AS 5532:2025, the standard for the manufacturing of single-point anchors for height safety work, has been updated.
It has been over a decade since the anchor point manufacturing standard was introduced. Since it was introduced, there has been much discussion about its shortcomings and the ambiguity it created within the height safety industry.
AS5532:2025 Manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor device used for harness-based work at height, released in September 2025, addresses these concerns.
Overall changes and improvements in AS 5532:2025
Like any other standard, AS 5532 requires regular revision and updating. The previous version of this standard was released in 2013.
The updates also bring the standard into line with the updated AS/NZS 1891.4:2025, which was released in September 2025. Some of the changes in AS5 532:2025 include removing content that was duplicated in AS/NZS 1891.4.
Changes have also been made to clarify what was perceived by the wider height safety industry, and government regulators, as being areas of ambiguity present in the previous editions of the standard. Specifically, how the standard did not account for testing roof anchor points with energy absorption properties incorporated into their design.
The calculations and procedures used as part of the testing process now take this into account.
This updated standard also removes any ambiguity around what standard an anchor point must be manufactured to. It is clearly stated that anchors should be manufactured to be compliant with AS 5532:2025. Manufacturers cannot claim compliance with AS/NZS 1891.4:2025.
Anchor point design requirements in AS 5532:2025
The design requirements for anchor points have been substantially clarified in AS 5532:2025.
Much of the information relating to how the anchor point connects to and works with a user’s PPE – including carabiners, lanyards and other connectors – has been removed as this is included in the updated 1891.4 standard.
There are four levels of rating an anchor can be manufactured and tested to. They are:
- Limited free-fall arrest for one person: 12kN
- Free-fall arrest for one person: 15kN
- Limited free-fall arrest for two people: 18kN
- Free-fall arrest for two people: 21kN
Anchors can also be classified as either fixed or temporary.
Directions around the required markings on an anchor and the instructions supplied with it have also been simplified and streamlined.
To be compliant with AS 5532:2025, an anchor should have marked on it:
- The manufacturers name or other identification
- Batch or serial number
- The anchor’s rating
- A way of showing the anchor is for personal attachment only, not for material lifting
- A reference to its manufacture being in accordance with AS 5532:2025
It is important that all these markings be visible and legible on the anchor after it has been installed on a structure.
Testing roof anchors
The biggest changes in AS 5532:2025 are in how anchors are tested.
Anchors are to be tested with both dynamic and static loads to determine their compliance with the standard. The updated standard also introduces a new procedure for testing anchors that contain energy absorbing properties as well as a redesigned test for two-person anchors.
Energy absorbing anchors can now be tested using what is called a dynamic test procedure. This test is done in three parts.
First, a drop test is performed on the anchor attached to a rigid structure or test tower. During this test, the anchor should absorb some of the energy generated. This will result in a lower load being transferred into the structure (rigid anchors, by their nature, transfer the entire 15kN load to the structure). This force is measured, recorded, and will be used in the third part of the testing process.
For the second test, the anchor is installed onto a roof structure (which is attached to the test tower) in accordance with the anchor manufacturer’s instructions. This test is referred to as the “function” test. A drop test is performed on this anchor, using the same processes as the first test. The forces generated are measured and recorded.
The third step of the test is to apply a static load on the same anchor point following completion of the second drop test. This load is equal to either the load as measured in the first drop test or 6kN – whichever is greater. The anchor must support this load for at least three minutes.
Testing procedures for two-person anchors have been redesigned in this standard to more accurately mirror real-world situations. In this standard, a two-person anchor is now to be subjected to two drop tests. The tests are to be conducted on the same anchor, with the mass used in the first drop test to remain in situ while the second drop test is performed.
Partners in protecting people
Height Safety Engineers sits on the Standards Australia SF-015 committee. This committee is responsible for the creation and updating of standards relating to fall protection and working at height, including AS 5532:2025.
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