Fixed Anchors for Building Safety: Ensuring Compliance with OSHA Standards

As the use of fixed anchors on top of buildings becomes increasingly common, it is important to prioritize safety and compliance with OSHA regulations during safe work practices. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the number one cause of job-related worker fatalities, making proper anchorage systems a critical measure for preventing accidents and fatalities. In this guide, we will discuss the importance of fixed anchors and how to ensure compliance with OSHA standards.

Understanding Fixed Anchors

Fixed anchors are essentially a secure point of attachment for workers who need to perform tasks at height. This can include rope descent systems, fall arrest systems, or fall restraint systems, all of which rely on a fixed anchor for safe security. These systems are widely used in industries such as construction, window cleaning, and maintenance, among others. Fixed anchors provide a secure connection between the worker and the structure they are working on, allowing them to safely perform their suspended or unsuspended tasks safely. 

S3, System Safety Solutions is your trusted source to provide annual inspections and testing plans tailored to your requirements. With that engineered plan, our qualified technicians will be able to perform inspections and perform a load test to physically demonstrate the structural integrity of the anchorage without compromising its strength or the surrounding structures. This is key to minimizing downtime on site while maximizing longevity and safety of the system. 

The Importance of Fixed Anchors

Fixed anchors, also known as tiebacks or anchor points, are permanent structures that are securely attached to a building's structure to support workers who perform tasks at height. These anchors serve as the foundation for various fall protection systems, including rope descent systems (RDS), fall arrest systems (FAS), and fall restrain systems (FRS). Without a properly designed, rated and positioned anchorage the entire system “unknowingly” maybe a risk. S3 puts confidence in every anchor that is inspected and tested. Testing has the potential to demonstrate improper installation or misuse that affects the anchor’s strength/working range. When properly designed, the testing may show signs of deflection or damage and the anchor would then be flagged out of service until repaired. This is not uncommon to have to flag anchors out of service and anchors can even fail under proper testing if there was misuse or damage not identified. That is why our technicians perform full inspection of the anchor and structure before load testing. Also testing to a specific angle and load that is designed for the system. 

OSHA Standards for Fixed Anchors

OSHA has specific regulations in place for fixed anchors and anchorage systems to ensure worker safety. According to OSHA's General Industry Standard (1926 Subpart M), all anchorages must be "capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached." This weight requirement is based on a worst-case scenario where a worker falls, and the anchorage system is responsible for stopping their descent.

In addition to this weight requirement, OSHA also requires regular testing and inspection of fixed anchors to ensure their strength and reliability.

OSHA Standards for Anchorages

1910.27(b) Rope descent systems - 1910.27(b)(1) Anchorages

• 1910.27(b)(1)(i) 

  • Before any rope descent system is used, the building owner must inform the employer, in writing that the building owner has identified, tested, certified, and maintained each anchorage so it is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg), in any direction, for each employee attached. The information must be based on an annual inspection by a qualified person and certification of each anchorage by a qualified person, as necessary, and at least every 10 years.
• 1910.27(b)(1)(ii)
  • The employer must ensure that no employee uses any anchorage before the employer has obtained written information from the building owner that each anchorage meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section. The employer must keep the information for the duration of the job.
• 1910.27(b)(1)(iii)
  • The requirements in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section must be implemented no later than November 20, 2017.
• 1910.27(b)(2)
  • Use of rope descent systems. The employer must ensure:
•  1910.27(b)(2)(i)
  • No rope descent system is used for heights greater than 300 feet (91 m) above grade unless the employer demonstrates that it is not feasible to access such heights by any other means or that those means pose a greater hazard than using a rope descent system.
• 1910.27(b)(2)(ii)
  • The rope descent system is used in accordance with instructions, warnings, and design limitations set by the manufacturer or under the direction of a qualified person.
• 1910.27(b)(2)(iii)
  • Each employee who uses the rope descent system is trained in accordance with § 1910.30;
• 1910.27(b)(2)(iv)
  • The rope descent system is inspected at the start of each work shift that it is to be used. The employer must ensure damaged or defective equipment is removed from service immediately and replaced.
• 1910.27(b)(2)(v)
  • The rope descent system has proper rigging, including anchorages and tiebacks, with particular emphasis on providing tiebacks when counterweights, cornice hooks, or similar non-permanent anchorages are used.
• 1910.27(b)(2)(vi)
  • Each employee uses a separate, independent personal fall arrest system that meets the requirements of subpart I of this part.
• 1910.27(b)(2)(vii)
  • All components of each rope descent system, except seat boards, are capable of sustaining a minimum rated load of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN). Seat boards must be capable of supporting a live load of 300 pounds (136 kg).
• 1910.27(b)(2)(viii)
  • Prompt rescue of each employee is provided in the event of a fall.
• 1910.27(b)(2)(ix) 
  • The ropes of each rope descent system are effectively padded or otherwise protected, where they can contact edges of the building, anchorage, obstructions, or other surfaces, to prevent them from being cut or weakened.
• 1910.27(b)(2)(x)
  • Stabilization is provided at the specific work location when descents are greater than 130 feet (39.6 m)

• 1910.27(b)(2)(xi)
  • No employee uses a rope descent system when hazardous weather conditions, such as storms or gusty or excessive wind, are present.
• 1910.27(b)(2)(xii)
  • Equipment, such as tools, squeegees, or buckets, is secured by a tool lanyard or similar method to prevent it from falling; and
• 1910.27(b)(2)(xiii)
  • The ropes of each rope descent system are protected from exposure to open flames, hot work, corrosive chemicals, and other destructive conditions.

Ensuring Compliance and Safety

As an employer or building owner, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with OSHA standards for fixed anchors. This may include installing anchor systems where fall hazards exist, and inspecting them to ensure their continued safety and reliability. OSHA recommends a regular schedule for testing and inspection, which may vary depending on the type of anchor system and its usage. It is important to follow this schedule and keep detailed records of all inspections and tests performed. 

In addition to following OSHA standards, it is also crucial to train workers on proper anchorage techniques and safety protocols. This includes teaching them how to properly inspect and utilize the fixed anchors, as well as providing them with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for their specific tasks.

In conclusion, fixed anchors are a critical component of building safety and compliance with OSHA regulations. It is important to understand the purpose and function of these anchors, as well as regularly test and inspect them to ensure their reliability. S3 Safety is here to help with a complete safety solution developed to standard. 

Contact our team to schedule your consultation today.