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Rope access under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 uses at least two separately anchored lines, one to work from and one as a safety line. IRATA's code of practice asks for anchors that are "unquestionably reliable", generally with a static strength of at least 15 kN, installed, tested and inspected by people competent to do it, which a rope access qualification alone doesn't make someone.
This page explains how anchors, eyebolts and anchor points are commonly tested, inspected and recorded. It does not replace the law, the standards it names, the manufacturer's instructions, or the decisions of the person responsible for the job or the system, who sets the tests, the loads and the inspection regime. A test records what happened on the day; it does not approve an anchor for use.
Key figures
| Lines | At least two, separately anchored (Work at Height Regulations, Schedule 5 Part 3) |
|---|---|
| Anchor strength | Static strength at least 15 kN as a general rule (IRATA ICOP 2.11.2.6) |
| Independent anchors | At least two independent anchors, at least one per line (ICOP 2.11.2.2) |
| Detailed inspection | At least every six months (ICOP Annex F, F.1.8) |
| Code of practice | IRATA ICOP TC-102, third edition 2014; BS 7985:2013, current |
Which rules apply to rope access anchors?
| Document | From | What it says about anchors |
|---|---|---|
| Work at Height Regulations 2005, Schedule 5 Part 3 | UK legislation | Rope access uses at least two separately anchored lines. A single rope is allowed only where a risk assessment shows a second line would be riskier and other safety measures are in place |
| Work at Height Regulations 2005, regulation 12 | UK legislation | Inspection in place before first use, at suitable intervals and after exceptional circumstances liable to jeopardise safety; results recorded |
| IRATA International code of practice (ICOP) | IRATA International | Anchor strength, independence, installation and inspection. HSE points readers to IRATA for rope access |
| BS 7985:2013 | BSI | Recommendations and guidance on rope access methods, supplementary to BS ISO 22846 |
| BS 7883:2019 and BS EN 795:2012 | BSI | IRATA's code gives both as examples of standards for anchor devices |
What does a rope access team plan for?
The Work at Height Regulations ask for work at height to be planned, including for emergencies and rescue, supervised and done by competent people. For anchors that means deciding before the job which anchors will be used, whether they are permanent ones with inspection records or ones put in for the work, and who will check them. IRATA's code also says "the user should carry out visual, tactile and, where appropriate, function checks on the anchor devices before each use".
Is a rope access technician competent to test anchors?
Not because of the rope access qualification. IRATA's code says a qualification at any level doesn't on its own make someone competent to install or test anchor devices or carry out a detailed inspection, and IRATA's own guidance notes that installing eyebolts isn't covered in rope access training. Anchors fixed into masonry should be installed and inspected by people who understand edge distances, spacing, depth and whether the masonry is solid or hollow.
What kit suits rope access testing?
A t25 reaches 25 kN, enough for the loads IRATA's code gives for proof tests and trial tests in tension; for a trial test in shear, see rope access anchor points. Staht makes three-leg t25 kits, and a 3 leg adaptor that turns a four-leg t25 or t60 into a three-leg one. The kit's tool lanyard holds up to 8 kg and its wrist lanyard 0.9 kg. Each test goes into Staht Connect for the job pack. See rope access anchor points for the loads and how they're applied.
Worked example: where the 15 kN comes from
IRATA's code takes the most force a fall should put on the user, 6 kN, and applies a safety factor of 2.5: 6 × 2.5 = 15 kN. That is the general minimum static strength for an anchor; IRATA's note says the anchor "may yield but should not fail at this load".
Where a single anchor of 15 kN isn't achievable, the code accepts lower-strength anchors linked to share the load equally, such as a Y-hang, with at least 15 kN combined, and recommends at least 10 kN for each.
Pages for rope access
- Rope access anchor points: trial tests, proof loads and inspection
- Eyebolt and fall arrest anchor testing and anchors in concrete and masonry: the kit
- Height safety: what the law asks of anchor points
- Proof load test record: free template
More questions
As a general rule, a static strength of at least 15 kN, except for some deviation anchors. Where that isn't achievable, anchors linked in a Y-hang should total at least 15 kN, with at least 10 kN recommended for each.
Only where a risk assessment shows that a second line would bring a higher risk, and other measures have been taken to keep people safe.
Sources differ. HSE says LOLER does "not extend to fixed anchor points that form part of a building or structure". IRATA's 2013 UK part of its code lists eye-bolts and rope access anchorage equipment as lifting equipment under LOLER. Either way, IRATA recommends a detailed inspection at least every six months.
Viri
- The Work at Height Regulations 2005, Schedule 5: Requirements for personal fall protection systems, legislation.gov.uk
- The Work at Height Regulations 2005, regulation 12: Inspection of work equipment, legislation.gov.uk
- The Work at Height Regulations 2005, regulation 4: Organisation and planning, legislation.gov.uk
- IRATA International code of practice for industrial rope access (ICOP), TC-102ENG, IRATA International
- Technicians FAQs: anchor selection, IRATA International
- Specialist access equipment (window cleaning), HSE
- L113 Safe use of lifting equipment: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. Approved Code of Practice and guidance (second edition), HSE
- BS 7985:2013 Code of practice for the use of rope access methods for industrial purposes. Recommendations and guidance supplementary to BS ISO 22846, BSI
- BS 7883:2019 Personal fall protection equipment. Anchor systems. System design, installation and inspection. Code of practice, BSI
- BS EN 795:2012 Personal fall protection equipment. Anchor devices, BSI
- Staht 25kN Digital Tensile Tester Kit, c/w Accessories & Heavy-Duty Mini Case, Technical Datasheet No 133, Staht
- Staht 3 leg Adaptor for t25 / t60, Technical Datasheet No 143, Staht
Test rope access anchors
Three-leg and four-leg t25 kits, 25 kN, with a tool lanyard.