Anchor points are required as a compatible system when workers are active on an elevated area that is close to an unprotected edge or workers are exposed to the hazard of falling. Anchor points are used as part of a fall protection system when workers are cleaning windows or carrying out suspended scaffold building maintenance. These can be part of a Building Facade Access System found commonly outside the USA.

Anchor points are important for maintaining safety at height operations and are typically installed on the roof of tall buildings. They form an integral component of the fall protection system that keeps workers safe while performing tasks like window cleaning, painting, concrete repairs, light installation, and more.

Dr. J. Nigel Ellis was a guest speaker at the National Safety Council Congress and Expo on October 9, 2016 in Anaheim, CA. Dr. Ellis’ presentation was titled, “Three Point Control for Ladders”. The slides from this presentation are available here.

Buildings, whether residential or businesses, are always in need of periodic or even emergency maintenance. Problems can be as small as an overgrown lawn or a clogged sink, or as large as structural damage or an electrical outage. For many of these problems, property owners rely on independent building maintenance contractors for solutions.

Expose to and discuss with as many workers as possible during Stand-Down week. NOTE: OSHA is planning on 5,000,000 workers to be exposed to the Stand-Down in 2018. Making workers aware of the danger of ladder falls is the goal. The OSHA Alliance and OSHA recommend holding horizontal ladder handholds only (rungs).