EN 795 anchor points – 5 types of anchoring devices under the standard
An anchor point is a designated location where a worker attaches their personal fall protection equipment when working at height. The safety requirements and testing methods for anchoring devices are defined under the EN 795:2012 standard. The standard categorizes these devices into five distinct types—A, B, C, D, and E—and the appropriate selection depends on the host structure’s load capacity, required working length, and whether structural penetration is permitted. However, before choosing a specific type of anchor device, a fundamental legal—not merely technical—question must be addressed. An anchor point forms part of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and safety regulations allow its deployment only when Collective Protection Equipment (CPE) cannot be physically installed. Below, we explain the legal hierarchy, the difference between an anchor device and a structural anchor, the five EN 795 anchor devices types, key technical strength thresholds, and the mandatory handover documentation required after installation.
Table of contents
An anchor point is the last resort, not the first option
Under Council Directive 89/391/EEC relating measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work (Article 6), employers are legally obligated to prioritize Collective Protection Equipment over Personal Protective Equipment.
“giving collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures”
The legal sequence is strictly established:
- First priority: Collective protection systems, such as roof guardrails and safety netting.
- Last resort: Personal fall protection equipment (harnesses, lanyards, and individual anchor points) when collective protection is physically impossible to implement.
This distinction is practical rather than formal. Collective protection functions passively and continuously—a guardrail or safety net protects everyone entering the hazard area regardless of human behavior. In contrast, an individual anchor point protects a single worker only if that worker is correctly tied off, uses inspected gear, and adequate fall clearance exists below. Each of those three links represents a potential point of human failure.
Therefore, before specifying individual anchor points, site planners must always evaluate whether the area can be secured using guardrails or safety nets. Individual anchor points should only be installed where collective protection is genuinely unfeasible.
In the seven-step ladder for choosing protective measures, the anchor point sits on step six out of seven. That does not make it a bad solution — it makes it the last one to reach for, once the five earlier steps have been ruled out. We explain this in detail where we set out when to use collective protection and when to use PPE.
Three key concepts defined by the EN 795 Standard (and one excluded)
The European standard governing anchor devices uses precise technical terminology, and understanding these distinctions determines whether a product falls under EN 795:2012.
| Term | Definition under EN 795:2012 | Standard coverage status |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor point | the point on an anchor system where the equipment protecting against a fall is attached | yes — as part of the device |
| Anchor device | an assembly of elements with one or more anchor points, intended to be removable from the structure | yes — this is what the standard is about |
| Structural anchor | an element permanently incorporated into the structure (welded, resin-bonded) to which the anchor device is fixed | NO — the standard expressly excludes structural anchors from its scope |
| Fixing element | an element connecting the anchor device to the structure, which is removable from it | yes |
Definitions under clauses 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.6 of EN 795:2012. The difference between an anchor device and a structural anchor comes down to one question: can it be removed from the structure without damaging it.
The bottom row of this table is critical: structural anchors permanently built into a structure are completely excluded from the scope of EN 795:2012. The standard governs removable devices that can be inspected, maintained, or uninstalled as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). In practice, if a supplier offers a “permanently cast-in EN 795 anchor point,” it is essential to verify what was tested: the removable anchoring device itself or the structural attachment method. EN 795 standard applies strictly to the former.
EN 795:2012 – five types instead of six classes
A widespread misconception in technical specifications is referring to Classes A1, A2, B, C, D, and E. That classification originates from the legacy EN 795:1996 edition and has been replaced. Annex B of the current EN 795:2012 standard explicitly states that anchor classes were replaced by Types A, B, C, D, and E to clarify structural differences. The 2012 standard edition superseded the 1996 one, and conflicting national standards were to be withdrawn by January 2013 at the latest. Former Classes A1 and A2 were merged into a single Type A, and the boundary between Type A and Type B was redefined: classification no longer depends on whether a device is fixed or portable, but on whether a structural anchor or fixing element is required for installation.
| Type | Description | Typical use | Our solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A | one or more stationary anchor points; a structural anchor or a fixing element is needed to attach it | walls, slabs, columns, roofs, ground | anchor points fixed to the structure · ground anchor point |
| Type B | stationary anchor points that need neither a structural anchor nor a fixing element | beams, lintels, openings, structural members — installed and removed in minutes | fall arrest slings · temporary formwork lifeline |
| Type C | a flexible anchor line deviating from the horizontal by no more than 15° | horizontal lifelines on roofs and structures | — |
| Type D | a rigid anchor line deviating from the horizontal by no more than 15° | halls, platforms, vehicle and aircraft inspection, work above the worker | rigid rails |
| Type E | a device for surfaces up to 5°, working solely through mass and friction | flat roofs where the covering must not be penetrated | counterweight roof anchor |
Division under clause 3.2 of EN 795:2012. The earlier edition of the standard divided devices into classes A1, A2, B, C, D and E — that division was replaced by types and has not applied since January 2013.
Type A – permanent anchor points fixed to the structure
An anchor device featuring one or more permanent anchor points requiring structural anchors or attachment elements to fix to the host structure. This is the most common solution on roofs, walls, and floor slabs: an eyelet plate or post anchored into concrete, steel, or timber. Explore specific configurations under anchor points fixed to structure dedicated page.
A specialized subset of Type A includes ground anchoring systems, deployed where no host building structure exists (e.g., embankment or trench works). Read more under ground anchoring points.
Type B – temporary / portable anchor points
Anchor devices that do not require permanent attachment or structural anchors in the supporting structure. They are installed and dismantled in minutes without drilling. In our range, Type B includes three distinct configurations:
- fall arrest slings — High-strength webbing loops wrapped around structural beams or columns,
- temporary horizontal formwork lifeline — portable fall protection system based on posts and webbing lifelines, deployed during reinforcement and formwork works.
Type B is the only EN 795 category that functions directly as portable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) carried by individual workers.
Type C – flexible horizontal lifeline systems
An anchor device utilizing a flexible wire rope or webbing line inclined no more than 15° from the horizontal. Commonly referred to as a horizontal lifeline. The worker moves continuously along the line using a mobile glider or connector. EN 795 requires specific engineering calculations and documentation for each unique installation length and span.
Type D – rigid anchor rails
An anchor device featuring a rigid metal rail inclined no more than 15° from the horizontal, along which a mobile trolley travels as an anchor point. Unlike Type C lifelines, a rigid rail exhibits minimal dynamic deflection under fall impact. Consequently, required fall clearance underneath is significantly reduced, making Type D the ideal choice for low-headroom environments, vehicle maintenance bays, and industrial halls. Read technical details under horizontal anchor rails EN 795 D.
Type E – deadweight anchor devices
An anchor device designed for flat surfaces with a slope up to 5°, relying entirely on mass and surface friction. Type E requires zero structural penetration, making it the premier choice for roofs where membrane penetration is prohibited (elastomer membranes, green roofs, historical monuments). Strict operational conditions apply: the surface must not be iced or contaminated, and the device must maintain specified setback distances from open edges. Read more under deadweight anchors.
What the EN 795:2012 standard does not cover
The scope of EN 795:2012 is narrower than widely assumed. The standard does not apply to:
- Anchor devices intended for multi-user simultaneous attachment (governed separately by Technical Specification CEN/TS 16415),
- structural anchors permanently cast or welded into the building,
- Building structural elements not originally installed as anchor points (such as structural beams or purlins),
- Roof walkway and chimney sweep equipment covered by EN 516 and EN 517,
- sports or recreational equipment.
Two key points warrant elaboration:
Single user limit
EN 795:2012 standard requires every anchor device to be clearly labeled for single-user connection (1 person). Connecting two users to an anchor device certified solely for a single user violates testing parameters. Multi-user systems must be tested and certified under CEN/TS 16415.
A structural anchor is not the same as an anchor device.
A permanent structural anchor welded or chemically bonded into concrete becomes part of the building, not portable user PPE. The Court of Justice of the European Union classified it the same way in its judgment of 21 October 2010 in case C-185/08: anchor devices which are not intended to be held or worn by their user are not personal protective equipment, and those which form part of building works and are attached to them in order to guarantee the safety of using the roof fall under the rules on construction products. The judgment was handed down under directives that have since been replaced, but the dividing line itself has stayed the same and matches the scope of the standard.
For project owners, the practical takeaway is straightforward: upon installation handover, request two separate certificates—one for the anchor device itself, and one verifying the installation and structural anchor fixing into the specific base material.
Technical performance values under EN 795:2012 Standard
EN 795:2012 defines performance and load resistance criteria rather than imposing rigid visual designs. Below we have gathered the values that appear most often in EN 795:2012.
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Static strength test — metallic elements | 12 kN |
| Static strength test — non-metallic elements without evidence of durability | 18 kN |
| Dynamic strength test | 100 kg mass, 9 kN at the point of arrest |
| Safety factor of the static strength test | minimum 2 |
| Permanent deformation of an element after testing | max. 10 mm in the direction of loading |
| Maximum force acting on the worker | 6 kN — limited by the energy absorber in the system |
| Number of users | one — the standard covers single-user devices only |
| Mass of an element carried by one person | max. 25 kg |
| Maximum deviation of a type C and D anchor line from the horizontal | 15° |
| Maximum inclination of the surface for type E | 5° |
Values under clauses 4.1, 4.4, 5 and 7 of EN 795:2012. The figure of 10 kN, which still circulates in commercial material, comes from the withdrawn EN 795:1996 edition.
A key value requires attention: sales literature often cites a 10 kN static strength rating. That figure originates from the superseded EN 795:1996 standard. The current EN 795:2012 edition mandates a static load capacity of 12 kN for metallic devices and 18 kN for non-metallic components. A datasheet showing 10 kN indicates testing under an outdated standard.
Furthermore, the maximum impact force transmitted to a falling worker must never exceed 6 kN. This force limit is controlled by the energy absorber in the user’s lanyard, not the anchor point itself. A strong anchor point alone does not guarantee safety—protection results from a fully matched system (anchor point, lanyard, energy absorber, and harness).
Mandatory handover documentation after installation
EN 795:2012 recommends providing the building owner with comprehensive installation documentation to be permanently retained on site. Handover documentation must include:
- Installation address and precise rooftop/building location.
- Installer company details, address, and name of the competent installation person in charge of the installation.
- Product identification (manufacturer, type, model).
- Fixing element data (anchor type, allowable tensile and shear loads).
- Schematic layout plan displayed at roof access points.
- Installer declaration confirming installation complied with manufacturer instructions and base material specifications.
- Photographic documentation of concealed fixings prior to sealing with waterproofing or insulation layers.
Photographic proof is the most critical item. Once an anchor is covered by membrane and insulation, visual inspection of the underlying fixing is impossible. Pre-closure photographs provide the sole permanent proof of structural integrity. The standard also requires marking the anchor device with the date of the next mandatory annual inspection. Any anchor device that has arrested a fall must be removed from service until inspected and re-certified by a competent person.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about EN 795 anchor points
How many classes are defined in the EN 795 standard ?
The current edition, EN 795:2012 standard, no longer refers to classes but to types, and there are five: A, B, C, D and E. The division into six classes — A1, A2, B, C, D, E — comes from the EN 795:1996 edition and has been replaced; national standards conflicting with the 2012 edition were to be withdrawn by January 2013 at the latest. The former classes A1 and A2 were merged into a single type A.
Do anchor points fall under CE marking?
It depends on whether the device is personal protective equipment (PPE). CE marking may only be affixed to products for which specific Union harmonisation legislation provides for it — that is the rule in Article 30(2) of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008. In case C-185/08 the Court of Justice of the European Union held that anchor devices, which are not intended to be held or worn by their user are not personal protective equipment — and do not become so merely because personal protective equipment is connected to them — and that anchor devices which form part of building works and are fixed to them in order to guarantee the safety of using the roof fall under the rules on construction products.
In practice this means that portable anchor devices which the worker takes with them — type B and type E, as well as type A devices supplied as a removable product — are personal protective equipment: they carry CE marking and an EU declaration of conformity under Regulation (EU) 2016/425. A structural anchor welded or resin-bonded permanently into the structure is not personal protective equipment and does not carry CE marking on that basis; EN 795:2012 expressly excludes structural anchors from its scope, and its only Annex ZA relates the standard to the personal protective equipment rules alone. That is why, at handover, it is worth asking for two documents: the declaration of conformity for the device itself, and the documentation of the way it is fixed in that particular substrate.
Can two users attach to a single EN 795 anchor point simultaneously?
The EN 795 standard as such covers anchor points intended for a single user only. If several workers are to be attached to the same anchor point or anchor line at the same time, the device has to meet the CEN/TS 16415 technical specification.
What is the difference between an anchor point and a structural anchor?
Removability. An anchor device can be removed from the structure without damaging the building for inspection. A structural anchor (such as a welded plate or resin-bonded rod) is permanently built into the host structure and is excluded from EN 795:2012.
When may anchor points be used instead of guardrails or nets?
Only when Collective Protection Equipment (CPE) cannot be installed. Council Directive 89/391/EEC lists, among the general principles of prevention, giving collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures, and national safety rules governing work at height name guardrails and safety nets as collective measures to be used first. PPE anchor points are permitted only when CPE is physically impossible to implement.
What documentation should be provided after installing EN 795 anchor points?
Complete handover documentation including site address, installer details, product references, anchor fixing load data, rooftop schematic plans, installer compliance statement, and pre-closure photographic proof of concealed fixings.
Need Guidance Selecting the Right Anchor Points for Your Facility?
Selecting fall protection always begins with one question: Can Collective Protection Equipment (CPE) be installed at this location? If collective protection is unfeasible, we specify the ideal EN 795 anchor type based on base material, working length, and required fall clearance. Contact us!
We cover specific solutions for difficult substrates on our blog. We started with one of the harder cases: a sandwich panel roof, where the covering will not take the load and puncturing the insulation is out of the question — anchor point for sandwich panels.
Further articles on selecting and inspecting anchor devices are collected in the roof anchoring guide.