“An anchor point can sit unused for months – but if somebody falls, it may suddenly be the most important component in the entire fall protection system.”

Fall arrest anchor points, safety eyebolts and other fixed anchor systems should never be treated as “fit and forget” equipment.

They form a critical part of the personal fall protection system, providing the connection point that a worker may rely on to prevent or arrest a fall.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require work-at-height equipment to be appropriately inspected and maintained, while HSE guidance confirms that equipment exposed to conditions that can cause deterioration needs inspection at suitable intervals and following exceptional circumstances that could affect its safety.

For many conventional fall arrest anchors, an annual formal inspection is the familiar industry interval. Anchors used for rope access or for raising and lowering people have traditionally been subject to more frequent examination, often every six months.

However, those intervals should not simply be treated as a universal legal rule for every eyebolt or anchor point.

Quick Answer: How often should fall arrest anchor points and eyebolts be tested?

For many fall arrest anchor systems, a formal inspection at intervals of no more than 12 months is the commonly adopted industry approach. Anchors used for rope access or raising and lowering people have traditionally been examined at intervals of no more than 6 months. However, the correct frequency should always follow the requirements for the individual system, including the manufacturer’s instructions, installation documentation, examination scheme, environment, frequency of use and any event that may have affected its safety.

Learn more about our Fall Arrest Anchor Installation & Testing service.

Key Takeaways – Fall Arrest Anchor & Eyebolt Inspections

  • Annual formal inspection is common for fall arrest anchors, but 12 months is not a blanket statutory interval for every installation.
  • Anchors used for rope access or raising and lowering people may require more frequent inspection, commonly every 6 months.
  • Anchor points should also be checked before use for obvious defects or expired inspection status.
  • An anchor may need an earlier competent-person inspection after a fall, impact, structural alteration, damage or other exceptional event.
  • A formal inspection involves far more than simply attaching a pull tester to the anchor.
  • The anchor, fixings, substrate, installation, documentation and intended use all matter.
  • Fall arrest eyebolts should not automatically be used as lifting points for machinery or materials.

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How Often Should a Fall Arrest Anchor Point Be Inspected?

For many conventional fall arrest anchor installations, formal inspection every 12 months is the commonly recognised industry interval.

Older industry guidance based on the previous edition of BS 7883 specified periodic examination at intervals no greater than:

  • 12 months for fall arrest anchor devices
  • 6 months for rope access anchor devices
  • 6 months where an anchor device is used for raising or lowering a person

However, the current standard is BS 7883:2019 – Personal fall protection equipment. Anchor systems. System design, installation and inspection. Code of practice.

The modern approach places greater emphasis on the documentation and inspection requirements for the individual anchor system, including its System Technical File and Examination Scheme for Inspection.

That means the best answer is not simply:

“Every eyebolt must be pull tested once a year.”

Instead, the inspection regime should reflect the actual anchor system, how it is used and the conditions in which it operates.

Anchor Use Typical Inspection Approach
Fall arrest Formal inspection commonly at intervals no greater than 12 months, subject to the system requirements and conditions of use.
Rope access / abseil anchors Historically subject to more frequent examination, commonly at intervals no greater than 6 months.
Raising or lowering people May require a 6-monthly examination regime depending on the equipment, application and applicable requirements.
Before use Check for obvious defects, damage, deterioration and current inspection status.
After a fall, damage or exceptional event Take out of normal use and arrange competent assessment before relying on the anchor again.

Is a 12-Month Anchor Inspection a Legal Requirement?

Not in the simple way this is sometimes presented online.

The Work at Height Regulations do not contain a blanket statement saying that every fall arrest eyebolt must be pull tested once every 12 months.

Instead, the Regulations require work-at-height equipment to be properly inspected and maintained.

HSE guidance also states that equipment exposed to conditions that could cause deterioration resulting in dangerous situations should be inspected:

  • At suitable intervals
  • Each time exceptional circumstances occur that could jeopardise its safety

The appropriate interval therefore needs to take account of factors such as:

  • The type of anchor system
  • Its intended use
  • The manufacturer’s instructions
  • The original installer documentation
  • The Examination Scheme for Inspection
  • Frequency and intensity of use
  • Environmental exposure
  • Previous inspection findings
  • Any incidents affecting the installation

For many fall arrest anchors, these requirements result in an annual formal inspection regime.

But the legal duty is ultimately to have a suitable inspection and maintenance system, rather than simply putting every anchor on the same 12-month calendar regardless of its circumstances.

How Often Should Rope Access and Abseil Anchors Be Inspected?

Anchors used for rope access deserve particular attention because their use differs from a conventional single-user fall arrest point.

Longstanding industry guidance has applied a six-month maximum periodic examination interval to anchor devices used for rope access or for raising and lowering people.

The intended use of the anchor therefore matters.

An anchor designed and documented for fall arrest should not simply be assumed suitable for rope access, abseiling, work positioning or another application.

Permanent anchor systems should be clearly identified and supported by appropriate installation and operating information explaining:

  • What the anchor is intended to be used for
  • How many users it is designed for
  • How it should be accessed
  • What equipment it can be used with
  • How and when it should be inspected

If the intended use or inspection requirement cannot be established, that uncertainty should be resolved before workers are allowed to rely on the anchor.

Do Anchor Points Need Checking Before Every Use?

Yes. Formal periodic inspection does not remove the need for basic pre-use checks.

Before connecting to an anchor, the user should make sure there is no obvious reason why the point should not be relied upon.

Depending on the installation, warning signs can include:

  • Visible corrosion
  • Cracking or damage around the supporting structure
  • A loose anchor or eyebolt
  • Deformation or impact damage
  • Missing or damaged components
  • Unreadable identification
  • An expired inspection label
  • A warning or “do not use” tag
  • Evidence that the point has been involved in a fall
  • Changes to the wall, roof, steelwork or other surrounding structure

A pre-use inspection is not a substitute for formal periodic examination by a competent person.

It is simply another layer of protection intended to prevent somebody attaching themselves to an obviously damaged or out-of-date installation.

When Should a Fall Arrest Anchor Be Inspected Earlier?

The next inspection date is not a licence to ignore an anchor until that date arrives.

If something happens that could have affected the anchor’s safety, it should be assessed earlier.

After the Anchor Has Arrested a Fall

An anchor that has been loaded during an actual fall should not automatically be returned to service because it still looks undamaged.

The anchor, fixings, surrounding structure and other affected elements may have experienced forces capable of causing damage that is not obvious from a basic visual check.

The system should therefore be taken out of normal use and assessed before anybody relies on it again.

After Impact or Suspected Damage

Building work, plant movement, accidental impact or other site activity can affect an anchor or the structure supporting it.

If damage is suspected, waiting for the next scheduled inspection is inappropriate.

Following Structural Alterations

Changes to a wall, roof, parapet, steel frame or other supporting structure can affect an anchor installation even when the anchor itself has not been directly altered.

In Corrosive or Harsh Environments

Coastal locations, chemical exposure, industrial contaminants, persistent moisture and other aggressive environments can increase the rate of deterioration.

The inspection interval may therefore need shortening where conditions justify more frequent checks.

After Long Periods Out of Use

An unused anchor is not automatically a safe anchor.

If an installation has been dormant for a significant period and its inspection status is unclear, its condition should be established before it is returned to use.

What Is the Difference Between an Eyebolt and an Anchor Point?

Anchor point is the broader term.

It describes a secure attachment point incorporated into a personal fall protection system.

A safety eyebolt is one particular form of anchor device and may consist of an eye connected to a structural fixing installed into a suitable wall, roof, steelwork or other substrate.

Modern fall protection systems can also include:

  • Roof anchors
  • Structural anchor devices
  • Horizontal safety line anchors
  • Overhead anchors
  • Rail or track systems
  • Davit and confined-space anchor systems

The inspection process therefore needs to reflect what has actually been installed rather than treating every fall protection anchor as an identical eyebolt.

Where davit systems are involved, see our Davit Arm Installation & Pull Testing service.

Are Fall Arrest Eyebolts the Same as Lifting Eyebolts?

No.

An anchor designed for personal fall protection should not automatically be used as a lifting point for machinery, materials or other loads.

BS 7883 relates to anchor systems used for personal fall protection and does not cover the lifting of equipment.

Lifting operations require equipment that has been specifically designed, selected and certified for that purpose.

The fact that a safety eyebolt is designed to withstand forces associated with personal fall protection does not automatically make it suitable for lifting a load.

Does Every Anchor Inspection Involve a Pull Test?

Not necessarily in exactly the same way.

“Eyebolt testing” and “anchor pull testing” are commonly used search terms, but a competent periodic examination is broader than simply attaching a hydraulic tester to every anchor and applying the same load.

The appropriate inspection and testing method depends on factors including:

  • The type of anchor
  • How it has been installed
  • The supporting substrate
  • The manufacturer’s requirements
  • The original installation documentation
  • The Examination Scheme for Inspection
  • The age of the installation
  • Previous inspection and testing information

Proof or load testing may be required as part of the inspection for some systems, but the correct procedure and test load should be determined from the applicable documentation rather than assumed.

This is why a competent inspection should begin by understanding the installation – not simply by reaching for a pull tester.

What Does a Fall Arrest Anchor Inspection Check?

A proper anchor inspection can include much more than confirming that the eyebolt itself looks intact.

Depending on the anchor system, the competent person may examine:

  • Identification and markings – confirming the anchor can be correctly identified and its intended use established.
  • Visible condition – checking for wear, corrosion, cracking, deformation or other deterioration.
  • Anchor fixings – assessing accessible fixings and confirming there are no obvious signs of movement or failure.
  • Thread engagement – where relevant to removable threaded anchor devices.
  • Supporting substrate – looking for cracks, damage, deterioration or other conditions that may affect the installation.
  • Positioning – checking whether the anchor remains appropriate for the way workers access and use it.
  • Fall clearance – considering whether sufficient space remains for the intended fall protection arrangement.
  • Environmental suitability – identifying corrosion or materials that may be inappropriate for the conditions.
  • System documentation – checking installation information, technical files and previous inspection records where available.
  • Required testing – carrying out appropriate proof or load testing where the system requires it.
  • Labelling – confirming inspection information and any next-examination date are clear.

The key point is that the anchor and the structure supporting it work together as a system.

An apparently perfect stainless-steel eyebolt installed into a damaged or unsuitable substrate does not provide a safe fall arrest anchor.

What Happens If a Fall Arrest Anchor Fails Inspection?

If an anchor cannot be demonstrated as safe for continued use, it should not remain available for workers to attach to.

Reasons an anchor may be withdrawn from service can include:

  • Significant corrosion
  • Deformation or physical damage
  • Movement during testing
  • Failure of a required proof test
  • Insufficient thread engagement
  • Cracking or failure within the substrate
  • An unsuitable supporting structure
  • Unsafe positioning
  • Inadequate fall clearance
  • Missing or inadequate system documentation
  • An installation that cannot be satisfactorily inspected

The defective point should be clearly identified or isolated to prevent further use.

Depending on the problem, corrective action may involve repair, replacement, further structural investigation, a new installation or redesign of the fall protection arrangement.

Where the wider personal fall protection equipment also requires examination, Velocity Safety provides Personal Fall Protection Equipment inspections.

What Records Should You Receive After Anchor Testing?

Formal anchor inspection should leave a clear audit trail.

The inspection report should allow the building owner, employer or responsible person to identify:

  • Which anchors were inspected
  • The location of each anchor
  • The system or anchor type
  • Its intended use where known
  • The inspection or testing carried out
  • The outcome
  • Any defects found
  • Whether the anchor remains suitable for continued use
  • Any remedial action required
  • Any limitations identified during the inspection
  • The next inspection requirement

Records matter because an inspection certificate is more than paperwork.

It creates traceability showing what was assessed, what condition the installation was in and why it was considered suitable – or unsuitable – for continued use.

Who Can Inspect and Test Fall Arrest Anchor Points?

Formal periodic examination should be completed by a competent person.

Competence involves more than owning a pull tester or knowing how to operate it.

The examiner needs sufficient knowledge, training, experience and resources to:

  • Identify the anchor system
  • Understand how it is intended to be used
  • Interpret installation and manufacturer information
  • Understand the applicable inspection requirements
  • Recognise significant defects
  • Assess the anchor and accessible surrounding structure
  • Use appropriate test equipment correctly
  • Interpret testing results
  • Determine whether the installation remains suitable for continued use
  • Identify appropriate corrective action where defects are found

This is particularly important with fall arrest anchors because a competent person’s decision may ultimately determine whether another worker subsequently trusts that installation with their life.

Do Fall Arrest Anchor Points Come Under LOLER?

Not automatically.

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) apply to lifting equipment and lifting operations.

A conventional fixed anchor used solely as part of a personal fall arrest system is not automatically the same thing as lifting equipment.

However, equipment used for lifting or lowering people may fall within additional LOLER requirements, including more frequent thorough examination requirements.

This is another reason why the intended use of an anchor must be properly established rather than assuming that every eyebolt falls under exactly the same inspection regime.

Book Fall Arrest Anchor Inspection & Testing

Not sure whether your fall arrest anchors or eyebolts are due for inspection?

Velocity Safety provides fall arrest anchor installation, inspection and testing, helping businesses verify whether existing anchor points remain suitable for their intended personal fall protection use.

Our team can inspect accessible anchor components and supporting structures, review available system information, carry out appropriate testing where required and provide clear records of the outcome and any remedial work needed.

We can also support wider fall protection requirements including PFPE inspections, fall arrest block servicing and davit arm installation and pull testing.

📞 Call: 01254 933 486
📩 Email: info@velocitysafety.co.uk
🌐 Or contact Velocity Safety online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do fall arrest anchor points have to be tested every year?

Annual formal inspection is common for fall arrest anchor systems, and longstanding industry guidance has used a maximum 12-month interval for conventional fall arrest anchors. However, the correct frequency should follow the requirements for the specific installation, including its Examination Scheme for Inspection, manufacturer and installer instructions, environment and condition.

Do rope access and abseil anchors need testing every six months?

Six-monthly periodic examination has traditionally been used for anchor devices intended for rope access or for raising and lowering people. The requirements for the specific system should always be checked rather than assuming the interval solely from the appearance of the anchor.

Does an anchor need inspecting after a fall?

Yes. If an anchor has been loaded during a fall or another event has occurred that could affect its safety, it should be taken out of normal use and assessed by a competent person before somebody relies on it again.

Is an anchor inspection the same as a pull test?

No. Pull or proof testing may form part of an anchor examination where required, but a complete inspection can also consider markings, visible condition, fixings, substrate, positioning, documentation, fall clearance and other factors affecting the safety of the installation.

Can a fall arrest eyebolt be used for lifting?

Not simply because it is an eyebolt. Personal fall protection anchors and lifting points are designed for different purposes. Equipment used for lifting machinery, materials or other loads should be specifically designed and certified for lifting operations.

Who can test fall arrest eyebolts?

Formal periodic examination should be undertaken by a competent person with sufficient knowledge, training, experience and resources to understand the anchor system, identify significant defects, use appropriate test equipment and determine whether the installation remains suitable for continued use.

Should an eyebolt be checked before every use?

Yes. Users should carry out an appropriate pre-use check for obvious damage, deterioration, expired inspection status or other signs that the anchor should not be relied upon. This does not replace the formal periodic examination.

Does every fall arrest anchor need a 12-month pull test?

No. Annual inspection is common for fall arrest anchors, but the exact inspection and testing procedure should follow the requirements of the particular anchor system. A proof or pull test may be required for some installations, while other systems have different examination requirements.

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