Toolbox Talk: Fall Arrest Pre-Use Inspection

OSHA requires that fall protection equipment shall be inspected by the user before each use. ANSI and most suppliers require a competent person other than the end user perform a formal inspection of that same equipment at least annually. Inspection intervals for competent person inspections should not exceed twelve months for the construction industry and they must be documented.

When pre-use or annual inspection reveals defects, or damage, the equipment shall be removed from service immediately by rendering it inoperable or tagging it as “out of service”.

 

Pre-Use Inspection

Prior to use each worker must inspect the fall arrest equipment they will use for defects or damage. The following are the items to look for when performing this inspection. The first step in the inspection process should always be to check the inspection tag to verify that the annual inspection was completed less than 12 months prior to the current date. If not tag the unit “out of service” until the annual inspection is completed.

1. Harness Inspection
   
   a. Labels
   All labels must be present and fully legible with the last annual inspection less than 12 months prior to the current date documented on the inspection tag.
   
   b. Stitching
   If any stitches are pulled or broken, the harness must be removed from service. Closely inspect “critical stitching” which will be in a color that contrasts with the webbing
   
   c. Webbing
   Inspect for cuts, tears, stretching of fibers, fraying, raveling of edges, excessive wear or abrasion, chemical damage, burns, UV degradation, and weld splatter. Hold hands six to eight inches apart and flex webbing into a “U” shape to reveal frayed or broken fiber. The presence of hardened or discolored spots on the webbing indicates chemical or excessive heat exposure.
   
   d. Connectors
   Inspect all metal components including “O-rings”, “D-Rings” leg grommets, chest strap connecting hardware, and adjustment components. Look for cracks, heat damage, distortion, corrosion, and excessive wear.
   
   e. Cleaning and Storage Instruction
   Clean harnesses with a solution of water and mild laundry detergent. Dry hardware with a clean cloth and hang harness to air dry. Do not speed dry with heat. Excessive accumulation of dirt, paint, or other foreign matter may prevent proper function of the harness, and in severe cases, weaken the webbing. Store the harness in a dry place, out of direct sunlight, preferably hanging by the rear D-ring.

2. LANYARD INSPECTION
   
   a. Labels
   All labels must be present and fully legible with the last annual inspection less than 12 months prior to the current date documented on the inspection tag.
   
   b. Connectors/Snap hooks
   Make sure connectors are operating properly. Snap hook must have a double locking mechanism that does not allow latch to open without releasing the first lock, and springs into locked position when released. Also inspect for cracks, distortion, or corrosion.
   
   c. Webbing/Wire Rope
   Inspect body of lanyard including areas where lanyard and connectors join. For webbed lanyards look for cuts, tears, stretching of fibers, fraying, raveling of edges, excessive wear or abrasion, chemical damage, burns, UV degradation, weld splatter, and excessive heat exposure. For wire rope lanyards, ensure that no frayed cables, bird caging, or crushing has occurred. Inspect both sides of lanyards and flex them as you inspect to reveal damage which may not be apparent.
   
   d. Shock Absorber
   Inspect all areas of the cover. The cover should not be torn or damaged. Ensure the webbing content of the absorber has not been stretched, or Un-stitched in anyway. Evidence of such indicates a mild fall has occurred, and the lanyard should be removed from service.
   
   e. Cleaning and Storage Instruction
   Shock absorber should be cleaned with a damp sponge, wiped dry with a clean cloth and hung in a dry area. No abrasives or solvents should ever be used, nor should the absorber ever be immersed in water. The covers are usually water resistant, though they will not repel water if submerged. Once internal webbing is soaked, it will not dry completely, and can cause damage.