Short answer: roof anchors, abseil points and eyebolts are life-safety equipment. The building's duty holder must make sure a competent person inspects them at regular intervals and that the results are recorded. Without a current inspection, no one should use them for rope access or fall protection.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always check your system's manufacturer instructions and installation records.
The standards involved
- BS EN 795: the product standard for anchor devices used in personal fall protection.
- BS 7883:2019: the UK code of practice for the design, installation, use, maintenance and inspection of anchor systems. The 2019 edition introduced a defined system designer role and guidance on older installations with hidden elements.
- Work at Height Regulations 2005: the law requiring work at height to be planned, and equipment to be inspected and maintained.
Who is responsible?
The duty holder, typically the building owner, freeholder, managing agent or facilities manager, is responsible for making sure the anchor system is inspected and maintained by competent people and that records are kept and made available to contractors.
How often should anchors be inspected?
There isn't a single figure for every system. Anchors used for rope access and abseiling are commonly inspected every six months, while some fall protection anchors are inspected every 12 months. The right interval depends on the type of system, how often and how it's used, its environment, and the manufacturer's instructions. Your installer's documentation or a competent inspector can confirm the right interval for your building.
What an inspection involves
- Identifying each device and confirming it matches the records
- A visual inspection for damage, corrosion, deformation and loose fixings
- Testing where appropriate, for example tensile testing of certain anchor types
- Marking any device that fails as not to be used
- A written report with each device's result and recommended actions
Common problems with anchor records
- No record of what's installed after a change of managing agent
- Inspections that have lapsed because nobody owned the task
- Eyebolts inside flats that haven't been reached for years
- Anchors damaged or covered during roofing work
If any of these sound familiar, see our safety system testing service, or send us your latest report.