Fall Arrest Equipment Inspection

Fall Arrest Systems are our last line of defense against fall risk situations. When all other control measures have been exhausted, we rely of fall arrest as the means to prevent a fall from height. These types equipment are life saving devices and should be cared for in the same manner as any other PPE that has sentimental value to us. The difference between inadequate care and proper care is life!

Harness Inspection:

1. Webbing — Grasp the webbing with your hands 6 inches to 8 inches apart. Bend the webbing in an inverted “U”. The surface tension resulting makes damaged fibers or cuts easier to detect. Follow this procedure for the entire length of the webbing, inspecting both sides of each strap. Look for frayed edges, broken fibers, pulled stitches, cuts, burns, and chemical damage
2. D-Rings — Check D-rings for distortion, cracks, breaks, and rough or sharp edges. The D ring should pivot freely.
3. Attachment of Buckles — Inspect for any unusual wear, frayed or cut fibers, or broken stitching of the buckle or D-ring attachments.
4. Tongue/Grommets (holes) — The tongue receives heavy wear from repeated buckling and unbuckling. Inspect for loose, distorted or broken grommets. Webbing should not have additional holes punched.
5. Tongue Buckles — Buckle tongues should be free of distortion in shape and motion. They should overlap the buckle frame and move freely back and forth in their socket. Roller should turn freely on the frame. Check for distortion or sharp edges.
6. Friction and Mating Buckles — Inspect the buckle for distortion. The outer bars and center bars must be straight. Pay special attention to corners and attachment point at the center bar.

Lanyard Inspection:
When inspecting lanyards begin at one end and work to the opposite end, slowly rotating the lanyard so that the entire circumference is checked.