Construction Fixings

By the Construction Fixings Association

New rules, tougher standards and rapid innovation are redefining how we specify and install anchors. Fasteners and fixings might be hidden in the fabric of a building, but today they’re under more scrutiny than ever.

Driven by legislation, such as the Building Safety Act 2022 and Eurocode 2, Part 4, the industry is facing a step change. What was once considered good practice is now mandatory. From design to installation, fasteners and fixings must meet stricter criteria – with the entire supply chain being held to account.

At the same time, manufacturers are stepping up with smarter solutions, from no hole cleaning chemical anchors and extended lifetime approvals, to advanced testing methods, which are reshaping what’s possible on-site. 

This article explores how three key developments, the Building Safety Act, Eurocode 2 and BS 8539, are raising the standard for competency, compliance and performance in fixings – whilst also outlining what’s needed to stay ahead.

Raising accountability in construction fixings

One of the most far reaching regulatory changes affecting the construction fixings industry is the UK Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA). Accelerated in response to the Grenfell Tower disaster, the BSA enforces stricter safety regulations across the construction sector, affecting everything from material selection to installation practices. 

Manufacturers and suppliers are now legally required to provide clear, accurate and up-to-date product data, ensuring that contractors and engineers have the necessary information to make informed decisions. In addition to this, those responsible for installation must demonstrate their competency, with training and certification becoming an essential part of compliance.

For the fixings industry, the BSA represents both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, the increased accountability demands higher levels of expertise and due diligence at every stage of the fastening process. On the other hand, it pushes the industry towards higher standards, ensuring that anchors and fixings are selected, designed and installed correctly, as well as functioning as intended – ultimately reducing risks and improving overall safety.

Setting out clear design methodologies

The adoption of Eurocode 2, Part 4 (EC2-4 – design of concrete structures) in 2018 marked another major shift for the fixings industry. Unlike previous guidelines, which provided recommendations, EC2-4 makes the design of post installed anchors in concrete a mandatory requirement. 

As the UK continues to support the use of Eurocodes post-Brexit, EC2-4 now forms the backbone of anchor design, replacing the European Technical Approval Guideline (ETAG) and merging previously separate design frameworks for mechanical and chemical fasteners into a single comprehensive standard.

This Eurocode sets out clear design methodologies for anchors in concrete, covering a wide range of loading conditions, including static, dynamic, seismic and fire exposure. This shift introduces greater transparency and consistency – designers, engineers and specifiers must now adhere to standardised calculation methods, ensuring that safety critical fastenings meet stringent performance criteria. 

The impact of EC2-4 extends beyond design, influencing anchor testing, installation requirements, and product approvals, reinforcing the need for strict compliance at every stage of a project. 

While EC2-4 creates additional responsibilities for professionals in the fixings sector, it also provides a more structured and reliable framework for anchor specification. By eliminating ambiguities and ensuring all anchoring solutions meet the same high standards, the Eurocode helps prevent failures and increases confidence in post installed fastening systems.

Best practices for post installed anchors

The BS 8539 Code of Practice, first introduced to improve the selection and installation of post installed anchors in concrete and masonry, continues to evolve. The most recent update in 2021 reinforced its status as a best practice guide – with another revision expected in 2026.

BS 8539 provides detailed guidance on selecting the right anchor for specific applications; ensuring proper installation techniques – assessing all factors, including environmental, that may impact anchor performance; as well as understanding manufacturer specifications and European Technical Assessments (ETAs).

With the increasing legal obligations brought about by the BSA and EC2-4, the BS 8539 is proving to be more important than ever. The Construction Fixings Association (CFA) has played a key role in promoting these standards, ensuring that industry professionals have the necessary training and resources to comply.

Notably, the upcoming 2026 revision is expected to incorporate new EU guidelines for on-site testing of anchors in masonry, which have already been adopted in the UK through the updated CFA’s Guidance Note for on-site testing. These updates will help refine best practices for testing, ensuring that anchor performance is thoroughly assessed under ‘real world’ conditions.

Actions to take now

As regulations continue to evolve, manufacturers, engineers, contractors, and installers, must take proactive steps to ensure compliance and improve safety standards:

• Stay informed: With new updates to BS 8539 and EC2-4 now mandatory, industry professionals must ensure they are using up-to-date design methods and installation practices. Reviewing documentation, attending industry workshops and staying engaged with organisations such as the Construction Fixings Association (CFA) are important.
• Invest in training: Given the BSA’s competency requirements, it is now more important than ever to ensure that personnel responsible for selecting and installing anchors are properly trained and certified. Companies should prioritise professional development, ensuring their teams have the necessary expertise to meet regulatory requirements and prevent costly errors.
• Verify installation quality: Testing and verification are key to reducing risks associated with anchor failure. Professionals should follow the latest EOTA TR 053 guidelines and CFA recommendations for on-site testing, ensuring that anchors meet performance expectations before full installation.
• Engage with manufacturers: With many of the latest fastening solutions requiring specific installation techniques or accessories, consulting manufacturers for technical guidance, training, and product selection support, can help streamline compliance and improve efficiency.

Conclusion

With stricter regulations, more advanced product technologies and an increasing emphasis on competency – now is the time to take action. 

By embracing the latest design codes, improving installation standards, and ensuring compliance with updated regulations, professionals can play a key role in raising safety and performance benchmarks.

Ensuring compliance, training and proper verification is no longer optional. Industry stakeholders must proactively adapt to these changes, integrating best practices into every stage of the fastening process. The future of the fixings industry depends on a collective commitment to higher standards, ensuring that modern construction fastenings are safer, stronger and more reliable than ever before.

About the CFA

The Construction Fixings Association (CFA), founded in 1979, represents leading manufacturers of fixing systems used in various construction materials. It supports all stakeholders in the fixings supply chain from specifiers, distributors, contractors, installers, and testers, collaborating with UK and European bodies to promote best practices in fixings.