Anchors — general

All anchor points used in rope access should be unquestionably reliable and capable of withstanding any potential loads.

Examples of suitable anchor points

• Structural steelwork with a Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) of 15 kN in the direction it would be loaded in normal use.
• Suitably tested mechanical and chemical anchors.
• Concrete features.
• Substantial geological features.
• Large trees.
• Cradle rails proven to hold a 6 kN force for 15 seconds between fixing posts.

Strength requirement

The strength of all anchor systems (except intermediate deviation anchors, which may be weaker) should be at least as great as that of the ropes attached to them.

Tensioned anchor lines

When anchor lines are tensioned — for example, when creating a horizontal or diagonal tensioned line — the increase in forces at the anchor points and other components in the system should be taken into account and calculated by a competent person.