Buying safety anchors: What roofers and solar installers really need to look out for

Those who work on roofs and cannot install collective side protection need a reliable mobile anchor point. Sekuranten – also known as mobile anchorage devices – fulfill precisely this function. However, not every Sekurant is suitable for every application. Those who cut corners or choose the wrong product not only risk their own safety in an emergency but also significant liability consequences.

This guide explains how Sekuranten work, what types there are, and what really matters when buying one.

What is a Sekurant?

A Sekurant is a mobile, temporary anchor point that is positioned on the roof and serves as an anchoring point for personal fall protection equipment (PFPE). It is not permanently installed but set up for the duration of the work and then dismantled again.

The EN 795 standard regulates anchorage devices – Class B covers mobile anchorage devices used on horizontal surfaces. For fixed systems, EN 17235 has applied since the revision. When buying a Sekurant, therefore, one should pay attention to the correct standard certification.

How does a Sekurant work on a flat roof?

The Sekurant is positioned on the roof surface – usually held in place by its own weight or by concrete ballast. The connecting device of the PFPE is hooked into the eyelet or anchor point. From this moment on, the user is secured, as long as the connecting device has the correct length and the Sekurant is correctly positioned.

Crucially: The Sekurant must be positioned in such a way that the connecting device is not too long in retention mode – the person must not be able to reach the fall edge. DGUV Information 201-056 recommends a minimum distance of 0.5 m from the edge, minus the length of the connecting device.

Types of Sekuranten in Comparison

Freestanding Sekuranten with Ballast

This variant stands freely on the roof surface and is secured by concrete weights. The advantage: no roof penetration, flexibly positionable. The disadvantage: The total weight must be sufficient to safely absorb the PFPE forces – which is often underestimated.

Sekuranten with Clamp Fastening

This version is clamped to the parapet or a load-bearing roof structure element. It requires less ballast but requires a suitable clamping option.

Compact Sekuranten for Single Persons

Lightweight, compact single anchor points for quick use. Ideal for short jobs such as gutter cleaning or inspection, where a complete railing system would be disproportionate.

What Really Matters When Buying

Standard Certification: Only EN 795 Class B certified products offer the necessary legal and technical security. Cheap products without standard verification are excluded.

Load Capacity: The anchor point must withstand at least 10 kN of static load. This is specified by the standard – in case of damage, precisely this will be checked.

Ballast Requirements: How much dead weight or additional ballast is required? Manufacturers must specify this. If you don't find this information, you should inquire.

Compatibility with PFPE: The carabiner of the connecting device must fit into the eyelet of the Sekurant – opening width and load direction must be compatible.

Everyday Handling: How heavy is the product? How quickly can it be set up? On a roof that has to be accessed daily, this matters.

Common Mistakes in Practice

• Sekurant positioned too close to the roof edge – connecting device set too long
• Too little ballast – system does not withstand PFPE forces
• Wrong carabiner used – not compatible with the eyelet
• No rescue concept – person hangs in harness without possibility of rescue
• Sekurant on non-load-bearing substrate (e.g., loose gravel filling without base plate)

Who Benefits from a Sekurant?

Sekuranten are the right choice for solar installers, roofers, and maintenance companies who regularly work on different roofs and do not want or cannot install a complete railing system for every property. They supplement the collective protection range – they do not replace it.

Mobile Sekuranten at Gerüstexpress

In the product range of Gerüstexpress, you will find mobile Sekuranten and anchor points for professional use on flat roofs – all certified according to EN 795, robust, and suitable for everyday use. Fast delivery and personal advice included.

Discover the range now and find the right system for your application: Sekuranten at Gerüstexpress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Sekurant replace a railing?

No. According to the STOP principle, collective protection (railings, side protection) always takes precedence. A Sekurant is the right choice when collective measures are technically not possible.

How many people can be secured to a Sekurant?

Typically, a Sekurant is designed for one person. Products for multiple people are explicitly designated as such – manufacturer specifications are binding.

Must a Sekurant be inspected?

Yes. Before each use by the user themselves, and at least annually by a competent person. After a fall, immediately take it out of service and have it inspected.