BASIC FALL PROTECTION FOR FLAT AND STEEP SLOPED ROOFS
Single anchor points provide a secure and reliable connection for workers on flat and steep sloped roofs. Whether used for maintenance, installation, or inspection tasks, these anchor points ensure worker safety by supporting fall arrest and fall restraint systems. Versatile and robust, they are essential for work at height safety. These solutions offer peace of mind on various roof types and applications. This page explores fall protection systems for ensuring safety, focusing on anchor points and their proper use.
Why Are Roof Anchor Points Necessary?
When working on sloped roofs, fall protection is mandatory for all tasks performed at heights greater than 2.5 meters (10 feet). Work at height safety is an absolute priority working on any roof.
Anchor points form a critical part of any fall protection system and can be seen as a basic necessary evil. They secure the worker and provide a stable attachment for safety harnesses and lanyards.
Why choose for XSPlatforms Single anchor points?
XSPlatforms supplies and installs high-quality fall protection anchor points that comply with the EN 795:2012 standard.
The anchor points are extensively tested and certified according to international standards such as OSHA, ANSI, CSA, and AS/NZS.
These certifications guarantee a versatile and safe solution, with perfectly compatible components. Other benefits are:

Without an anchor point, tasks like cleaning, maintenance, or installing solar panels become dangerous and non-compliant with safety regulations.
WHAT DANGERS CAN YOU EXPECT
ON FLAT AND STEEP SLOPED ROOFS?
Fall protection on flat roofs
Flat roofs, with a pitch of less than 15 degrees, are common in commercial, industrial, and modern residential buildings. A flat roof is also called a low-slope roof. This terminoligy is also used a lot in the work at height safety market.
Flat roofs are often used as functional spaces. They host airconditiong systems, solar panels, and even complete rooftop gardens, so-called “green roofs“. Despite their name, flat roofs are slightly sloped to allow water drainage.
Fall Hazards on Flat Roofs:
- Unprotected edges: pose a significant fall risk.
- Fall through hazards: Skylights and other rooftop openings can create additional hazards.
- Slip hazards: Slippery surfaces due to water, ice, or debris can increase the likelihood of accidents.
Fall protection on steep sloped roofs
Steep-sloped roofs have a pitch exceeding 15 degrees and are typical in residential buildings and traditional architectural designs. They are highly effective at shedding water and snow but pose greater challenges for safety.
In general, sloped roofs aren’t suitable for the installation of, for example, air-conditioning units or other equipment that require a flat surface. For the integration of solar panels, this is a different story. Due to the large demand of cheap and alternative energy sources, the request for solar panels has increased over the years.
Fall Hazards on Steep-Sloped Roofs:
- Reduced footing stability: The incline reduces footing stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
- Sliding: The risk of sliding increases, making access and mobility dangerous.
- Workspace: Limited working platforms heighten the potential for accidents.
ANCHOR POINTS FOR FLAT ROOFS
Flat roofs demand specialized roof anchor points that provide stability while maintaining the roof’s structural integrity. For this XSPlatforms designed its anchor points featuring three distinct types of base plates, tailored to suit various roofing materials. All base plates seamlessly integrate with the same modular fall protection components, ensuring versatility and reliability.
XSGLOBE EYE
A safety eye that can rotate 360°, providing the user with a full range of motion. For use as a single anchor point, or as an anti-pendulum anchor in combination with a horizontal lifeline system or other anchor point. It can be installed on flat roofs and lightly sloped roofs with a maximum angle of 15º. Check out this project, where we used XSGlobes.



XSIMPACT 360º
The XSImpact 360° combines the XSImpact with the XSGlobe anchorage point and absorbs the shock of a fall; and the XSBase plate, which is fixed to the roof and holds the XSBending kit. It can be installed on flat and lightly sloped roofs with a maximum angle of 15º.



ANCHOR POINTS FOR STEEP SLOPED ROOFS
Working on steep sloped roofs can be challenging and demand roof anchor points that adapt to varying angles and roofing materials. The fall protection systems below cater to the challenges posed by sloped surfaces, offering workers the flexibility and security needed for effective operations like rope access for abseiling.
RAP GLOBE EYE
A fall protection anchor point designed for work positioning. It can be installed on flat roofs and lightly sloped roofs with a maximum angle of 15º. When installed on the appropriate roofing material, it can also be used for abseiling (rope access).



RAP
A fall protection anchor point with an integrated energy absorber that can be used as a fall arrest system. It can be installed on flat roofs. This configuration is part of an XSLinked or LinkedPro lifeline system, equipped with safety eyes, the RAP. When installed on the appropriate roofing material, the RAP can also be used for abseiling (rope access).



FAQ – FLAT OR STEEP SLOPED ROOFS
While some fall protection equipment, such as harnesses and lanyards, are suitable for both flat and sloped roofs, the anchor points and systems differ. For flat roofs, surface-mounted or ballasted anchor points are typically used, while sloped roofs require more specialized solutions, such as ridge anchors or pitch-proof systems. It’s important to assess the roof type and install the appropriate system to ensure safety.
No, a single anchor point should only be used for one worker at a time to ensure proper safety. If more than one worker will be on the roof, you will need additional anchor points or a horizontal lifeline system to ensure each person is securely tied off. Multiple workers sharing the same anchor point can exceed the load capacity and compromise safety.
For workers on sloped roofs, a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) should be used, with a secure connection to an appropriate anchor point. Depending on the roof’s angle, you may also use horizontal lifelines, retractable lanyards, or rope grabs to ensure the worker is protected and able to move safely. The system should allow the worker to remain tied off at all times while on the roof.
Yes, fall protection is necessary for low-slope roofs as well. Even roofs with slight slopes pose a risk of falls. OSHA recommends using fall protection systems such as guardrails, anchor points, or a horizontal lifeline for any roof where workers are exposed to a fall hazard, regardless of the slope degree. A comprehensive assessment should be made to determine the appropriate fall protection solution.
For rooftop safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the standards for fall protection in the U.S. Roofs with unprotected edges require fall protection systems such as guardrails, personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), or safety nets. Internationally, standards like those set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and local regulations may apply. Always ensure your system complies with the relevant safety standards in your region.
Yes, anchor points such as the XSImpact and XSGlobe Eye are designed for outdoor use and can withstand various weather conditions. However, users should check local weather forecasts to determine if it is advisable to use the system in current conditions. Always refer to the XSPlatforms manual before accessing the roof.
XSPlatforms anchor points and other products can be purchased directly from XSPlatforms or from a certified partner. The latter are recognized installers authorized to install XSPlatforms products.
XSPlatforms assists both clients and architects with fall protection solutions. If you need help integrating our anchor points or other fall protection solutions into your designs, you can contact us via the contact form. The BIM models of XSPlatforms can be downloaded here.
- Suitable for almost every surface: XSPlatforms offers different base plates, to create an anchor point for different kinds of roofs, wall and ceilings. Our modular range of fall protection for roofs covers almost every type of roof surface with only three different base plates.
- Incredibly quick to install: All our anchor points can be installed much quicker than comparable systems. If you want a demo or test, please contact us and we can provide additional information.
- Additional components: XSPlatforms offers modular anchor points. This means that anchor points can be equipped with extra components for increased functionality (abseiling, for example) or increased absorption (to protect the roof surface in case of a fall).

ELEVATE YOUR SAFETY
Whether working on flat or steep-sloped roofs, fall protection is non-negotiable. The choice of systems should align with the roof type, project requirements, and worker safety needs. Flat roofs allow for a broader range of accessible safety solutions, while steep-sloped roofs demand specialized systems designed to mitigate the unique risks posed by inclines. Proper planning, installation, and maintenance of fall protection systems ensure safety remains a priority, regardless of the roof type.