Product Overview

Summary: This Anchoring Techniques Safe Operating Procedure provides clear, step-by-step guidance for safely installing, using and inspecting anchoring systems in Australian workplaces. It helps control the critical risks associated with working at height, lifting operations and structural stability, ensuring anchors are selected, installed and loaded in line with WHS obligations and relevant Australian Standards.

Anchoring systems are a critical control for work at height, lifting operations and temporary structures, yet they are often misunderstood or applied inconsistently across sites. This Anchoring Techniques Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, practical framework for assessing anchor points, selecting the correct anchoring method, and installing, testing and using anchors safely. It covers both permanent and temporary anchor systems used for fall arrest, rope access, restraint, edge protection, lifting and tie-down applications in the Australian context.

The SOP helps businesses translate complex standards and manufacturer instructions into a user-friendly, repeatable process that workers can follow on every job. It addresses common failure points such as incorrect anchor selection for the substrate, inadequate load ratings, poor installation practices, lack of inspection, and unsafe connection methods. By implementing this procedure, organisations can demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation, reduce the likelihood of falls from height and structural failures, and provide supervisors with a defensible, documented system of work that integrates with permits, SWMS and site-specific risk assessments.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of falls from height and structural failures caused by incorrectly installed or overloaded anchors.
• Ensure anchors are selected, installed and used in accordance with Australian Standards and manufacturer specifications.
• Standardise anchoring practices across projects, contractors and sites for consistent, defensible WHS compliance.
• Streamline training and onboarding for new workers and subcontractors undertaking height safety and lifting activities.
• Improve inspection, tagging and record-keeping of anchor points, supporting audits, incident investigations and certification.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Riggers and Doggers
• Scaffolders
• Roofers
• Height Safety Technicians
• Maintenance Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• Civil and Structural Engineers
• Facilities and Asset Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height due to anchor failure or incorrect connection
• Structural failure of roofs, facades or supporting elements from improperly installed anchors
• Dropped objects caused by inadequate anchoring of tools, equipment or materials
• Overloading of anchor points during lifting, rope access or fall arrest events
• Use of uncertified, damaged or corroded anchor points
• Uncontrolled movement of temporary structures, edge protection or lifelines
• Inadequate rescue access due to poor anchor selection or location

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Anchors, Fall Arrest, Restraint, Rope Access, SWL, WLL)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Workers, Engineers, Height Safety Technicians)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Types of Anchors and Applications (Permanent, Temporary, Structural, Chemical, Mechanical, Lifelines)
• 6.0 Pre-Planning and Risk Assessment for Anchoring Activities
• 7.0 Anchor Selection Criteria (Substrate, Load Rating, Direction of Load, Environmental Factors)
• 8.0 Installation Procedures for Mechanical Anchors
• 9.0 Installation Procedures for Chemical/Adhesive Anchors
• 10.0 Use of Proprietary and Temporary Anchor Devices (Static Lines, Roof Anchors, Mobile Anchors)
• 11.0 Connection Methods and Compatible Equipment (Harnesses, Lanyards, Connectors, Slings)
• 12.0 Load Management and Anchor Loading Calculations (Basic Principles and Engineer Involvement)
• 13.0 Inspection, Testing, Tagging and Certification Requirements
• 14.0 Operational Checks Before Each Use
• 15.0 Safe Work Practices During Use (Fall Clearance, Swing Falls, Edge Protection, Exclusion Zones)
• 16.0 Coordination with SWMS, Permits to Work and Rescue Plans
• 17.0 Emergency and Rescue Considerations Linked to Anchor Points
• 18.0 Maintenance, Re-certification and Decommissioning of Anchor Systems
• 19.0 Training, Competency and Supervision Requirements
• 20.0 Record Keeping, Documentation and Audit Trail
• 21.0 Review, Continuous Improvement and SOP Revision History

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations – Part 4.4 Falls
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• AS/NZS 1891.4: Selection, use and maintenance of industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 1891.2: Horizontal lifeline and rail systems
• AS/NZS 5532: Manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor device used for harness-based work at height
• AS/NZS 1170: Structural design actions (for loadings on structures where anchors are installed)
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines