BS8539: Everything you need to know

Contractors and installers have a critical role to play in ensuring that masonry and concrete anchors are selected and installed correctly. Guidance on specifying, procuring, installing and testing anchors can be found in BS 8539:2012 + A1 2012. Although the standard is prescriptive, it also gives contractors a clear message: use your supply chain, lean on the expertise of reputable manufacturers and suppliers, and work closely with specifiers to ensure success.

Clarity, accountability, and collaboration

Introduced in 2012 by the Construction Fixings Association (CFA), BS 8539 is a comprehensive code of practice for manufacturing, supplying, selecting, installing, and testing anchors in concrete and masonry. The core principles of the standard rest on supply chain collaboration, communication, and training.

BS 8539 describes responsibilities of the whole supply chain to ensure clarity and accountability. Designers and specifiers must consider the anchor’s suitability in depth and write accurate, unambiguous specifications. Manufacturers and suppliers should provide clear, accurate and detailed information for anchors, provide the correct installation tools and supply free training to installers. And contractors have a duty to ensure the correct installation, inspection and testing of anchors is carried out.

Why anchors fail

BS 8539 was introduced following numerous catastrophic anchor failures that resulted in expensive remedial works, personal injury and even death. In 2009, a metal heating duct fell from a ceiling in a school in Kent, injuring twelve children. The 2006 Boston Tunnel collapse is another widely known instance of anchor failure, in which a car was crushed by a falling concrete panel, killing the driver.

The common thread between these incidents is that the anchors themselves didn’t fail. Incorrect installation, incorrect selection or specification changes are the three most common reasons for anchor failure. While specifiers and designers must ensure they follow the correct processes for selecting anchors, contractors must be diligent in all aspects of installation, testing and communication to ensure the final construction is safe and durable.

From specification to verification

Firstly, it’s crucial to ensure that the installed anchor is identical to the one specified – using the correct manufacturer, anchor and diameter. Changes in specification are a reality of construction and the standard allows for this, providing contractors follow the ‘equal and approved’ principle. To choose the new anchor, contractors must follow the same process, in the same detail, as was used to choose the original anchor, and get this change signed off by the original designer and specifier. If this last step isn’t followed, the contractor will assume the responsibilities of the specifier.

It is also highly recommended that contractors check the anchor that has been supplied has a European Technical Assessment (ETA) and the resulting CE marking. Although it is the designer and specifier’s responsibility to choose an anchor with a CE marking where possible, contractors should refer back to the designer if one is not present on the anchors supplied.

Installing anchors

Once the anchor has been specified, contractors will need to ensure the right tools are in the right hands for installation. Manufacturers are expected to supply any specialised tools needed for installation and supervisors should ensure these are used. Installers need to be competent, with the relevant training, knowledge and practical experience.

Finally, before any load is added to an anchor, it must be inspected by the site supervisor for any discrepancies such as movement, cracking or deformation. Testers should work to the appropriate test regime as per BS 8539.

Training is the best preventative

It’s important to recognise that prevention is better than detection. While proof testing will remain an important part of the process, it isn’t a failsafe mechanism. For practicality, only a small percentage of anchors will typically be tested on a given construction and some anchors that have flush heads will be difficult to test, making any results an approximation. This means correct installation and inspection is vital.

Manufacturers are expected to provide full documentation for their anchors and offer training to contractors. We would always advise contractors to take full advantage of this – even highly experienced installers will benefit from the additional understanding of the best practice for ensuring an anchor is installed correctly. Often, it’s the finer details of installation that make or break its success, making the manufacturer’s guidance indispensable.

Manufacturers are more than suppliers

At its heart, BS 8539 is about improving standards in our industry. A goal that I know is shared by many of our installer partners, and one that we take seriously at Fixfast. As a leading manufacturer, we know we have a responsibility to support contractors at every stage of their projects – from selection and specification through to testing – but it’s in training where we can make the most difference to customers. If you’ve any questions about BS 8539 and the safe installation of anchors, perhaps it’s time to book one of our toolbox talks?

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