Free height safety anchor point annual certification

• The MapTrack height safety anchor point annual certification contains 36 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: 1. Documentation Review, 2. Visual Inspection - Anchor Hardware, 3. Structural Assessment, 4. Horizontal Lifeline Systems (if applicable), 5. Vertical Rail Systems (if applicable), 6. Load Testing, 7. Labelling and Marking.
• Building details: address, building name, roof access points, number of anchor systems, building owner and facility manager contact details.
• Anchor register: unique identifier for each anchor, type (single-point, horizontal cable, vertical rail, davit base), manufacturer, installation date, location description and roof plan reference.
• Visual inspection results: anchor body condition, base plate integrity, fixing condition, substrate cracking or spalling, corrosion assessment, signage and labelling.

Learn more about compliance and inspections in MapTrack.

• Legal compliance: satisfies the annual recertification requirement under AS 1891.4 and AS 5532, demonstrating duty of care for anyone working at heights on the building.
• Worker safety: identifies degraded anchors, corroded fixings, cracked substrates and failed load tests before a worker clips on and trusts their life to the system.
• Insurance validity: provides documentary evidence that height safety systems are current, which insurers require before accepting liability for fall-related claims.
• Building owner protection: creates a defensible audit trail showing the owner has met their WHS obligations for the maintenance of safety-critical building infrastructure.
• Asset lifecycle tracking: builds a year-on-year history of each anchor point, revealing degradation trends and informing replacement planning before catastrophic failure.
• Contractor confidence: trade contractors can verify anchor certification status before commencing work, reducing refusal-to-work disputes and project delays.

• Building details: address, building name, roof access points, number of anchor systems, building owner and facility manager contact details.
• Anchor register: unique identifier for each anchor, type (single-point, horizontal cable, vertical rail, davit base), manufacturer, installation date, location description and roof plan reference.
• Visual inspection results: anchor body condition, base plate integrity, fixing condition, substrate cracking or spalling, corrosion assessment, signage and labelling.
• Load test results: test load applied (kN), duration held, deflection measurement, pass/fail outcome for each anchor.
• System components: condition of horizontal cable tensioners, intermediate brackets, end anchors, cable condition, swage integrity, turnbuckle function.
• Non-conformances: any anchor failing visual or load test, with defect description, risk rating and required corrective action.
• Certification outcome: pass (compliant for 12 months), conditional pass (minor repairs required within timeframe), or fail (anchor removed from service immediately).
• Certifier details: competent person name, licence or qualification number, company, signature and certification date.
• Next certification due date.

1. Review the building anchor register and previous certification records before attending site.

   Obtain the current anchor register showing all installed height safety systems, their locations and types. Review the previous annual certification report for any noted concerns, conditional passes or approaching end-of-life items. Confirm access arrangements and any site-specific induction requirements.

2. Perform a visual inspection of every anchor point, base plate and surrounding substrate.

   Inspect each anchor body for cracks, deformation, corrosion and wear. Check base plates for looseness, corrosion and weld integrity. Examine the substrate (concrete, steel, timber) around each fixing for cracking, spalling, water damage or deterioration. Verify compliance labels and signage are legible.

3. Conduct proof load testing on each anchor using calibrated equipment.

   Apply the specified proof load (typically 6 kN for personal fall arrest anchors, or manufacturer-specified test load) using calibrated hydraulic or mechanical load testing equipment. Hold the load for the specified duration. Monitor for deflection, substrate movement or anchor slip. Record the load applied, duration and measured deflection for each anchor.

4. Assess horizontal cable systems, vertical rails and davit bases as complete systems.

   For horizontal systems, inspect the full cable run including end anchors, intermediate brackets, cable condition, swage terminations and tensioning devices. For vertical rail systems, check rail fixings, shuttle travel and locking mechanisms. For davit bases, verify the socket, locking pin and surrounding structure. Test system function under load.

5. Issue certification tags, complete the report and schedule the next annual recertification.

   For each anchor that passes both visual and load testing, attach or update the certification tag showing the certifier details and next due date. For failed anchors, affix a prominent danger tag prohibiting use and notify the building owner immediately. Complete the full certification report and provide it to the building owner within 14 days. Set the next annual recertification date in the maintenance schedule.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

• AS 1891.4 Industrial fall arrest systems and devices - Selection, use and maintenance
• AS 5532 Manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor devices
• AS/NZS 1891.1 Industrial fall protection systems - Requirements for full body harnesses
• WHS Regulations 2011, Chapter 6, Part 6.4 (Falls)

• Model WHS Regulations (Safe Work Australia)

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

• Harness and lanyard inspection checklist
• Fall protection inspection checklist
• Working at heights permit
• Scaffold inspection checklist
• Compliance management (MapTrack)
• Preventive maintenance scheduling
• Asset lifecycle management