate and either a locking nut or a threaded bush. Such anchors are ideal for use on thinner structural constructs, such as on structural steel, although they can be used for other types of materials that are sufficiently thin as well.

Parts of a through-type anchorage

Chemically bonded Chemically bonded anchors consist of a socket that is held in place by use of a bonding resin. This type of anchor is generally not recommended for use, due to Singapores weather and the possible effect of reactions between rainwater and the bonding resin. The manufacturer of such anchors should show proof that their products are suitable for use in the local climate.

Parts of a chemically bonded anchorage

Where other anchors, materials or fixing conditions are encountered that are unusual or atypical, advice from the manufacturer or from specialists should be sought.

Things to Note During Installation

No Modification of Eyebolts No modification or adaptation of the eyebolt should be made without approval from the manufacturer. Safety and Health Issues For drilling operations, workers should be provided with and wear eye protection equipment. Chemically bonded anchorages that have been exposed to fire or high temperatures should be renewed, unless advice is given for continued usage by the manufacturer. If chemically bonded anchorages are installed in confined spaces, there is a need to provide sufficient ventilation to prevent possible toxic fume accumulation and no exposed flames are permitted within. When handling the chemicals used for the chemically bonded anchors, protection, such as gloves should be used by workers. Direct skin contact with the chemicals should be avoided where possible. If contact occurs, the affected skin areas should be washed immediately with soap and water. Solvents should not be used for washing skin that had been in contact with bonding chemicals. For accidental eye contact with chemicals, the contamination should be washed out at once with large quantities of water and medical advice should be sought.

Inspection and Examination

General Before each use, the anchorage should be visually inspected; it should also be checked by hand to ensure that the eyebolt is firmly in position and cannot be unfastened manually. Periodic Inspection Anchorages require periodic inspection to ensure safety. For information, please refer to SINGAPORE STANDARD SS 402: Part 2 : 1997 Industrial Safety Belts and Harnesses - Permanent Anchors

Further Information 1. Workplace Safety and Health Act

2. Factories Act (Chapter 104) Factories (Scaffolds) Regulations

3. Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations

4. Workplace Safety and Health (Construction) Regulations

5. SINGAPORE STANDARD SS 402: Part 2 : 1997 Specification for Industrial Safety Belts and Harnesses, Part 2 - Permanent Anchors

6. BS EN 795:1997 Protection against falls from a height Anchor devices - Requirements and testing 7. BS 7883:2005 Code of practice for the design, selection, installation, use and maintenance of anchor devices conforming to BS EN 795. 8. BS 5845:1991 Specification for permanent anchors for industrial safety belts and harnesses

9. The Work at Height Safety Association, Technical Guidance Note 6 - Guidance on inspecting eyebolts used for personal fall protection purposes http://www.wahsa.co.uk/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_download/gid,6/Itemid,8/ The Workplace Safety and Health Council wishes to acknowledge the following organisations for the diagrams used: Checkmate Safety