Useful information about anchor ropes

What are anchor ropes and what are they used for?

Anchor ropes are used to create a temporary anchor point on suitable load-bearing structures for work at height. They are passed around load-bearing components and form the connection between the existing structure and the components of personal fall protection equipment or a rescue system.

SKYLOTEC anchor ropes are used in applications including arboriculture, rope access, technical rescue, construction and work on supporting structures, masts or industrial facilities. They allow anchor points to be set up flexibly wherever no permanently installed anchorage devices are available.

What advantages do anchor ropes offer compared with permanently installed anchor points?

Permanently installed anchor points are ideal for regularly recurring work at a fixed location. Anchor ropes, by contrast, provide maximum flexibility and can be used at different worksites. This allows secure anchor points to be created quickly even at changing workplaces.

Mobile anchor ropes significantly reduce the effort required, particularly during installation, maintenance and rescue operations as well as in arboriculture, because no permanent installation is necessary. The selected load-bearing structure must nevertheless have sufficient load capacity and be suitable for the intended application.

When are anchor ropes more suitable than webbing slings or anchor slings?

Whether an anchor rope or a webbing sling is the better choice depends on the particular application. Textile webbing slings are especially suitable for sensitive surfaces or compact anchor points. Anchor ropes, by contrast, often provide greater lengths and increased flexibility and are specifically designed for creating temporary anchor points.

In arboriculture or when using distant anchor points, anchor ropes often allow more convenient positioning. Some systems can even be retrieved from the ground after use. This eliminates the need for an additional ascent to dismantle the anchor point.

Which anchor ropes are suitable for arboriculture?

In arboriculture, anchor ropes are used to utilise load-bearing branches or tree structures as temporary anchor points. At the same time, the anchor point should be as easy as possible to remove after the work has been completed without requiring another ascent into the tree.

The FOREST anchor sling was developed specifically for this application. Its aluminium rings allow it to be retrieved from the ground once the work has been completed. This speeds up workflows and avoids additional ascents.

What advantages do adjustable anchor ropes offer?

Adjustable anchor ropes can be flexibly adapted to different load-bearing structures. Their length can therefore be adjusted directly on site to suit pipes, beams, trees or other suitable anchorage options. An optimally positioned anchor point often improves the configuration of the entire system.

The FAST ANKOR, for example, features an adjustable length and therefore offers particularly versatile use. Such systems are especially suitable for changing worksites and different structural geometries.

What requirements must a suitable load-bearing structure meet?

An anchor rope is only as safe as the structure to which it is attached. Before every use, it must be checked whether the selected structure can safely withstand the forces involved. Load capacity, material condition, edges, damage and possible movement of the structure must all be taken into account.

The correct position of the anchor point is equally important. An anchor point positioned as high as possible reduces the fall distance in many applications and improves the routing of the complete safety system. Suitable anchor points should be assessed exclusively by competent persons.

Which standards apply to anchor ropes?

Depending on their design, professional anchor ropes meet requirements including those of EN 795 Type B for transportable anchorage devices. Individual products may also comply with additional standards or certifications. The product-specific information provided by the manufacturer is always decisive.

In addition to the standard, users should pay particular attention to the permitted load, the number of approved users and compatibility with lanyards, karabiners and fall arrest systems. Anchor ropes may only be used in accordance with their intended application.

How do you choose the right anchor rope?

The application, required length, type of load-bearing structure and desired additional functions all play a decisive role in the selection. A retrievable solution may be useful for tree climbers, while adjustable anchor ropes often offer advantages in industrial applications.

SKYLOTEC anchor ropes provide professional temporary anchor points for a wide range of applications. Their combination of flexible use, high load capacity and system-compatible integration makes them an important basis for safe work at height.