UNI EN 17235:2024

UNI EN 17235:2024 – Complete Guide to Permanent Anchors and Roof Hooks

The European standard UNI EN 17235:2024 represents the technical reference par excellence for the evaluation of anchor devices and safety hooks permanently fixed to buildings and civil engineering structures. These systems are designed to be integrated into the load-bearing structure or roofing layer to prevent and arrest falls from heights, both indoors and outdoors.

Unlike previous standards, this standard evaluates devices not as simple components, but as complete kits, which must also include the specific fastening system for the type of load-bearing structure (concrete, wood, steel, etc.).

The 4 Categories of Life-Saving Systems (Kits)

The standard classifies fall arrest systems into four specific kits, defining their load capacities and configurations:

• Kit A (Single anchor device): This is the classic stationary, point anchor. This system is Tested and certified to protect one or two operators simultaneously.

• Kit B (Roof Safety Hook): Designed to protect one or two operators, this hook has a dual function: in addition to anchoring fall arrest PPE, it is designed to safely attach roof ladders and temporary work platforms. The standard requires strict dimensions for the hook, which must have an opening between 80 mm and 150 mm and a minimum height of 120 mm. It is not intended for use with permanent roof ladders.
• Kit C (Horizontal Rope Anchor Line): A flexible continuous cable system that must not deviate from the horizontal by more than 15 degrees. It can be used with Protect up to four users simultaneously. The sliding trolleys included in the kit allow operators to pass intermediate anchors without ever having to detach themselves from the lifeline.
• Kit D (Horizontal Anchor Line on Rail): Rigid rail system, also with a maximum tolerated slope of 15 degrees and designed for up to four operators. Like Kit C, it ensures continuous safe sliding beyond the anchor points.

CE Marking: What's really changing?

For the first time, permanent anchors can obtain the CE Marking. This means:

• Uniform criteria throughout Europe

• Greater reliability in choosing products

• Free circulation in the European market

Attention:The standard is not retroactive: systems already installed do not need to be adapted.

Harmonization date: February 9, 2025
End of transition period: August 9, 2027

Resistance classes: design based on use

The standard introduces performance classes based on the number of operators:

1. Class 1 → 1 user
2. Class 2 → 2 users
3. Class 3 → 3 users
4. Class 4 → 4 users

More users = greater loads = more stringent requirements. It's no longer just a matter of choosing the product, but the correct class for the real-world scenario.

Test Methods and Safety Requirements

To be released to the market, kits must pass rigorous physical tests that simulate the most common use cases. Critical loads (e.g., different load directions or maximum number of users) are tested directly on model roofs or representative structures.

• Dynamic Tests (Fall Simulation): The system must absorb the energy generated by the fall of a 100 kg rigid mass, positioned to generate an impact force of 9 kN. For multi-user systems, the test is repeated by releasing additional consecutive masses while the previous ones remain suspended, simulating the simultaneous fall of multiple people.

• Breaking Load (Static Tests): The load-bearing capacity of the system is tested with extreme loads. The standard establishes a minimum breaking load of 9.0 kN for one user, which increases proportionally to 13.5 kN if the system is used for a single user. Certified for 4 people.
• Controlled Deformation: Specific elements have very strict tolerances. For example, the base of a roof hook (Kit B) must not deform by more than 5 mm when subjected to test loads.
• Safety in Use: No component must have sharp edges or burrs that could injure the user or cut and wear personal protective equipment (harnesses, lanyards). Furthermore, if a trolley is designed to be removed from the line, it must require two distinct, consecutive, and voluntary manual actions, preventing accidental release. Incorrect assembly of the parts must never make the system appear to be securely locked.

Durability and Integrity Building

The standard also addresses the product's life cycle and its impact on the building:

• Corrosion resistance: Components must withstand the elements over time. Materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, hot-dip galvanized steel, and specific organic coatings or protective paints are permitted to ensure decades of service life.

• Water permeability: The installation of these kits (which often penetrate the roof) must not alter the roof's waterproofing, and this parameter is specifically assessed.

Quality Control (AVCP)

Manufacturers are required to establish a rigorous Factory Production Control (FPC). This involves continuous inspection of incoming materials, equipment calibration, and full traceability of manufactured components, to ensure that every single anchor or hook sold guarantees the same lifesaving performance as the laboratory-tested sample. Surveillance by notified bodies is ongoing and includes annual audits and sample testing directly at the factory.

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