Answer: Permanently installed roof anchors offer significant safety and long-term value:

• During Construction: They provide a dedicated tie-off point for workers, helping prevent fall-related injuries and fatalities—the leading hazard in construction.
• After Construction: These anchors remain in place for future maintenance, inspections, warranty repairs, or service work, ensuring that anyone accessing the roof has a compliant and secure tie-off point.
• OSHA Compliance for the Life of the Structure: Permanent anchors help maintain ongoing OSHA compliance, reducing liability for building owners and contractors over time.
• Cost-Effective: Investing in permanent anchors during initial construction is a low-cost solution that protects both current and future workers—eliminating the need to install temporary systems again and again.

Bottom line: Permanent roof anchors are a smart, proactive safety measure that extend fall protection far beyond the construction phase.

Answer: The number of anchors you need for 100% fall protection depends on the roof’s size, layout, and work requirements. As a general guideline:

• Estimate 1 anchor per 1,000 to 1,500 sq. ft. of roof area.
• Adjust based on factors like roof shape, pitch, access points, and type of work being performed.

To ensure full coverage, OSHA compliance, and worker safety, it is best to have a custom anchor layout designed for your project.
Need help? Super Anchor Safety offers complimentary anchor layout services to help you plan a safe, effective system. Contact us at sales@superanchor.com to get started.

Answer: Anchors should be strategically positioned for both safety and roof integrity.
Here’s how:

• Typical Placement: Install anchors on the back side of ridges and hips, similar to other roof penetrations (like vents or plumbing boots). This location provides optimal protection while minimizing disruption to the roof system. For help with placement, we offer free personalized layout support—email sales@superanchor.com for expert assistance.
• Anchor Spacing: Anchors are spaced based on fall protection zones, designed in overlapping circular coverage patterns—much like lawn sprinklers. This ensures continuous tie-off coverage as workers move across the roof.

For detailed instructions, refer to the ARS Instruction/Specification Manual available on our website.

Answer: Super Anchor Safety products are available through a wide distribution network at more than 300 dealer locations nationwide. To find a dealer near you, visit the Purchase page here and use the dealer locator tool.

No dealer in your area? No problem – contact our sales office directly at 425.488.8868 or email our sales department at sales@superanchor.com and we will help you with purchasing options.

Answer: Our anchors are engineered to last the life of the roof.

The standard ARS series anchors are constructed from 430, 14-gauge stainless steel, and are secured with a 5/16” di-chromate coated grade 8 bolt for long-term durability and corrosion resistance.

The TPE flashing base is rated for 20 years. During re-roofing, only the flashing base typically needs replacement, and the attachment bolt should be inspected for corrosion to ensure continued safety and compliance.

With minimal maintenance, these anchors provide long-term, reliable fall protection.

Answer: Yes – all Super Anchor Safety equipment is designed to meet or exceed OSHA and ANSI standards for fall protection. This ensures our products deliver the highest level of safety, performance, and compliance.

Answer: The ARS series of anchors are engineered to absorb several hundred pounds of shock during a fall impact. In compliance with OSHA standards, any fall protection equipment that has been subjected to a fall must be removed from service. The stem of the anchor will bend in the direction of the fall, providing a visual indication that it has been deployed and must be replaced or removed.

Anchor replacement is simple – just remove the attachment bolt and install a new unit.

Answer: Any ARS anchor can be easily retro-fitted and integrated into an existing roofing system by flashing it into place. For greater ease and simplicity, Super Anchor offers the Retro-Fit, RS-10 and RS-20.

These anchors are installed by simply removing the ridge cap or roofing material and following the detailed instructions included with each anchor. This allows for quick and effective fall protection upgrades on existing structures.

Answer: According to OSHA regulations established in 1972, nearly all individuals employed in the United States are required to use fall protection when exposed to a fall hazard – regardless of the trade or task.

A comprehensive assessment of residential and multifamily construction sites shows that up to 15 different trades may face fall risks at various stages of a project. This includes initial construction, warranty work, and ongoing service or maintenance. Ensuring every worker has access to proper tie-off points is not only a legal requirement but also a critical component of jobsite safety.

Answer: Fall Arrest systems are designed to stop a worker after a fall has occurred. These systems must limit the fall to no more than 6 feet and reduce the maximum arresting force on the body to 1,800 pounds or less.

Fall Restraint and Work Positioning systems are both considered prevention systems, designed to limit a worker’s movement so they cannot reach a fall hazard (restraint) or are supported while working hands-free at height (positioning).

While many fall protection components are rated to withstand 5,000 pounds, OSHA regulations (see 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15)) permit the use of engineered systems made of compatible components as long as they can sustain twice the intended impact load.

Answer: Under the OSHA act of 1973, employers are legally responsible for providing a safe work environment. Courts have consistently ruled that the general contractor bears ultimate responsibility for overall job site safety, even for subcontractors and employees. Since the general contractor typically oversees the entire project, they are expected to enforce safety protocols and ensure OSHA compliance throughout. Because many contractors are not aware of the critical role they play in safety, we suggest you access the following information:

*See the Slute v. PBMC” in which the court upheld that a general contractor could be held liable for an injury to a sub-contractor’s employee that occurred as a result of a safety violation. For more detailed information on this precedent-setting case, go to www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/regs/wrds/wrd2700.htm

Answer: Even if subcontractors supply their own fall protection equipment, the legal responsibility for ensuring fall protection compliance cannot be deferred. According to OSHA (U.S. Department of Labor) regulations:

• For existing structures, the building owner holds primary responsibility for providing a safe working environment and ensuring fall protection is in place.
• For new construction, the responsibility lies squarely with the general contractor (GC). This duty has been reinforced in multiple court decisions, confirming that GCs cannot transfer liability to subcontractors.

Ultimately, while subcontractors may supply their own gear, the GC or building owner is still accountable for verifying that equipment is appropriate, properly used, and that all workers are protected in accordance with OSHA standards.

Answer: A Job Specific Plan (JSP), as defined by OSHA, is a customized safety plan that identifies and addresses the specific hazards associated with the work being performed on a given job site. The JSP outlines:

• The type of hazard(s) workers may be exposed to
• The preventive measures and controls in place to mitigate those hazards
• Required safety equipment and its specifications
• Training or instruction required for personnel
• Oversight and supervision procedures
• Emergency response and rescue plans

The term “specific” is key — a JSP must be tailored to the unique conditions, tasks, and risks of each job site. Generic, one-size-fits-all plans are not acceptable substitutes. If you’re unsure where to begin, many state safety and health agencies — including OSHA compliance and education divisions — offer guidance or consultation services to help you develop an effective and compliant JSP for your site.

Answer: Absolutely. Numerous studies have shown that implementing a strong safety program leads to significant financial benefits for companies. A well-executed safety plan can reduce or eliminate:

• OSHA fines and penalties
• Workplace injuries and associated downtime
• Workers’ compensation claims
• Insurance premiums
• Legal expenses, including litigation and attorney’s fees

Beyond the financial advantages, investing in safety also protects your workforce, boosts morale, and enhances your company’s reputation. In some states, failure to comply with safety regulations can even result in criminal charges against the building owner or general contractor. SAFETY PAYS — in every way.

Answer: There are several effective methods for providing fall protection, depending on the nature of the job and site conditions. Your options include:

1. Permanently Installed Anchors – These are designed to be integrated into the structure and provide long-term tie-off points for construction, maintenance, and future service work.
2. Temporary, Removable, or Disposable Anchors – These can be installed as needed and removed once the job is complete. Ideal for short-term projects or locations where permanent anchors are not feasible.
3. Movable Anchor Points – These anchors are designed to be repositioned and reused across multiple job locations, providing flexibility while maintaining safety compliance.
4. Scaffolding and Guardrails – In some situations, passive fall protection methods like scaffolding with guardrails may be appropriate and effective.

Note: When your Job Specific Plan requires the removal of anchorage devices, the ARS Retro-Fit or RS-20 models are excellent solutions—they can be easily removed and reinstalled without damaging the structure.

Answer: This is a common concern in the construction industry, particularly with equipment like lifelines, harnesses, power cords, and air hoses that could present tripping hazards. However, OSHA consistently emphasizes that the duty to provide a safe job site outweighs the inconvenience or perceived risks of safety equipment. While it is true that improper setup or housekeeping can introduce secondary hazards, the proper use of fall protection equipment is critical—and often life-saving. Tripping risks can be minimized through careful planning, clear routing of equipment, and regular site inspections.

In short: the potential risk of a trip is far outweighed by the protection these systems provide against serious injury or death from a fall.

Answer: In most cases, roof anchors should not be removed after the initial construction phase. The building owner is responsible for maintaining a Job Specific Plan (JSP) that ensures safe conditions for anyone performing service, warranty, or maintenance work on the structure.

Permanently installed roof anchors provide a reliable, ready-to-use tie-off point for future workers, helping to prevent falls and ensure ongoing OSHA compliance. Removing these anchors can eliminate critical protection for tradespeople returning to the site after construction.

Super Anchor Safety does not recommend removing fall protection anchors.

Answer: Super Anchor Safety offers a wide range of comprehensive training materials—all free of charge. These include:

• Instruction Manuals & Product Specifications Download or print from our website: www.superanchor.com
• Training Videos
• Safety Plan Outlines
• Expert Guidance
  Backed by over 50 years of construction and fall protection experience. Call us at 425.488.8868 — we are here to help.

For additional support, we recommend consulting with a certified fall protection professional to ensure your system is correctly implemented and compliant.

Answer: Once your company commits to using fall protection, it becomes a matter of enforcing compliance among your sub-contractors.

• We recommend only hiring sub-contractors who use OSHA/ANSI compliant PPE.
• Verify compliance – have their equipment and practices reviewed by the building owner’s safety manager or a professional safety consultant.

Answer:

1. OSHA is not active now, but that can change at any time. Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines – it’s about being ready when enforcement does come.
2. A serious injury or fatality changes everything. Regardless of OSHA’S current presence, you are legally required to report any workplace fatality. That triggers an investigation, and lack of fall protection will be a major liability.
3. Preventing injuries is the real goal. Anchors and fall protection systems save lives. Protecting your workers is not just good business – it’s your responsibility.

Answer: Like any new tool, piece of equipment, or work procedure, fall protection equipment comes with a short learning curve that may temporarily impact productivity. However, based on our own contracting experience and feedback from others in the industry, normal productivity is quickly restored once workers become familiar with the equipment.

In the long run, implementing fall protection not only supports a safer jobsite, but can also lead to reduced industrial insurance costs—a smart investment in both safety and efficiency.

Answer: The best place to start is the official OSHA website: www.osha.gov. This site provides national regulations, and links to state-specific OSHA programs for states that operate their own safety standards.

You can also:

• Call OSHA directly at 800.321.OSHA (6742) for guidance.
• Use the OSHA “State Plans” page to find contact info and websites for your state’s OSHA office.

For more detailed insight—especially regarding liability issues and court settlements—we have partnered with a fall protection attorney who specializes in this
field. Upon request, we can provide a copy of his legal report, which outlines the responsibilities and risks faced by building owners, general contractors, and sub- contractors.

Answer: Super Anchor Safety was founded from real-world needs—our parent company, American Roof, Inc., a tile and slate roofing contractor in Seattle, began developing fall protection solutions specifically for the residential construction market in 1991. That hands-on experience drives our innovation.

Here’s why our equipment stands out:

• Designed by Contractors, for Contractors – Built to meet the tough demands of the homebuilding industry.
• Third-Party Certified – All products are ANSI-certified and engineer-certified by independent testing labs.
• Proven Performance – We offer written documentation of compliance upon request, not just a label.
• Continuous Innovation – We constantly upgrade, improve, and design new products to stay ahead of industry needs.

Unlike others who rely only on in-house testing, we go the extra mile to ensure trusted, verified safety—because your crew’s protection is too important to leave to chance.

Answer: No, harnesses do not have a fixed expiration date—but they do have a service life influenced by conditions and use. Super Anchor Safety harnesses are made with durable polyester webbing, but factors such as UV exposure, salt air, chemical contact, and normal wear and tear all play a role in how long a harness remains serviceable.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Inspection is Key:
• Per OSHA, all PPE—including harnesses—must be inspected by the user before each use, and at least once annually by a competent person.
• Super Anchor provides a free Full Body Harness Inspection Manual, available to download or print.
• Manufacturing Date: A manufacturing date is printed on each harness for reference—not as an expiration date.
• Cost vs. Value: A $150 harness that lasts 3–5 years ends up costing just a few dollars per month—a small price for critical protection in the event of a fall.

Always inspect, document, and replace your harnesses when inspection criteria indicate wear or damage—not just based on age.