Freestanding anchor points or concrete blocks?

The "easy" solution for safety is becoming more and more in demand, and we often receive inquiries about the use of concrete blocks, e.g. Hoffmann blocks, as anchor points. The rationale is typically that the weight of the blocks must be sufficient to secure one or more people at the same time.

However, it is not entirely a challenge to just tie yourself to a random concrete block. There are 2 things to keep in mind! The requirement for an anchor point is the same whether we are talking about a permanent approved anchor point, or a temporary anchor point established by the user. That is, before the user connects to a given point, they must be sure that the point can sustain a pull of 12kN (approx. 1200kg) in all directions. Furthermore, as an end user, you are responsible for the point you tie yourself to, if this is not a permanent fall protection system or an approved anchor point, so it will depend on the user's own assessment whether an e.g. Hoffmann block will be able to hold. This provides good arguments for only using approved anchor points, and also avoids loose concrete blocks or similar weight blocks that are not attached to the roof surface, where you do not really know its weight, the condition of the concrete, or whether the bracket that is cast into the block can hold.

Removable anchor points are tested according to the standard EN795 class E, which designates anchor points that, through weight and friction, provide an approved protection when they are part of a protection system. A movable anchor point is available in many versions, with different weight solutions, the same for all of them is that they take time and move. This means that if you need to use protection in several places along the roof surface or at height, it may in some cases be better to get a permanent fall protection system established. In addition, you should be aware that your mobile anchor point must undergo annual inspection by a competent person, and the end user still has a responsibility to carry out self-inspections before the anchor point is put into use. However, in many cases, an approved mobile anchor point can be an easy and economical solution when securing along the edge of the roof, and if you have the option of having a sack truck on the roof, the move is made easy and quick.

So when customers ask us if they can use a concrete block as an anchor point – the answer is no!