How must a fixed anchor point for a lanyard be rated?

A fixed anchor point for a lanyard must be rated to support the shock load that may be applied. This is crucial because when a worker falls, the lanyard stops the fall abruptly, creating a sudden force or shock load on the anchor point. The anchor must be designed to withstand this increased load, which can exceed the worker's weight significantly depending on dynamics such as the speed of the fall and the length of the lanyard.

If the anchor point is not rated for these potential shock loads, it could fail during a fall, leading to serious injury or fatality. Recognizing the importance of this safety factor is essential in ensuring the effectiveness of fall protection systems. Other options, such as supporting only the worker's weight or not requiring a specific rating, fail to account for the complexities of fall dynamics and are inadequate for ensuring safety. Being rated for at least twice the worker's weight is a common practice, but the focus here is on the capacity to handle shock loads specifically, which is why that option is the accurate choice.