The Aqua Anchor Bladder System (AABS) is a patent-pending niche product designed to provide an alternative solution for buildings that do not have roof anchors, or lack anchors that are properly tested, maintained, and certified as required by OSHA.

 

It is a water bladder system used to provide a tested resistance anchorage for both fall restraint and fall arrest applications. The Aqua Anchor system consists of four 150-gallon bladders placed within 7,000 lb. cargo netting to achieve a 5,000 lb. resistance level.

 

When used as part of a complete Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS), a full AABS (a total of four connected Aqua Anchor bladder systems) is required. This complete system allows for a working load of 690 lbs.

 

Swing stage scaffolding requires one complete AABS per outrigger arm. Using two complete systems allows for a total working load of 1,380 lbs.

 

Fall restraint anchor requirements vary depending on the specific application. Each single bladder system (SAABS) weighs approximately 1,250 lbs. and has been tested to an impact load of 1,150 lbs. This value helps users determine how many bladders are needed for their specific fall protection requirements.

 

OSHA suggests a 3,000 lb. anchorage or at least twice the maximum expected force—whichever is greater.

 

An OSHA Letter of Interpretation regarding Fall Restraint (CFR 1926.502) states:

“We suggest that, as a minimum, fall restraint systems have the capacity to withstand at least three thousand (3,000) pounds of force, or twice the maximum expected force needed to restrain a person from exposure to a fall hazard.”

 

When determining this force, consideration should be given to site-specific factors such as walking, leaning, or sliding on the work surface.

 

Specifications

 

Bladder

• Constructed of 2037 TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

• Each bladder weighs approximately 1,250 lbs. when filled with 150 gallons of water

• Tested to 1,150 lb. impact load

• Approximate dry weight: 26 lbs.

• Dimensions: 5’ x 6’, filled to approximately 9 inches high

• Capacity: 150 gallons

• Provides approximately 42 lbs. per sq. ft.

• Collapses to approximately 10” x 14” x 28”, fitting into a medium suitcase

• Made in America

 

Support Netting:

• Rated to 7,000 lbs. cargo capacity

• 12-inch square mesh

• Dimensions: 8’ x 8’

• Single strand tested to withstand 5,000 lbs.

• Approximate weight: 24 lbs.

• Made in America

 

Important Safety Information

 

The Aqua Anchor is designed to weigh approximately 46 lbs. per square foot, making it one of the only portable anchorage systems available that falls below the maximum roof load rating for most commercial buildings.

 

Users must verify and document local commercial roof load ratings to ensure the system is filled appropriately and remains below allowable limits.

 

A water-to-weight chart is included in the user manual to assist users in achieving the correct and safe configuration.

 

Field Testing

 

The complete Aqua Anchor System (AAS) underwent two years of field testing prior to its release in April 2024.