Useful information about single anchor points

What are single anchor points and what are they used for?

Single anchor points are permanently or temporarily installed anchorage devices that allow users to secure themselves with their personal fall protection equipment. They provide a defined connection point for fall arrest harnesses, lanyards or retractable fall arresters and are used particularly for work on roofs, façades and technical installations.

SKYLOTEC single anchor points are suitable for different substrates and roof constructions. Depending on the model, they can be attached to concrete, steel, timber, aerated concrete, trapezoidal sheeting, sandwich panels or hollow-core slabs. The selection must therefore always be based on the existing fixing substrate, the required installation height, the intended number of users and the planned application.

When is a single anchor point the right solution for fall protection?

A single anchor point is particularly suitable for work areas that only need to be accessed at specific points. These include, for example, maintenance locations, technical installations, rooflights, rooftop structures, aerials, ventilation systems or short routes on a flat roof.

Compared with horizontal cable or rail systems, a single anchor point is often more compact and requires less installation work. However, if a user regularly needs to move over longer distances, continuous safety systems may be more ergonomic and efficient. The selection should therefore be based not only on the purchase price, but also on the movement area, frequency of use and hazard situation.

What advantages do single anchor points offer over mobile anchorage devices?

Permanently installed single anchor points are continuously available at the intended workplace. This eliminates the need to set up a mobile anchorage device before every use. Users can connect directly to the existing anchor point using a suitable lanyard or retractable fall arrester.

Mobile anchorage devices, by contrast, offer advantages at changing locations or for temporary work. Single anchor points are particularly useful when maintenance or inspection work is regularly carried out at the same location. Professional planning and installation on a substrate with sufficient load-bearing capacity are essential.

Which single anchor point is suitable for concrete?

Concrete is one of the most common fixing substrates for single anchor points. Depending on the design, the systems can be secured using anchors, installed with concrete screws, bonded, driven in or cast directly into the concrete slab during construction.

Products from the SKYLOTEC SEKURANT® family are available for different installation methods. The SEKURANT® X20 TYPE 2, SEKURANT® X50 TYPE 2 and various SEKURANT® VARIO versions are fixed to concrete. Other models, such as the SEKURANT® TYPE 2, are designed to be cast into concrete, while D-BOLT versions are bonded into the concrete slab. The suitable solution depends on the concrete quality, component thickness, construction height and installation conditions.

Which single anchor points are suitable for timber and load-bearing substructures?

In timber structures, the anchor point must be securely connected to load-bearing beams or a suitably dimensioned substructure. Installation solely on roof decking or non-load-bearing components is not sufficient.

Depending on the system, solutions using timber construction screws, machine bolts or backing plates are available for timber and other load-bearing substructures. Models such as SEKURANT® POINT TYPE 7, POINT TYPE 12 or VARIO TYPE 12 are attached to load-bearing structures. The material thickness, screw spacing and load-bearing capacity of the substructure must be checked before selection.

Which anchor points are suitable for trapezoidal sheeting and sandwich panels?

Trapezoidal sheeting and sandwich panels place particular demands on load distribution. As the thin outer layers cannot readily absorb high point loads, specially adapted anchor points with suitable base plates and defined fasteners are required.

Depending on the system, installation is carried out using sheet metal screws, toggle anchors or other tested fasteners. The profile geometry, sheet thickness, panel construction and position of the load-bearing substructure are decisive. A single anchor point developed for concrete must not be installed on trapezoidal sheeting or sandwich panels without the appropriate approval.

Which solutions are available for hollow-core slabs and aerated concrete?

Hollow-core slabs and aerated concrete have different load-bearing and fixing properties from solid concrete. Specially tested anchor points and fastening systems are therefore required for these substrates. Standard anchors for solid concrete are not automatically suitable.

The SEKURANT® POINT TYPE 11, for example, is designed for hollow-core slabs with a corresponding hollow-core anchor fixing. The SEKURANT® VARIO TYPE 11 is intended for prestressed hollow-core concrete slabs, while the SEKURANT® VARIO TYPE 14 is attached to aerated concrete slabs. The specific version must always match the existing slab and the approved fastener.

Why is the installation height of a single anchor point important?

The required installation height is determined by the complete roof construction. Insulation, waterproofing, falls, protective layers and other roof layers determine how far the anchor point must project above the finished roof surface.

If the anchor point is too low, it may be concealed by insulation or waterproofing and cannot subsequently be used correctly. An unnecessarily large installation height, by contrast, increases the lever arm and can create additional requirements for fixing and waterproofing. SKYLOTEC offers single anchor points with different installation heights, ranging from very flat solutions to tall posts for heavily insulated roof constructions.

What is the difference between SEKURANT® X20, X50 and VARIO?

The designations X20, X50 and VARIO identify different designs within the SKYLOTEC SEKURANT® system family. The products differ, among other things, in their construction, fixing method, installation height and suitability for different substrates.

Depending on the type, SEKURANT® X20 and X50 are offered for specific roof and fixing situations. The VARIO series is available in numerous installation heights and fixing variants, enabling particularly precise adaptation to different roof constructions. The appropriate series should be selected on the basis of technical planning and not solely according to the product designation.

When is a flush-mounted anchor point useful?

Flush-mounted or particularly flat anchor points are suitable for areas where a projecting anchor post would interfere with operations or create a trip hazard. They can be used, for example, on solid concrete surfaces, in technical areas or on walkable surfaces.

Depending on the version, products such as SEKURANT® PIN, SEKURANT® MONO, SEKURANT® POINT or D-BOLT provide compact anchorage options for concrete and other load-bearing substrates. Whether a flat solution can be used depends on the roof construction, waterproofing and the required accessibility of the anchor point.

How many people may use a single anchor point at the same time?

The permitted number of users depends on the product. Some anchor points are intended for only one person, while other systems may be used by two or three people at the same time. The maximum number of users must never be inferred from the design or size.

Only the marking, approval and manufacturer’s instructions for the specific single anchor point are decisive. The load-bearing substructure must also be capable of absorbing the forces generated by the intended number of users. Rescue situations and any additional load caused by a second person must also be taken into account during the planning stage.

Which standards apply to single anchor points?

EN 795 Type A is particularly relevant to single anchor points. It describes anchorage devices with one or more stationary anchor points that are permanently attached to a structure. CEN/TS 16415 may additionally be relevant for simultaneous use by several people.

EN 517 Type A or Type B applies to certain roof hooks. Depending on the product and target market, approvals in accordance with ANSI, CSA, UNI or European Assessment Documents may also be required. The standard must therefore always be checked for the specific product and in conjunction with the intended installation method.

Why must single anchor points be planned specifically for each project?

The safe function of a single anchor point does not depend solely on the product itself. The substrate, fasteners, edge distances, component thickness, roof construction, positioning and intended use are equally important. An unsuitable installation location can result in an unsafe complete system despite the use of a certified product.

The work areas that must be reached and how users will move between the anchor points should be defined during the planning stage. The risk of a swing fall, the required clearance and possible rescue routes must also be considered. SKYLOTEC single anchor points must therefore be planned as part of a complete fall protection concept.

How are single anchor points installed correctly?

Installation must be carried out in accordance with the relevant installation instructions and exclusively using the approved fasteners. Depending on the substrate, mechanical anchors, concrete screws, bonded anchors, timber construction screws, machine bolts, toggle anchors or special fixings for hollow-core slabs and aerated concrete are used.

Installation errors such as incorrect drill diameters, insufficient anchoring depths, unsuitable screws or missing backing plates can significantly impair the load-bearing capacity. Installation should therefore be carried out by qualified specialists and fully documented. Subsequent modifications to the system are only permitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s approval.

How are single anchor points sealed and integrated into the roof construction?

For anchor points on flat roofs, the roof penetration must be permanently sealed against moisture. The waterproofing must be suitable for the existing roof system and able to accommodate movement of the anchor point without leaking.

Product-specific collars, covers and other accessories for single anchor points are available for this purpose. The waterproofing should be carried out by a qualified roofing contractor. Safety technology and roof waterproofing must be planned together, as technically correct anchoring alone does not ensure a permanently watertight roof construction.

What advantages do stainless steel single anchor points offer?

Stainless steel offers high corrosion resistance and is therefore particularly suitable for permanently installed anchor points that are exposed to weather, moisture and temperature fluctuations over many years. This can support long-term reliability, particularly on roofs and in industrial outdoor areas.

The SKYLOTEC range includes numerous SEKURANT® and D-BOLT versions made from stainless steel. Models made from galvanised or coated steel are also available. The choice of material depends on the environment, corrosion exposure, roof construction and product-specific approval.

When is a cable or rail system better than individual anchor points?

Single anchor points are economical and compact when only specific work areas need to be accessed. However, if a user regularly needs to move over longer distances, reconnecting between several points requires additional work steps and can lead to brief periods of incorrect use.

Horizontal cable systems and rail systems, by contrast, enable largely continuous protection along a defined route of movement. They are particularly suitable for frequently used maintenance areas, long roof edges and complex access routes. The most appropriate solution should be assessed on the basis of frequency of use, movement area and economic efficiency.

How are single anchor points inspected and documented?

Before every use, the anchor point must be checked for visible damage, corrosion, deformation and loose components. Regular inspections in accordance with legal requirements, manufacturer’s instructions and company inspection intervals are also required.

Documentation includes, among other things, the product identification, installation location, fixing substrate, fasteners used, installation date and inspection results. Following exceptional loads, structural modifications or doubts about the load-bearing capacity, the anchor point may only be used again after assessment by a competent specialist.

How do you choose the right single anchor point?

The selection begins with the fixing substrate. The roof construction, installation height, fixing method, number of users, standard and corrosion requirements must then be considered. Different models are available for solid concrete than for timber, trapezoidal sheeting, sandwich panels, hollow-core slabs or aerated concrete.

The subsequent use is also decisive. A single compact anchor point may be sufficient for occasional maintenance work. For roof surfaces that are accessed regularly, several SEKURANT® anchor points or a horizontal cable or rail system may be more appropriate. The final selection should be based on project-specific planning and technical approval for the existing substrate.