AS 5532:2025 - What Changed for Roof Anchor Points

Background

AS 5532 is the Australian Standard that sets manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor devices used for harness-based work at height. The 2025 revision replaces AS/NZS 5532:2013 and introduces several updates relevant to building owners, installers, and inspectors.

This standard applies to the anchor device itself, not to the broader fall protection system. System design, selection, and maintenance are covered separately by AS/NZS 1891.4:2025.

Anchor rating system

AS 5532 maintains four anchor rating levels, which determine the load capacity required for different use scenarios:

• Free-fall arrest, 2 persons: 21 kN
• Limited free-fall arrest, 2 persons: 18 kN
• Free-fall arrest, 1 person: 15 kN
• Limited free-fall arrest, 1 person: 12 kN

The distinction between free-fall and limited free-fall relates to the maximum distance the worker can fall before the arrest system engages. Free-fall arrest allows up to 2 metres of free fall. Limited free-fall arrest uses systems that limit free fall to less than 600mm, such as self-retracting lifelines.

Key changes in the 2025 revision

The 2025 revision clarifies several areas that were ambiguous in the 2013 edition:

• Testing procedures for anchors with energy-absorbing properties have been updated. Some anchor devices incorporate deformation zones that absorb energy during a fall arrest event, reducing the peak force transmitted to the structure. The 2025 standard provides clearer guidance on how these devices should be tested.
• Marking requirements have been updated to ensure that all anchor devices clearly display the standard reference (AS 5532:2025), the anchor rating, batch or serial number, and manufacturer identification.
• The distinction between fixed anchors (permanently installed) and temporary anchors (portable, reusable) is maintained, with both types required to meet the same load rating criteria.

Impact on existing installations

Anchor devices manufactured and installed to AS/NZS 5532:2013 do not automatically need to be replaced. An anchor device that met the 2013 requirements at the time of installation remains compliant for its installed life, provided it passes annual inspection under AS/NZS 1891.4.

However, any new anchor devices specified after the 2025 standard takes effect should reference AS 5532:2025. Building owners specifying new installations should ensure their contractor is using devices manufactured to the current edition.

What building owners should do

For existing systems, continue with your annual inspection programme under AS/NZS 1891.4. Your inspector should be aware of the 2025 update but existing compliant systems do not require modification.

For new installations, confirm that the anchor devices being specified are manufactured to AS 5532:2025. This should appear on the product marking and in the manufacturer documentation.

For system designs in progress, check that your height safety designer is referencing the current editions of both AS 5532:2025 and AS/NZS 1891.4:2025.

References

• AS 5532:2025: Manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor devices
• AS/NZS 5532:2013: Manufacturing requirements for anchor devices (superseded)
• AS/NZS 1891.4:2025: Selection, use and maintenance of fall protection equipment