Site last updated

 31 August 2009 by

 Relative-Solutions Ltd

ACR Best Practice Guide

ACR[CP]007: 2008 - (Part 1) Best Practice for the use of Horizontal Safety Lines in Roofwork

ACR[M]002:2009 - (Part2) Testing of Roof Anchors on Roof Systems

One of the main causes of deaths and injuries at work each year is falling from height, particularly through or from roofs. To ensure safety during roofwork requires the commitment of all those involved in the procurement process to ensure that correct fall protection measures are used.

Where collective fall protection is not possible personal fall protection equipment must be used. However many of these rely on horizontal safety lines fixed, using ‘top fix’ anchors, to the roof sheeting rather than through them to the roof support structure.

This has raised concerns about:

• The horizontal safety line and anchor reliability;
• The frequency of inspection;
• The adequacy of testing; and
• Their overall performance

Part 1 of this Best Practice Guide addresses these issues and gives practical advice on what the ACR considers is ‘current best practice’ for the design, installation; commissioning, operation, use and maintenance of horizontal safety lines and single point anchors fixed or supported by ‘top fix’ brackets.

Whilst it primarily concentrates on profiled roofs, those engaged in other similar activities can also benefit from the advice given, as many of the principles do apply and offer good practice.

Part 2 is a material standard which addresses the performance  issues and gives practical advice on what the ACR considers is ‘current best practice’ for the testing of Roof Anchors on Roof Systems.

 Part 1 - 1st published 01/06/08

Download Part 1 PDF (2004kb)

 Part 2 -1st published 29/08/09

Download Part PDF (341kb)

Hard copies of these publications are not available

page updated 31/08/09

The Advisory Committee for Roofwork [ACR] is a body dedicated to making working on roofs safer.  Its membership is made up of nominees from the major roofworking Federations and Associations and the Health & Safety Executive, who provide the experience of many years of involvement in working on roofs in the advice given in their documents.Every care and attention is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information included in their documents and this website, however the committee or any individual committtee members can not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions contained therein