How often must rope descent anchorages be inspected?

Every year, by a qualified person (29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(i)).

How often must they be certified?

As necessary, and at least every 10 years, by a qualified person (29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(i)).

What does the employer need before work starts?

Written information from the building owner that each anchorage has been identified, tested, certified and maintained to the required capacity. The employer keeps it for the duration of the job (1910.27(b)(1)(i) and (ii)).

Is industrial rope access covered?

No. The definition of a rope descent system excludes industrial rope access systems (29 CFR 1910.21(b)).

US · Expiry & renewal tracking

Keep every rope descent anchorage inspected and certified

Before a rope descent system is used, the building owner must inform the employer in writing that each anchorage is inspected annually and certified at least every 10 years by a qualified person to hold 5,000 pounds per attached employee (29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(i)). Without that information, use is not allowed.

A rope descent system lets a worker descend in a controlled way and stop at any point. It usually consists of a roof anchorage, support rope, a descent device, carabiners or shackles, and a chair (seatboard). It does not include industrial rope access systems (29 CFR 1910.21(b)).

Before any rope descent system is used, the building owner must inform the employer in writing that it has identified, tested, certified and maintained each anchorage so it can support at least 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg), in any direction, for each employee attached. This information must be based on an annual inspection by a qualified person and on certification of each anchorage by a qualified person, as necessary and at least every 10 years (29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(i)).

The employer must make sure no employee uses an anchorage before it has this written information from the building owner, and must keep the information for the duration of the job (29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(ii)).

Start free

At a glance

Rule	29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1), OSHA
Anchorage inspection	Every year, by a qualified person
Anchorage certification	As necessary and at least every 10 years, by a qualified person
Capacity	At least 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) in any direction per employee attached
Before use	Written information from the building owner to the employer
Employer keeps it	For the duration of the job
Rope descent system	Inspected at the start of each workshift it is used

A qualified person has a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or has shown by extensive knowledge, training and experience the ability to solve problems in the subject (29 CFR 1910.21(b)).

Who is responsible?

The building owner identifies, tests, certifies and maintains the anchorages and informs the employer in writing. The employer may not let employees use an anchorage before it has that information (29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)).

Other rules for rope descent work

The employer must also make sure that a rope descent system is not used above 300 feet (91 m) unless other means are not feasible or more hazardous, that it is inspected at the start of each workshift it is used, that each employee is trained under 1910.30 and uses a separate, independent personal fall arrest system, and that prompt rescue is provided (29 CFR 1910.27(b)(2)).

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add each building's anchorages with two records: the annual inspection and the certification, which is due at least every 10 years.
Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the due date and on the due date itself.
Assign a responsible person (for example your facility manager) so the right person gets the reminder.
If a date passes, managers get overdue reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Ask the qualified person to upload the inspection or certification report through a secure upload link, valid for 14 days; no account is needed.

Frequently asked questions

How often must rope descent anchorages be inspected?: Every year, by a qualified person (29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(i)).
How often must they be certified?: As necessary, and at least every 10 years, by a qualified person (29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(i)).
What does the employer need before work starts?: Written information from the building owner that each anchorage has been identified, tested, certified and maintained to the required capacity. The employer keeps it for the duration of the job (1910.27(b)(1)(i) and (ii)).
Is industrial rope access covered?: No. The definition of a rope descent system excludes industrial rope access systems (29 CFR 1910.21(b)).

Sources

Last checked: Oct 1, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.

Made for rope descent anchorage inspection (OSHA) (US)

A ready template for rope descent anchorage inspection (OSHA) (US) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.

Reminders on time

Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each rope descent anchorage inspection (OSHA) (US) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.

Assign an owner

Give each rope descent anchorage inspection (OSHA) (US) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.