Useful information about anchorage devices

What are anchorage devices and what are they used for?

Anchorage devices create load-bearing connection points for safety, rescue and rigging systems. They enable ropes, karabiners, pulleys and other components to be connected to a load-bearing structure in an organised manner. Depending on their design, they serve as temporary anchor points, organise several connections or control the alignment of moving loads.

The SKYLOTEC range includes rigging plates, swivels and anchor ropes for professional applications in rescue, arboriculture, rope access, work on masts and towers and tactical access. The appropriate anchorage device depends on the intended load, the available structure and the planned system configuration.

What is the difference between temporary anchorage devices and permanently installed anchor points?

Temporary anchorage devices are attached to a suitable structure for a specific operation and removed again after the work has been completed. Examples include anchor ropes, textile anchor slings and mobile systems that create a defined connection point on beams, trees or other load-bearing components.

Permanently installed single anchor points, cable systems or rail systems, by contrast, remain permanently on the structure. They are particularly suitable for regularly recurring work and must be planned, installed and documented for the specific project. Temporary solutions offer greater flexibility but require the selected structure and the complete anchorage situation to be professionally assessed before every use.

What functions do rigging plates perform in rescue and rope systems?

Rigging plates bring several connection points together at one central location. This allows karabiners, pulleys, rope clamps and other components to be arranged in an organised manner without the individual connectors obstructing one another or being loaded unfavourably.

The CHEESE PLATE S provides three openings and a breaking strength of 30 kN, while the larger CHEESE PLATE L has five openings and a breaking strength of 40 kN. The selection depends on the number of required connections, the space needed and the intended load on the system.

What advantages do rigging plates offer compared with directly connected karabiners?

When several karabiners are connected directly to a single anchor point, the connectors can jam, overlap or become unfavourably aligned. A rigging plate separates the individual connections spatially and creates a clearly organised system configuration.

This makes it easier to monitor complex hauling systems, rescue systems and multi-point anchor configurations. At the same time, load directions and the functions of individual rope strands can be understood more clearly. Rigging plates do not automatically increase the load-bearing capacity of the overall system, but they improve its organisation, clarity and handling.

When are swivels used in rope and load systems?

Swivels are positioned between two system components when rotational movement needs to be compensated for and twisting of ropes or lanyards is to be prevented. They can rotate around their axis under load, thereby reducing unwanted torsion within the system.

This is particularly relevant when retrieving loads, in hauling systems, during rescue manoeuvres or in moving rigging systems. SKYLOTEC models such as the TWIRL, TWISTER and WIB use axial ball bearings and are designed for different loads. The appropriate swivel must be selected according to the intended load, the connection points and the available installation space.

What advantages do swivels offer compared with a rigid connection?

A rigid connection transfers rotational movement directly to ropes, harnesses and other components. This can cause ropes to coil, connectors to twist or devices to become unfavourably aligned. A swivel decouples this rotation and keeps the system configuration more flexible.

This improves handling particularly with freely suspended loads, longer lifting distances or repeated rotational movements. However, a swivel does not replace the professional alignment of the remaining components. Karabiners, pulleys and anchor points must still be suitable for the occurring load directions.

What are anchor ropes and retrievable anchorage solutions used for?

Anchor ropes make it possible to establish a temporary anchor point on a load-bearing structure or to reach a remote connection point from the ground. Depending on the design, they can be used on trees, structural components, masts or in areas that are difficult to access.

The FOREST anchor sling, for example, is designed for tree climbing and construction work where the anchor point is to be retrieved from the ground after use. The FAST ANKOR offers an adjustable length and can therefore be adapted to different structures. It is always essential that the supporting structure, anchoring direction and connectors used are suitable for the application.

Which anchorage devices are suitable for arboriculture and work on structural components?

Arboriculture often requires textile or rope-based anchorage solutions that can be positioned flexibly around branches or load-bearing tree structures. Retrievable systems allow the anchor point to be removed from the ground after descent without having to climb the tree again.

When working on structural components, anchor ropes, anchor slings or sets such as BELAY POINTS can be used, provided that the structure can safely withstand the occurring forces. Unlike permanently installed anchor points, the suitability of the structure must be reassessed each time a new temporary anchorage is set up.

When are mobile anchorage devices the better solution?

Mobile anchorage devices are suitable for changing work locations, temporary projects and areas where permanent installation is not possible or economically viable. Depending on the system, they can be used on doors, beams, vessels, shafts or other suitable structures.

Compared with permanently installed systems, they offer a high degree of flexibility and can be used by trained teams at different locations. However, the set-up or attachment situation must be checked carefully before every installation. For regularly recurring work, permanently installed single anchor points, cable systems or rail systems may be the more efficient long-term solution.

Which standards apply to anchorage devices?

EN 795 Type B is particularly relevant for temporary anchorage devices. It describes transportable anchorage devices that are used without permanently attached fixings remaining on the structure. Depending on the product, further standards may apply, such as EN 354 for lanyards, EN 1891-A for kernmantle ropes or UIAA requirements for certain rigging components.

Not every product within the category fulfils the same function or standard. A rigging plate organises several connections, a swivel compensates for rotational movement and an anchor rope can create a temporary anchor point. The approval, breaking strength, number of users and manufacturer’s authorisation must therefore always be checked for the specific product.

How do you choose the right anchorage device?

The selection process begins by determining which function the product is intended to perform within the system. A rigging plate is suitable for clearly distributing several components. A swivel may be required where unwanted rotational movement occurs. Anchor ropes or mobile anchorage devices, by contrast, create a temporary connection point on a suitable structure.

The load direction, breaking strength, number of users, standard, material and compatibility with karabiners, pulleys and ropes must also be considered. A SKYLOTEC anchorage device should never be selected in isolation but always as part of the complete safety or rescue system. Only a professionally planned and inspected configuration enables safe use.

How are anchorage devices inspected and when must they be withdrawn from use?

Before every use, anchorage devices must be inspected for deformation, cracks, corrosion, abrasion and damaged stitching or rope sections. The bearings of swivels must move freely, while rigging plates must not have sharp edges or worn openings. Textile anchor ropes must also be checked for cuts, fraying and chemical damage.

After an exceptional load or if there is any doubt regarding safety, the component must not continue to be used. The prescribed periodic inspections by a competent person and the product-specific manufacturer’s instructions must also be observed. Damaged anchorage devices must not be repaired or modified unless this is expressly permitted by the manufacturer.