Frontline RO Commercial Roof Anchor
The Frontline RO is a heavy-duty, reusable roof anchor that installs on concrete, metal deck, or wood. It is the only anchor in the Frontline multi-function family rated for all three substrates. Welded from hot-dip galvanized ASTM A36 steel with a 16-inch by 16-inch base and a welded 5/8 inch steel U-bar connection point, it is built for fall arrest, fall restraint, work positioning, and rescue on commercial and industrial roofs. Choose a 12-inch post for low-profile applications or an 18-inch post to clear thicker roofing assemblies. Rated for permanent or temporary installation, the RO is a long-term tie-off for roofers, HVAC and mechanical techs, solar installers, and maintenance crews.
5,000 lbf minimum breaking strength · 310 lb user capacity · Installs on concrete, metal deck, and wood · Available in 12-inch and 18-inch heights · Permanent or temporary use.
Why Crews Choose the RO Anchor
One Anchor, Three Substrates
The RO is the multi-substrate member of the Frontline family. It installs on fully cured concrete, metal decking, and wood roof structures, while the RW is weld-on only and the RC is concrete only. One part number covers more of your roof, simplifying specification and stocking across mixed-construction jobs.
Independently Tested on All Three
Intertek, a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, tested and passed the RO to ANSI/ASSP Z359.18-2017 on concrete, wood, and metal across static, dynamic, and residual dynamic strength. Most anchors are certified on a single test substrate. The RO carries documented PASS results on every surface it is rated for.
Built to Last and Reusable
Welded ASTM A36 steel with a hot-dip galvanized finish resists corrosion for indoor or outdoor exposure, and the rated service range runs from -30°F to +130°F. The RO is rugged, reusable, and approved for permanent or temporary installation, so it works as a fixed rooftop tie-off or a job-to-job anchor.
Four Approved Applications
The RO is approved for personal fall arrest, fall restraint, work positioning, and rescue, giving a single anchor the flexibility to support a complete fall protection program. The maximum permissible free fall in arrest applications is 6 ft, and only one Personal Fall Arrest System may connect to the anchor at a time.
What Is Included and What You Will Need
To keep your installation compliant and avoid jobsite surprises, here is exactly what ships with the RO anchor and what your crew supplies based on the substrate you are anchoring into.
Included With Every RO Anchor
- One Frontline RO Commercial Roof Anchor in your selected height (12 inches or 18 inches)
- Forty (40) #14 x 2.5 inch hex head screws for wood and metal deck installation (RO version only)
- Manufacturer labeling, ANSI Z359.18 markings, and serialization for inspection records
Sold Separately or Supplied by Installer
- Concrete installs: eight (8) 1/2 inch concrete wedge anchors rated 6,000 lb or more, embedded a minimum of 3 inches. Not included.
- I-beam installs: the RO-BKRPLT backer plate, threaded rods, lock washers, and hex nuts. Sold separately.
- Roof penetration waterproofing: riser flashing and finishing materials. The installer is responsible for properly flashing the penetration to keep the roof assembly watertight.
- A complete Personal Fall Arrest System: full body harness, connecting subsystem, and a documented rescue plan.
Full Specifications
| Specification | RO12 (12 inch) | RO18 (18 inch) |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | RO12 | RO18 |
| Anchor Type | Type T anchorage connector (ANSI Z359.18-2017) | |
| Post Height | 12 inches | 18 inches |
| Post Diameter | 2.8 inches | 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 29.3 lbs | 34.4 lbs |
| Base Dimension | 16-inch x 16-inch square | |
| Base Thickness | 3/8 inch | |
| Connection Point | Welded eye 5/8 inch steel U-bar, 0.625 inch cross section, minimum 1 inch inside radius | |
| Minimum Breaking Strength | 5,000 lbf (22 kN) | |
| User Capacity | 1 worker, 310 lbs combined weight (worker, tools, and clothing) | |
| Service Temperature | -30°F to +130°F | |
| Material | Base: ASTM A36 rated steel · Riser: ASTM A35 rated steel · U-Ring: welded eye | |
| Finish | Hot-dip galvanized | |
| Substrates | Concrete, metal deck, and wood | |
| Fasteners Included | (40) #14 x 2.5-inch hex head screws (RO version only) | |
| Approved Applications | Personal fall arrest, fall restraint, work positioning, rescue | |
| Maximum Free Fall | 6 ft (1.8 m) in fall arrest applications | |
| Use | Permanent and temporary | |
| Direction Loading | Tested in all directions; U-ring opening faces the user, anchor flat with no incline | |
| Compliance | ANSI/ASSP Z359.18-2017 (Type T) · ANSI A10.32 · OSHA 1926 · OSHA 1910 | |
Installation Overview
The RO installs on three substrates, and each method has its own requirements. Always confirm the structure can withstand a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs, or maintain a safety factor of at least two as part of a complete personal fall arrest system, verified and approved by a Qualified Person before use. The anchor cannot be installed within 6 inches of the edge of any substrate, and the installer is responsible for properly flashing the roof penetration to keep the assembly watertight. The summaries below are only an overview; follow the full Frontline user manual for complete step-by-step instructions.
Concrete Installation
- Confirm fully cured concrete, minimum 3,000 psi and 6 inches thick, that can withstand the required 5,000 lb minimum breaking strength and is approved by a Qualified Person.
- Set the anchor flat on the concrete surface, free of obstructions, and drill eight 1/2 inch holes for the concrete wedge anchors.
- Install eight (8) 1/2 inch concrete wedge anchors rated 6,000 lb or more, embedded a minimum of 3 inches, following the wedge anchor manufacturer's instructions (wedge anchors not included).
- Tighten the wedge anchor to the manufacturer's torque spec until the anchor is fully secured, then visually and physically inspect the installation before use.
Metal Deck Installation
- Confirm that the metal substrate can withstand the required minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lb and is approved by a Qualified Person. Substrate reinforcement may be required.
- Set the anchor flat and centered, then fasten with the (40) #14 x 2.5-inch hex head screws using one of the three approved methods: over a steel truss with one 18-gauge sheet, over two 20-gauge sheets, or over two 20-gauge sheets with a backer plate and through-bolts.
- Ensure all fasteners fully penetrate the metal decking with a tight fit, without over-tightening or damaging the deck.
- Visually and physically inspect that the anchor is fully and properly installed and documented by a Qualified Person before use.
Wood Installation
- Confirm a minimum 5/8 inch CDX plywood substrate with a 3/4 inch backer support board, capable of the required 5,000 lb minimum breaking strength and approved by a Qualified Person.
- For installation over a roof truss 16 inches on center, use a minimum of two 3/4 inch backer boards spanning no fewer than three structural joists, with backer board screws no more than 8 inches on center.
- Drive the (40) #14 x 2.5-inch hex-head screws so they fully penetrate the truss, sheathing, and backer board, with at least one center row aligned directly above a roof joist.
- Verify the anchor is secured and properly installed, then visually and physically inspect it before use.
Direction Loading
The RO is tested and can be loaded in all directions, but the preferred method is the U-ring opening facing the user. The anchor must always sit flat with no incline, with the U-ring facing upward, and when connecting, the U-ring opening must face the user. Always anchor overhead and work directly underneath the anchor when possible to avoid swing fall hazards. After any fall arrest event or impact, the anchor must be removed from service immediately.
Code Compliance, United States and Canada
United States
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926: Construction fall protection
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910: General industry fall protection
- ANSI/ASSP Z359.18-2017: Type T anchorage connector for active fall protection systems
- ANSI A10.32: Fall protection for the construction and demolition industry
- Tested and certified by Intertek (NRTL)
Canada
- Ontario: Reg. 213/91 anchor requirements
- British Columbia: OHSR Part 11
- Alberta: OHS Code Part 9
- Quebec: RSST anchorage provisions
- Note: Pair with CSA Z259-series harness, lanyard, and connecting hardware to maintain a fully CSA-compliant Personal Fall Arrest System.
Independent Lab Certification
Intertek Testing Services NA Inc., Cortland, NY
The Frontline RO was independently tested and certified by Intertek, a globally accredited Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), to the full requirements of ANSI/ASSP Z359.18-2017, the Safety Requirements for Anchorage Connectors for Active Fall Protection Systems. Unlike anchors certified on a single substrate, the RO passed testing on concrete, wood, and metal.
Tests passed: Design Requirements (§3), Non-Textile Abrasion Conditioning (§4.2.2.1.2), Dynamic Strength Test for Type T on concrete, wood, and metal (§4.2.2.2.4), Residual Dynamic Strength Test on concrete, wood, and metal (§4.2.3.2), Static Strength Test per loading direction at 5,000 lbs on concrete, wood, and metal (§4.2.1.2), and Marking and Instructions (§5). All sections returned PASS results across multiple samples, with maximum arrest force values well within ANSI limits across every drop.
Submittal Documents
| Document | Description | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Frontline RO Commercial Roof Anchor Spec Sheet | Manufacturer specification sheet covering dimensions, design specifications, features, materials, available heights, fasteners, and applicable standards for the Frontline RO Commercial Roof Anchor. | Download the Frontline RO Commercial Roof Anchor Spec Sheet |
| Frontline RO Commercial Roof Anchor Independent Test Report | Intertek third-party test report (105938082CRT-008) certifying the Frontline RO Commercial Roof Anchor to ANSI/ASSP Z359.18-2017. Includes design requirements, static strength, dynamic strength, and residual dynamic strength results on concrete, wood, and metal substrates, plus marking and instruction compliance. | Download the Frontline RO Commercial Roof Anchor Independent Test Report |
| Frontline RO, RW & RC Multi-Function Anchor User Manual | Complete user instruction manual for the Frontline multi-function anchor line. Includes concrete, metal, and wood installation steps, system requirements, fall clearance calculations, direction loading, training requirements, inspection checklist, and inspection log. | Download the Frontline RO, RW & RC Multi-Function Anchor User Manual |
Frequently Asked Questions
What surfaces can the Frontline RO anchor be installed on?
The RO installs on three substrates: fully cured concrete (minimum 3,000 psi, 6 inches thick), metal decking, and wood. It is the multi-substrate anchor in the Frontline family. The RW version is weld-on for structural steel I-beams, and the RC version is for concrete only. Intertek independently tested and passed the RO on concrete, wood, and metal in accordance with ANSI Z359.18-2017. In every case, the substrate must be able to withstand a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lb and be approved by a Qualified Person before use.
What is the difference between the 12-inch and 18-inch RO anchor?
Both heights share the same 16-inch-by-16-inch base, a 5,000-lbf minimum breaking strength, a 310-lb user capacity, and hot-dip galvanized ASTM A36 steel construction. The RO12 has a 12-inch post (2.8-inch diameter, 29.3 lbs) for low-profile applications, while the RO18 has an 18-inch post (3.5-inch diameter, 34.4 lbs) to clear thicker roofing assemblies and finishing materials. Choose the height that lets the U-ring sit clear above your finished roof surface.
Is the Frontline RO OSHA- and ANSI-compliant?
Yes. The RO meets OSHA 29 CFR 1926 (construction), OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (general industry), ANSI/ASSP Z359.18-2017 (Type T anchorage connector), and ANSI A10.32. It was independently tested and certified by Intertek, a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, under report number 105938082CRT-008 dated October 2, 2024, with PASS results on concrete, wood, and metal substrates.
Can the RO anchor be left permanently installed?
Yes. The RO is rated for both permanent and temporary use, which makes it suitable as a long-term fixed rooftop tie-off or a reusable job-to-job anchor. For permanent installations, a Competent or Qualified Person should inspect the anchor at least every 6 months, and all users must inspect it before each use. Keep the galvanized surface clean and free of contamination to extend service life.
What is included with the RO anchor, and what do I need to buy separately?
Every RO ships with the anchor in your selected height, plus forty (40) #14 x 2.5-inch hex head screws for wood and metal deck installation. Concrete installations require eight (8) 1/2-inch diameter concrete wedge anchors rated at 6,000 lb or more, which are not included. I-beam installations require the RO-BKRPLT backer plate, sold separately. Riser flashing and roof waterproofing materials are supplied and installed by the installer. You will also need a complete Personal Fall Arrest System.
What other equipment do I need to use the RO anchor?
The RO is one component of a complete Personal Fall Arrest System. To use it safely, you also need a Frontline 100RCTB Combat Harness, a connecting subsystem such as a shock-absorbing lanyard or a self-retracting lifeline (SRL), and a documented rescue plan. The connecting hardware must be a locking snap hook or carabiner compatible with the RO U-ring. Need help building a complete system? Call us at 863-703-4522.
Can I reuse the RO anchor after a fall has been arrested?
No. ANSI Z359.18 and the Frontline user manual both require that any anchor subjected to a fall arrest event or impact be removed from service immediately. The RO is durable and reusable for repeated installation and inspection, but once it has arrested an actual fall, take it out of service and replace it. The same applies to any anchor that fails inspection or whose integrity is in question.
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