Anchor Points & Lifelines

Overview

Anchor Points & Lifelines should be managed through a planned system of work: identify the task-specific hazards, eliminate exposure where practical, use engineered or collective controls before relying on PPE, verify critical safeguards before starting, and stop the task when controls are missing or conditions change. This guide applies those principles specifically to verification, positioning and use of anchor points and lifeline systems.

Main Hazards

• • Connection to non-approved structural elements
• • Lifeline damage, sharp-edge contact or incompatible connectors
• • Falls to a lower level
• • Dropped objects striking people below
• • Unsafe access or unstable working position

Essential Controls

1. 1Use only designated or verified anchorage suitable for the intended fall-protection system.
2. 2Position anchor and lifeline systems to reduce free fall, swing fall and edge loading.
3. 3Eliminate work at height where the task can be completed from a safe level.
4. 4Prioritize guardrails, platforms and other collective fall-prevention measures.
5. 5Inspect access and fall-protection equipment before use and remove defective equipment from service.
6. 6Barricade the area below and maintain a practical rescue plan.

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