Accessories & Fixing Plates

Fall-arrest accessories & fixing plates

The connection points and fixings that turn a building, vehicle, or structure into a compliant anchor — plus the karabiners, links, and hardware that join components together. Get this layer wrong and a perfectly-specified harness and lanyard are still not a compliant system. Every anchor must be rated, every connector must have a locking gate, and every fixing must be engineered for the 15 kN single-user fall-arrest load.

Anchor plates

• Roof anchor plates — bolted through colourbond, tile, or metal-deck roofs into structural rafters or trusses. Swivel-head versions rotate with the user's position; fixed-head versions are lower profile and suit pre-determined work zones.
• Concrete slab anchors — chemical-anchored or through-bolted into concrete decks, beams, or walls. The "bread and butter" anchor for commercial construction.
• Structural-steel plates — welded or bolted to beams and columns. Used on steel-frame buildings during construction and as permanent anchors on plant and equipment.
• Temporary anchors — beam clamps, scaffold-tube anchors, and reusable through-deck anchors that don't leave permanent fixings.

Karabiners and screw-link connectors

• Screw-gate karabiners — manually-locked gate. Slower than auto-lock but with positive visual confirmation of lock status. Default for fixed rigging.
• Auto-locking karabiners (twist-lock / tri-lock) — self-locking on gate release. Faster for frequent clipping; preferred for rope-access and tower work.
• Screw-link (maillon) connectors — permanent-attachment oval links with threaded closure. Used on semi-permanent rigging where a karabiner's repeated-use feature isn't needed.
• Aluminium vs steel — aluminium is lighter (better for the user's weight budget); steel is tougher and more abrasion-resistant (better for fixed rigging or harsh environments).

Anchor load ratings

Under AS/NZS 1891.4, fall-arrest anchors must be rated for a minimum of 15 kN (single-user) or 21 kN (two-user). All purpose-manufactured anchor plates in this range carry a stamped or engraved load rating. Non-purpose anchors (beams, columns, building structure) must be certified in writing by a structural engineer before use for fall-arrest.

Swivels and rope-access hardware

Swivels prevent rope twist during rope-access descents and rescue extractions. Rope-access-specific hardware (ascenders, descenders, pulleys, rigging plates) is stocked for IRATA and SPRAT-trained users — training is mandatory before using these devices.

Pre-use inspection

• Karabiners — check gate action (smooth open and close, full engagement), check for cracks or deformation on the body, check keeper-pin or locking sleeve is functional.
• Anchor plates — check fixing bolts are tight and uncorroded; check the plate for cracks, bending, or deformation; check swivel action (if fitted).
• Fixed anchors — inspect annually (documented) by a competent person; re-certify after any fall-arrest event or significant structural change.

Standards & compliance

Accessories in this range meet the relevant parts of AS/NZS 1891 (permanent anchors under AS/NZS 1891.4 Appendix), EN 362 (karabiners and connectors), and EN 795 (anchor devices). Load ratings are stamped or engraved on each item.

Frequently asked questions

Can I attach to scaffolding tube as an anchor?

Only via a purpose-manufactured scaffold-tube anchor (a clamp or webbing sling rated for fall-arrest). Clipping directly to a tube is not acceptable — the tube may rotate, the clip may slide, and the tube end is open.

Is a screw-gate karabiner acceptable for fall-arrest?

Yes — provided the user closes the gate and engages the lock after each clip. Auto-locking versions remove the risk of the user forgetting to lock. Never use an unlocked karabiner for fall-arrest — gates can flutter open under load in some fall orientations.

Do I need to certify my own anchor points?

Fixed installations (roof anchors, permanent anchor points on plant) require sign-off by the installer at commissioning and annual re-inspection. Temporary anchors (beam clamps, webbing slings) carry manufacturer certification — inspect at every use but don't require individual engineering sign-off when used per the manufacturer's instructions.

Do you offer trade or bulk pricing?

Yes — trade accounts receive 5% off RRP on connectors, plates, and fixings. Volume pricing for full-building anchor installations and annual re-certification programs. Apply for a trade account →