Fall Arrest
Working at height across the rail network—whether on embankments, cuttings, bridges, OLE structures, or access platforms—introduces significant safety risks. Effective fall protection is essential for routine maintenance, inspection, construction, and emergency works, particularly in locations where traditional anchoring systems are impractical or disruptive.
Vulcan Earth Anchors offer a fast, portable, and secure solution for creating safe fall arrest anchor points in challenging trackside environments. Installed without excavation, concrete, or permanent fixings, they provide immediate, load-rated anchorage for personal fall protection systems and temporary lifelines. This makes them especially suited to remote areas, steep ground, and sites with limited access.
Key Advantages
Challenges with Traditional Solutions
Fixed steel posts – require excavation and concrete; slow to install and permanent
Deadweight anchors – heavy, difficult to transport, and unsuitable for slopes
Rail-mounted systems – rely on existing structures and require permissions
Permanent lifelines – expensive and often unnecessary for short-term works
Concrete footings – time-consuming, environmentally disruptive, and hard to remove
Advantages of Using Vulcan Earth Anchors
Rapid installation using manual or powered tools—no drilling, digging, or curing
Lightweight and portable, ideal for remote rail environments or steep embankments
High holding capacity, providing secure anchorage for fall arrest loads
Versatile across soil conditions, including soft ground and mixed materials
Minimal ground disturbance, preserving local infrastructure and ecology
Reusable and relocatable, suitable for temporary maintenance routes
Compatible with BS EN 795 and typical fall arrest standards when installed and tested
Cost-effective, reducing labour, materials, and equipment requirements
Vulcan Earth Anchors overcome the access, cost, and disruption challenges common in traditional fall arrest installations.
How Our Products Are Used for This Application
Vulcan Earth Anchors create secure anchor points for workers operating at height near rail assets, providing a simple and efficient approach to fall protection in demanding environments.
Typical Installation Method
Site Assessment
Review ground conditions, fall risk area, and required holding load
Select anchor type (e.g., AS-10 or AS-20)
Confirm no underground services are present
Driving the Anchor
Install using a drive rod and hand-held or powered post driver
Drive until design depth or refusal is reached
Depth depends on anchor size and soil type
Load-Locking the Anchor
Remove the drive rod
Pull the tendon or cable to rotate the anchor into its load-locked position
Anchor immediately provides resistance to pull-out
Connection Setup
Attach lanyards or lifelines to the exposed loop or cable termination
Use suitable rated connectors such as shackles or carabiners
Which Products Are Used for This Application
Vulcan Earth Anchor – AS-10
Suitable for lower fall arrest loads and general-purpose rail applications.
Vulcan Earth Anchor – AS-20
Used where higher capacity is required or where soil conditions demand additional strength.
Helical Anchors (where removable or reusable options are preferred)
Ideal for temporary or mobile fall arrest setups.
Vulcan Anchors provide a secure long-term anchorage, while helical anchors offer a re-usable, rapid-installation alternative.
Types of This Application We Can Work With
Rail embankments, cuttings, and steep ground
OLE structures and bridge works
Temporary and permanent work-at-height zones
Construction sites, scaffolding, and excavations
Utilities, telecoms, and tower access
Industrial sites and plant machinery access
Highways works (gantries, retaining structures)
Marine and port environments
FAQs
01
Can Vulcan Earth Anchors be used for personal fall arrest systems?
Yes. When installed and tested in accordance with fall arrest standards such as BS EN 795, Vulcan Earth Anchors provide secure anchorage for harnesses, lanyards, and temporary lifelines.
02
How do I know which anchor size to use?
Anchor selection depends on soil type, expected loading, and the application. For most scenarios, AS10 or AS20 anchors provide sufficient holding capacity. A site-specific pull-test should always be carried out.
03
Are Vulcan Anchors reusable?
Yes. They can be removed and reinstalled, making them ideal for temporary maintenance works or mobile fall protection setups on embankments and cuttings.
Get to know more about the product
The Vulcan Earth Anchor range was designed and developed by Anchor Systems (International) Ltd to provide a simple, reliable, and cost-effective ground anchoring solution for a wide variety of applications.
Our brochure includes detailed product information, performance data, installation guidance, and examples of real-world uses across multiple sectors.
If you require technical specifications or design advice for your specific project, please get in touch with our team.
Reliable Safety Anchoring with Vulcan Earth Anchors
Vulcan Earth Anchors provide a fast, flexible, and dependable foundation for fall arrest systems across the rail network. Whether you need secure anchor points on embankments, bridges, or temporary works, our solutions deliver immediate safety with minimal disruption.