The short answer
Roof anchors should be inspected at least every 12 months. Certification is a separate, less frequent step: every 5 or 10 years, depending on the type of system.
Many building owners mix up these two things. That leads to one of two problems: paying for certification every year when it isn’t needed, or skipping the yearly inspection because the anchors were certified a few years ago. This guide explains what applies to each type of system on your roof.
Inspection and certification schedule by system
| Type of system | Inspection | Certification or testing | Where the timing comes from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rope descent anchors (used for window cleaning and facade access) | At least every 12 months | As necessary, and at least every 10 years | OSHA 1910.27 |
| Active systems: horizontal lifelines, rigid rails and custom anchor networks | At least every 12 months | Recertified at least every 5 years | ANSI/ASSP Z359.6 |
| Adhesive or chemical anchors | At least every 12 months | Pull or load tested at least every 5 years | Our standard practice |
The 10-year rule applies only to rope descent anchors. If your roof has a horizontal lifeline or rigid rail as well, those parts follow the 5-year cycle.
What a yearly inspection includes
A yearly inspection checks that every anchor on your roof is still safe to use. It covers:
-
- A visual check of each anchor for corrosion, cracks, bending or loose parts
- An inspection of the anchor bolts and how they’re fixed to the structure
- A check of the roof around each anchor for damage or leaks
- A review of your anchor drawings and records against what’s actually on the roof
- An updated maintenance log, so you have proof the inspection was done
Roofs change between inspections. New equipment, roof repairs and weather can all affect an anchor. The yearly inspection catches these problems before someone ties off to an anchor that’s no longer safe.
What certification adds
Certification goes further than an inspection. It confirms that each anchor can still hold the load it was designed for, and it gives you the paperwork to prove it.
Depending on the system, certification can include:
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- Proof load or pull testing of the anchors
- A check of the system against its original design drawings
- Written certification records for each anchor or system
- A date for the next recertification
Window cleaning contractors and other trades often ask for these records before they work on your roof. Keep them with your yearly inspection reports. For more on the difference between these services, see Roof Anchor Inspection vs. Certification vs. Load Testing.
Is annual certification required?
No. A yearly inspection is expected, but yearly certification is not required. Certification follows the 5-year or 10-year cycles in the table above.
You may have read that OSHA requires roof anchors to be certified every year. That isn’t accurate. For rope descent anchors, OSHA 1910.27 calls for certification as necessary and at least every 10 years. Active systems such as horizontal lifelines are recertified at least every 5 years under ANSI/ASSP Z359.6.
There is one exception. If an inspection finds damage, or the roof has been replaced or altered around an anchor, that anchor may need to be recertified before it’s used again, whatever its normal cycle.
If your anchors fail, or your certification has lapsed
If an anchor fails inspection or testing, it should be tagged out of service until it’s repaired or replaced. Nobody should tie off to it in the meantime. See Your Roof Anchors Failed Inspection. What Happens Next? for the steps.
If your certification has lapsed, or you can’t find your records, start with an inspection. We’ll check what’s on the roof, test what needs testing and give you a fresh set of records. We also inspect and certify anchors installed by other companies, so you don’t need the original installer.
If you’re missing drawings altogether, read Missing Roof Anchor Drawings? Here’s What to Do
Get your anchors on the right schedule
Shine On Group has inspected, tested and certified fall protection systems since 2003, with over 5,000 projects in all 50 states. We’ll tell you exactly what your roof needs this year, and when your next certification is due.
Not sure when your anchors were last certified? Request an inspection, call (773) 227-4522 or email anchors@shineongroup.com. Quotes are free.
Learn more about roof anchor certification.
