By Naldo Neto, IRATA Level 3 and licensed painter · Updated October 2026 · 2 min read
Key takeaways
- Roof anchors must be inspected at least every 12 months under AS/NZS 1891.4.
- Anchors are usually common property, so the owners corporation is responsible.
- Installation must follow AS/NZS 5532 and the manufacturer's instructions.
- An anchor that fails inspection must be tagged out of service immediately.
Roof anchors are easy to forget about until a window cleaner, painter or roof plumber asks for the certificate. Here is what NSW building owners and strata managers need to know.
Why anchors matter
Anyone working near an unprotected roof edge, or on ropes down a façade, relies on anchors to stop a fall. Under work health and safety law, the person in control of a workplace must make sure fall protection is safe to use. On a strata building, roof anchors are usually common property, so that responsibility sits with the owners corporation.
The standards
- AS/NZS 5532 covers the manufacture and testing of single-point anchor devices used for fall protection.
- AS/NZS 1891.4 covers the selection, use and maintenance of industrial fall-arrest systems, including inspection.
- The WHS Regulation 2017 (NSW) and the Code of Practice Managing the risk of falls at workplaces set out the duty to manage fall risks.
How often must anchors be inspected?
AS/NZS 1891.4 sets out inspection of anchors at intervals of no more than 12 months, and after any fall or suspected damage. Manufacturers may specify additional checks. In practice, most contractors won't use anchors without a current certificate.
What a proper inspection includes
- Visual check of every anchor, line and fixing for corrosion, damage and movement
- Check that the roof and substrate around each anchor are sound
- Proof load testing where the manufacturer or standard requires it
- A tag on each anchor showing the inspection date and result
- A certificate, anchor register and roof layout plan
- Photos of each anchor
Installing new anchors
New anchors should be installed to the manufacturer's instructions by trained installers, in locations that suit how the roof will actually be used: window cleaning drops, painting drops and access to plant. Concrete roofs, metal roof sheets and purlins each need different products.
What strata managers should keep on file
- Current anchor certificate and register
- Roof layout plan showing each anchor
- Installation records and product information
- The date the next inspection is due
We install and certify anchors across Sydney, and our height safety inspection, certification and design work is covered by professional indemnity insurance. See anchor installation and certification and height safety inspections.
Sources and further reading
- IRATA International: rope access training and the International Code of Practice
- SafeWork NSW: managing the risk of falls at workplaces
- Standards Australia: AS/NZS 4488, AS/NZS 5532 and AS/NZS 1891.4
- NSW licence check: verify any contractor's licence
Questions
Who is responsible for roof anchors in a strata building?
Usually the owners corporation, because anchors are normally common property. The strata manager typically arranges inspections.
How often do anchors need to be certified in NSW?
Under AS/NZS 1891.4, at intervals of no more than 12 months and after any fall or damage.
About the authorNaldo Neto leads Tactical Height Solutions. He is an IRATA Level 3 rope access technician and licensed painter with a background in rendering and remedial work on Sydney buildings. More about Naldo.