The Definition of Anchorage (Fall Protection)

Definition of Anchorage (Fall Protection)

An anchorage is a secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards or deceleration devices in a personal fall arrest, restraint or positioning system. OSHA requires anchorages used for personal fall arrest to be independent of any anchorage used to support or suspend platforms, and to support at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached, or to be designed, installed and used as part of a complete system that maintains a safety factor of at least two under the supervision of a qualified person (29 CFR 1910.140(c)(13) and 1926.502(d)(15)).

Key Facts About Fall Protection Anchorages

• The anchorage is the structure, such as a steel beam, while the anchorage connector, such as a beam clamp, roof anchor or cross-arm strap, links the worker's system to it.
• Anchorages for positioning systems must hold at least 3,000 pounds or twice the potential impact load, whichever is greater (1926.502(e)(2)).
• Locating the anchorage overhead reduces free fall distance and swing fall risk.
• ANSI/ASSP Z359.18 covers anchorage connectors, and Z359.6 covers engineered active fall protection systems.
• Any anchorage or connector subjected to a fall should be removed from service until inspected by a competent person.

Example of an Anchorage

A steel erection crew installs a beam clamp anchorage connector on an overhead I-beam that a qualified engineer has confirmed can support 5,000 pounds. Each ironworker ties off a self-retracting lifeline to the connector, keeping the anchor above the D-ring to limit free fall and swing.

How to Select a Fall Protection Anchorage

1. Identify structural members that are rated or can be verified to carry fall arrest loads.
2. Have a qualified person evaluate the anchorage when the 5,000-pound capacity can't be confirmed.
3. Choose a compatible anchorage connector for the structure and the fall protection system.
4. Position the anchorage overhead and as close to directly above the work as possible.
5. Calculate total fall clearance, including free fall, deceleration, harness stretch and a safety margin.
6. Inspect anchorages and connectors before each use, and plan for rescue.

Related Terms

• Fall Protection
• Fall Arrest System (PFAS)
• ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code
• Lifeline
• Y-Lanyard

Frequently Asked Questions: Anchorage

Can I tie off to a guardrail, handrail or pipe?

Only if a qualified person has verified it can carry fall arrest loads. Guardrails are generally designed to resist about 200 pounds of force, far less than a fall arrest load, and pipes may contain hazardous materials or lack adequate supports.

Who is a qualified person for anchorage design?

A qualified person holds a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or has extensive knowledge, training and experience, and has shown the ability to solve problems related to fall protection system design.

Why should anchorages be overhead?

An overhead anchorage shortens free fall distance, which lowers arresting forces on the body, and reduces swing falls that can slam a worker into nearby structures or the ground.