Who is responsible at each stage of an anchor installation?

On an M&E support carrying pipework, ductwork or cable containment, the designer provides project, load and substrate information; the specifier selects the anchor; and the manufacturer supplies its performance and installation information. The supplier, contractor and installer then have distinct parts in getting the specified anchor and tools to site and fitting it to the product instructions.

A failure to understand an individual's role and responsibilities as outlined by BS 8539 can increase the risk of a site failure due to poor anchor selection or installation.

How does BS 8539 impact M&E contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers?

The purpose of BS 8539 is to guide each stakeholder within the selection, supply, installation, and testing of anchors. The code of practice should be applied to all post-installed anchors for concrete and masonry.

Contractor
In most cases the contractor is often the installer and as such has the responsibility to ensure that the anchor selected reaches the site and anchor installation is carried out by a competent individual. Furthermore, If an individual breaks spec of an anchor they must carry out the management procedure.

Supervisor
As outlined in BS 8539 they should be competent to supervise anchor installation. If an ETA-approved anchor has been fixed into a known substrate supervised by a competent individual, then no testing is required because we know the performance of that anchor.

Manufacturers
The anchor manufacturer must provide the information needed by the specifier or designer to select an anchor. Information includes any ETA-approval information, installation information and all the subsequent technical specifications required for that anchor to be selected correctly.

Suppliers
Suppliers also have an important role to play to ensure an anchor is supplied on-site. Firstly, they should supply the anchor as specified. Secondly, they need to make the installer aware of any additional equipment required for installation. Finally, they should offer appropriate anchor installation training for that type of anchor.