European Standard · Fall Protection Equipment
EN 795:2012 – Anchor Devices for Fall Protection: The Complete Guide to the European Standard for Anchor Devices
EN 795:2012 is the European standard that specifies requirements, testing methods and marking for anchor devices used together with personal fall protection equipment. An anchor device is the fixed or transportable point to which a harness, lanyard, energy absorber or fall arrester is connected, and its reliability is fundamental to the safety of the entire fall protection chain. This guide explains the scope, classification, selection criteria and inspection requirements of EN 795, and how it relates to other personal protective equipment standards used in work-at-height applications.
1. Scope
EN 795:2012 applies to anchor devices intended for use with personal fall protection systems, including full body harnesses, connectors, energy absorbers, guided type fall arresters and work positioning equipment. It covers structural anchors, transportable anchors, anchor lines and rail-based systems designed to provide a secure connection point during work at height. The standard specifies static and dynamic strength requirements, corrosion resistance, marking and the information that manufacturers must supply.
2. Exclusions & Related Standards
- Does not cover the harnesses themselves – see EN 361 full body harnesses.
- Does not cover connectors such as karabiners and snap hooks – see EN 362 connectors.
- Does not cover guided type fall arresters on flexible or rigid anchor lines – see EN 353 guided type fall arresters.
- Does not cover work positioning and restraint belts – see EN 358 work positioning and restraint belts.
- Permanently installed anchors for building facades may also require separate structural certification beyond EN 795.
3. Classification of Anchor Devices
| Class A1 | Structural anchors fixed to vertical, horizontal or inclined surfaces (walls, columns, beams) |
| Class A2 | Structural anchors designed for fixing to inclined roofs |
| Class B | Transportable and temporary anchor devices |
| Class C | Anchor devices using flexible horizontal lifelines (cable systems) |
| Class D | Anchor devices using rigid horizontal rail systems |
| Class E | Deadweight anchors intended for use on flat roofs, relying on mass rather than fixing |
4. Requirements and Testing
- Static strength testing under specified load without fracture or excessive deformation
- Dynamic testing simulating a fall arrest event to confirm the anchor withstands real-world forces
- Corrosion resistance testing for metal components exposed to weather
- Clear marking including manufacturer, standard reference, class, and maximum number of users
- Instructions for installation, safe working load and periodic inspection intervals
5. Selecting the Right Anchor Device
Choosing an anchor device depends on the structure available, the number of workers who need to connect simultaneously, and whether the anchor will be permanent or temporary. Class A anchors suit fixed structural points, Class B suits mobile or short-duration tasks, Class C and D horizontal systems allow workers to move laterally along a facade or roof edge, and Class E deadweight anchors are useful where penetrating the roof surface is not permitted. Always confirm the anchor's rated capacity matches the connected system and the number of users specified by the manufacturer.
6. Inspection, Care and Maintenance
- Visually inspect for corrosion, cracking, deformation or loose fixings before each use
- Follow the manufacturer's periodic examination schedule, typically at least annually by a competent person
- Keep installation records and inspection history for structural anchors
- Remove from service immediately after any fall arrest event until re-certified by a competent person
- Protect steel cable and rail systems from unnecessary exposure to corrosive environments
7. Product Examples
- Roof-mounted structural anchor points (Class A1/A2)
- Portable tripod or beam anchors (Class B)
- Horizontal cable lifeline systems (Class C)
- Rigid rail fall protection systems (Class D)
- Counterweighted deadweight roof anchors (Class E)
8. Standard Information
- Status: Active European standard (EN 795:2012)
- ICS code: 13.340.60
- Committee: CEN/TC 160
- Related standards: EN 361, EN 362, EN 353, EN 358
- See the full EN Standards Library for all safety equipment standards
Frequently Asked Questions about EN 795
What does EN 795:2012 cover?
EN 795:2012 specifies requirements, testing and marking for anchor devices used with personal fall protection equipment such as harnesses, lanyards and fall arresters.
What are the different classes of anchor device under EN 795?
The standard defines Class A1/A2 structural anchors, Class B transportable anchors, Class C flexible horizontal lifelines, Class D rigid rail systems, and Class E deadweight anchors.
How many workers can use one EN 795 anchor point?
This depends on the specific product; manufacturers must clearly mark the maximum number of simultaneous users the anchor is rated for.
How often should an anchor device be inspected?
Anchors should be visually checked before each use and formally inspected by a competent person at least annually, or immediately after any fall arrest event.
Is EN 795 the same as a structural certification for a building?
No, EN 795 certifies the anchor device itself; permanently installed anchors may also require separate structural engineering approval for the substrate they are fixed to.
Can a deadweight anchor be used on a sloped roof?
Deadweight (Class E) anchors are designed for flat roofs where friction and mass hold them in place; sloped roofs typically require structurally fixed Class A or A2 anchors instead.
What equipment is typically connected to an EN 795 anchor?
A full body harness meeting EN 361, a connector meeting EN 362, and either a lanyard with energy absorber or a guided type fall arrester meeting EN 353 are commonly connected to the anchor point.