Why the Straight Loop Insert and Mega Swivel System Is Changing Concrete Based Fall Protection
When it comes to permanent fall protection in concrete structures, not all anchorage solutions are created equally. The Straight Loop Insert (SLI) and Mega Swivel anchorage connector, originally developed by ClimbTech and now part of the WERNER® family, is quickly becoming the go to choice for architects, facility designers, and safety professionals who want a clean, durable, and future ready anchorage system.
In environments where drilling into existing concrete is messy, costly, or outright prohibited, this cast in place system offers a smarter, cleaner engineered solution.
A Modern Approach to Concrete Anchorage
Unlike anchors installed in a drilled hole in concrete (installed post construction), the Straight Loop Insert (SLI) is installed before concrete is poured. Once the forms are removed, the insert remains permanently embedded, ready for immediate use by attaching the Mega Swivel.
This approach offers clear advantages:
Advantages of Cast in Place over Post Installed Anchors
By utilizing cast in place anchors, you can entirely avoid drilling into hardened concrete, making this approach ideal for clean rooms, labs, and medical or food preparation facilities. This method significantly reduces long-term labor costs and eliminates the risks of concrete dust, airborne contamination, and the need for expensive post-construction engineering. Furthermore, it is particularly well-suited for prestressed concrete applications where traditional drilling could potentially compromise structural integrity.
Built for Durability - Not Disposal
Temporary synthetic anchors are designed for short term use. When thinking about future fall protection needs, the SLI and Mega Swivel will last the life of the building.
Value for the Dollar
Installing anchors into concrete after the pour is a much higher cost. Labor to drill, job preparation, cleaning, and engineering are costs not associated with the cast-in-place SLI and Mega Swivel. You can install 15-20 cast-in-place SLI anchors for the same cost as installing one concrete anchor post construction.
The Straight Loop Insert + Mega Swivel combination solves these issues:
- No wind noise or movement from loose straps
- Fully compatible with the Mega Swivel’s engineered performance
- Permanent, future use
Meet the Mega Swivel
Once connected to the embedded SLI, the Mega Swivel anchorage connector provides:
Omni directional design allows the connector to rotate 360 degrees, and flip back and forth 180 degrees
ANSI & OSHA compliant
Corrosion resistant, zinc coated steel
A clean, flush mounted profile, no recesses or protruding hardware. This smooth swivel action reduces the risk of roll out / burst out on hooks.
How the Straight Loop Insert (SLI) Is Installed
The process is simple, versatile, and fits seamlessly into standard concrete workflows:
For wood:
Attach the yellow installation plug and washer assembly to the form.
Thread the Straight Loop Insert onto the plug.
For metal:
On the top of the raise rib of 16-28 gauge decking that is at least 3 inches wide drill a 1-inch hole.
Push the SLI through the hole until the snap fit clicks into place and the rubber plunger is flush to the surface of the deck.
Pour concrete:
Pour and cure the concrete (minimum 3000 psi, 6" slab thickness)
Remove forms
Unthread and remove the plug
Install the Mega Swivel and torque to 70–80 ft-lbs
Because the loop is surrounded by concrete, it does not need to be tied into rebar to achieve full strength. Some facilities install hundreds of inserts during construction, then move a smaller number of Mega Swivels as needed, maximizing flexibility and value.
Designed for the Facilities of the Future
More organizations are proactively adding permanent anchorages to their ceilings, walls, floors, and superstructures to support:
Future equipment moves
Changing workflows
Expansion projects
Ongoing maintenance needs
And because Straight Loop Inserts can be installed in bulk during construction, the cost efficiency is dramatic, installing 20–30 cast in place inserts can require similar time and investment as installing one post installed anchor after the building is complete.
Where This System Makes the Biggest Impact
This anchorage solution excels in:
Semiconductor & high-tech clean rooms
Data Centers
Pharmaceutical and medical environments
Food manufacturing
Laboratories
Manufacturing plants
Facilities with ongoing maintenance performed at height
Anywhere that drilling into concrete is undesirable, or regulated against, this is the anchor system designed to meet those challenges.