What it is
A mobile man anchor (sometimes called a portable anchor, deadweight anchor, or BS EN 795 Type E anchor) is a free-standing fall arrest point that uses its own mass to resist a fall load, rather than being bolted into the structure. They are widely used on membrane roofs, single-ply systems, and any roof where the building owner does not permit penetration of the roof covering for fixed anchors.
Type E anchors are inspected against BS EN 795 specifically for Type E classifications, plus the manufacturer’s own inspection protocol. Each unit’s mass, base condition, attachment point, and overall structural condition are verified. The inspection also confirms that the unit is being used correctly on a roof of appropriate type and slope. A Type E anchor used on a roof outside its specification is non-compliant regardless of its physical condition.
Most Type E anchors fail compliance not because of physical damage but because they have been moved to a roof type outside their specification, or have been used at the edge of a roof where their resistance to fall load was never calculated. The inspection includes a placement assessment as well as a structural test.
When it applies
- Annual recertification of each Type E anchor on site
- When relocating anchors between roofs of different specification
- After any fall arrest event
- On acquisition or change of building ownership
- As part of a wider compliance check
The process
- Unit inventory. Every Type E anchor on site located and identified.
- Specification check. Each anchor’s specification verified against the roof type and use case.
- Visual and structural inspection. Each unit inspected for corrosion, damage, mass loss, and attachment point integrity.
- Placement assessment. Position and orientation of each anchor verified against safe working specification.
- Certification. Compliant anchors receive a 12-month certificate. Misplaced or non-compliant anchors flagged for relocation, replacement, or repair.
What you receive
- Test certificate to BS EN 795 Type E for each anchor
- Placement assessment record
- Photographic evidence of each anchor and its position
- Defect or relocation register where applicable
- 12-month recertification reminder