The short answer
The annual inspection confirms each anchor is still in the condition it was certified in. Certification confirms capacity: at least 5,000 pounds in any direction per worker, established through testing by a qualified person. OSHA requires both: inspection every year, certification as necessary and at least every 10 years.
Side by side
| Annual inspection | Certification | |
|---|---|---|
| Required by OSHA | Yes, every year | Yes, as necessary and at least every 10 years |
| Performed by | A qualified person | A qualified person |
| What it involves | Condition check of each anchor and its attachment | Testing using scientifically valid criteria, and a capacity statement |
| What you get | Pass or fail per anchor, deficiencies, next steps | A certification of each anchorage's capacity |
| When it matters most | Before each season of rope work | After roof work, damage or a fall, and before the 10-year limit |
What is required
Before any rope descent system is used, the building owner must inform the contractor in writing that each anchorage has been identified, tested, certified and maintained so it can support at least 5,000 pounds, in any direction, for each worker attached. That information must be based on an annual inspection by a qualified person, and certification by a qualified person as necessary and at least every 10 years (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)).
What best practice adds
- An anchor register with every anchor's ID, location and dates, updated after each inspection
- Anchor-by-anchor reports, not a single line that says the roof passed
- Recertification after trigger events, not only at year 10. See what resets the cycle early.
- Inspection timed ahead of rope work, so problems surface before a crew is on the roof
- Coordination with roof maintenance, so roofers know which anchors their work affects
- Written confirmation ready to hand over before every rope descent job
How S&K handles both
S&K handles both through its long-time anchor partner: scheduled inspections that catch issues before they become risks, and recertification that keeps existing systems current, with documentation for compliance reviews. See anchor installation and inspection.
Not sure where your building stands? Start with a free roof compliance survey, or read the full Roof Anchor and Fall Protection Compliance guide.
