Fall Protection

A - Anchors

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Anchorage connectors 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. Anchors vary by industry, job, type of installation and structure.

An anchor 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.

The anchorage you use must be capable of holding the weight of a family sized car. This is equal to at least 15kN (1,500kg), as required by AS/NZS 1891.4 and AS/NZS 5532 for a single person anchorage, or 21kN for a 2 person anchorage point. The structure should be free from burrs and sharp edges that might damage your equipment when in use.

Composite image of workers on worksites using anchorage connectors, horizontal lifeline and access system

What kind of anchor do I need?

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.

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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:

Structure and attachment type

Anchorages are sold 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.
Portable or permanent installation

Anchors 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.
Fixed or mobile style

Fixed anchor point 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)
Durability, usability and strength

All 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 maximizes strength, minimizes weight and offers maximum usability.

Anchorage connector product lines

Tie-off adaptors

Many all-purpose general anchors are simply choked-off to the anchorage structure, to provide a fast and safe tie-off point.

Carabiners

These self closing, self-locking carabiners securely attach one component to another, keeping all gear firmly attached to each other.

Anchors for Steel

Anchors for steel feature connection points that easily attach to i-beams and other steel structures.

Anchors for concrete

Rugged and abrasion-resistant anchors attach to concrete walls, floors, decks and columns.

Anchors for roofs

These anchors keep workers safe without causing damage to the residential or commercial roof structure.

Horizontal Lifelines

Considerations when choosing a horizontal lifeline

Horizontal lifelines may be temporary or permanent – learn more about building permanent horizontal lifelines into a structure using engineered lifeline systems. In either case, there are several considerations:

Anchorage structure type

The structure your system will attach to, such as an I-beam, rebar stud, concrete column or roof, can dictate the type of specialised system required. It is critical to choose a system that has been precision engineered and rigorously tested for the application and structure.
Lifeline type

Your lifeline type can have a significant impact on the ease of use or installation of your system, its longevity and fall clearance. Synthetic lines are lightweight and compact while galvanised or stainless steel options are corrosion and abrasion resistant and typically require less fall clearance.
Clearance requirements

The distance between the work area and the next level or obstruction is often called “fall clearance,” and this is critical when choosing your system. Anchorage height, type of lifeline and length are some factors that will affect the required clearance needed.
Number of users

These 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 on the work site and choose a system that can accommodate them safely. Systems that can accommodate up to six workers are available.

Horizontal lifeline product series

EZ-Line™
User friendly and extremely fast to install, remove and store, this system eliminates large and bulky coils of cable.

Sayfline™
These systems are lightweight, easy to install and portable, ideal for maintenance, bridge work, construction and general industry applications.

SecuraSpan™
These systems incorporate a modular, multi-base design that accommodates a wide range of steel and concrete beams. Spans can reach up to 60 ft.

PRO-Line™
This system installs in seconds, without special tools or equipment, for maintenance, bridge work, construction and manufacturing

Access Systems

Tailoring access systems to your needs

You may be in the market for standard, common access systems, adjustable modular systems, or a wholly-new custom design. Whichever is right for you, 3M has the expertise and products to bring your vision to reality. Here are four available customisations for versatile, reliable fall protection for unique work environments:

Standard design

Our 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.
Custom design

A 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 fine-tune the design collaboratively.
Engineering

In 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.
Fabrication

Finally, 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.

Are you qualified to use your fall protection equipment yet?

Be trained in the proper use, inspection and maintenance of your 3M fall protection gear and stay compliant to the latest safety regulations with our programs.