Anchors & Lifeline Systems

Choose a Roof Anchor by Roof Type and Structure

The first question is not "which anchor is strongest" but "what am I attaching to?" A roof anchor only does its job when it suits the roof surface and the structure beneath it. Before you choose, identify the roofing material, the profile (seamed, flat panel or pitched with a ridge) and what framing or deck the anchor will connect to. Then match it to the anchor built for that surface:

• Standing seam metal roofs: the Tractel Standing Seam Roof Clamp Anchor is designed to clamp onto the raised seam of the roof panel.
• Flat metal roofs: the Tractel Flat Metal Roof Anchor is built for flat metal roof surfaces.
• Pitched roofs with a ridge: the Tractel Adjustable / Swivel Ridge Roof Anchor mounts at the ridge. Its adjustable, swivel design lets you work down either slope.
• Roofs where the anchor fastens into structure: the Tractel Screw-Down Roof Anchor is a screw-fastened option. It comes packaged with a Blocfor self-retracting lifeline.

If you are looking for a roof anchor for a metal roof, the seam profile decides it. A raised, interlocking seam points to the clamp anchor. A flat panel points to the flat metal roof anchor.

Roof Anchors, Beam Anchors, Horizontal Lifelines and Ladder Systems

Fall protection anchors in this collection fall into four broad groups. Each solves a different problem:

• Single-point roof anchors give a worker a dedicated tie-off point on a roof surface.
• Beam anchors, such as the Tractel BeamSlide Sliding Beam Anchor, attach to a steel beam flange and slide along it. That suits steel erection and overhead structural work.
• Horizontal lifelines span a run of the work area so workers can move along it without unhooking. The Tractel Tempo III is a temporary horizontal lifeline system. The Tractel Travsmart is a horizontal lifeline system built for stanchion posts.
• Ladder safety systems like Tractel Stopcable run a wire rope along a fixed ladder so the climber stays connected the whole way up.

Choose a single-point roof anchor when the work stays in a limited zone. Choose a horizontal lifeline when workers need to travel along a roof edge, a beam or a long work line.

Compare Anchors and Lifeline Systems

Sizing Lifelines and Self-Retracting Lifeline Options

For a ladder safety system, measure the full climbing height of the ladder. Then pick the Stopcable length that covers it. Lengths run from 20 ft (6 m) to 140 ft (42 m). For a Travsmart horizontal lifeline, measure the run between end stanchions and choose from 100 ft. (30 m), 150 ft. (45 m), 200 ft. (60 m), 250 ft. (75 m) or 300 ft. (90 m).

Most roof anchors here come either as the anchor alone or bundled with a Blocfor self-retracting lifeline in 30 ft. (9 m) or 50 ft. (15 m) lengths. Buy the anchor alone if you already own compatible connecting devices. If you need more SRL choices, browse our self-retracting lifelines.

Standards Listed in the Product Data

• Stopcable ladder safety systems: ANSI A14.13; OSHA 1910.66, app. C; CSA Z259.2.5-17.
• BeamSlide Sliding Beam Anchor: ANSI A10.32; OSHA 1926.500, subpart M; 1910.66, appendix C; and Z359.1.
• Travsmart: OSHA 1910, subpart D; OSHA 1926, subpart M; ANSI Z359.6-2016; ANSI A10.32-2012; CSA Z259.16-21.
• Tempo III: manufactured in accordance with ANSI, OSHA, and CSA requirements.
• Standing seam, flat metal, ridge and screw-down roof anchors: manufactured in accordance with CSA and OSHA requirements.

A listed standard describes the product, not your jobsite. You still have to install and use every system according to the manufacturer's instructions and your site's fall protection program.

Installation, Inspection and Care

Have a qualified person confirm that the structure can support the anchorage. Place anchors to limit swing falls, ideally close to directly above the work. Inspect anchors, wire rope and connectors before each use. Remove anything damaged, corroded or involved in a fall from service. Stainless wire rope is a sensible choice for corrosive or outdoor environments, while galvanized rope suits general applications. Also plan how you would reach a worker after a fall. See our rescue and descent devices.

Tractel Anchors and Lifelines at Vovlift

Every product in this collection comes from Tractel, including the Stopcable, Tempo, Travsmart, BeamSlide and Blocfor product lines. For harnesses, confined space equipment and related gear, explore the full fall protection and confined space range.