Temporary Anchor Devices

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! We’ve covered the strength requirements and who is qualified to approve an anchor. Today, we're focusing on the practical, common-sense solutions for temporary work: Temporary Anchor Devices.

Temporary anchors are designed to be easily installed and removed without permanently altering the structure. While convenient, they demand absolute diligence to ensure they are properly rated and installed according to the manufacturer's exact specifications.

Common Temporary Anchor Solutions

These devices are crucial for short-term tasks and must still meet the 5,000 lbs. Fall Arrest minimum requirement (unless otherwise certified by a Qualified Person for Fall Restraint).

• Beam Clamps: These portable devices are designed to clamp securely onto a structural steel beam. They are adjustable and provide a dedicated, tested D-ring connection point. Crucially, the clamp must be tightened to the manufacturer's specified torque to ensure it won't slip under a fall load.

• Beam Trolleys: Similar to clamps, but these include wheels or rollers that allow the worker to move horizontally along the beam while remaining constantly attached. This is excellent for linear work and minimizes the need for multiple anchor points.

• Parapet Clamps: These are specifically designed to anchor over a parapet wall or ledge. They rely on counterweights or a gripping mechanism on the interior face of the wall. They must be secured firmly to the structure and checked to ensure the parapet itself can handle the load.

• Temporary Roof Anchors: These are often spiked or bolted into roof sheathing or rafters. They provide a temporary D-ring connection point, but they must only be installed in sound wood or structure and follow the manufacturer's specific fastener and hole count instructions to guarantee the 5,000 lb. rating.

The Installation Rule

The single most important rule for temporary anchor devices is: Do not deviate from the manufacturer's instructions.

The 5,000-lb rating is achieved only when the anchor is installed with the correct number of fasteners, the specified spacing, or the required torque settings. If you improvise, you are operating with an unknown safety factor—and that's an unacceptable risk.

Tomorrow, we'll look at permanent and engineered anchor systems.

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-The Safety Man