Height Safety and Fall Arrest plans must include proper care and maintenance of all personal protective equipment along with the associated items necessary for a complete fall protection/fall arrest system.
To identify, inspect and maintain height safety equipment we have set out criteria for your guidance. This includes:
INSPECTION
FREQUENCY OF INSPECTION
RECORD OF PPE INSPECTION
MAINTENANCE
STORAGE
INSPECTION
All items of equipment which are in regular use shall be subjected to periodic formal inspection (test and tagging) and where applicable, servicing in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Where an operator is not competent to carry out this inspection, the inspection shall be carried out by an operator who is competent or a height safety supervisor.
Key things to inspect on your PPE include.
DOM / DOW
Standards
webbing
Structural stitching
Buckles / Connectors Metal burrs
FREQUENCY OF INSPECTION
Personal fall protection/fall arrest systems should be inspected by worker/user, prior to every use. The user should also check all equipment before each use to be sure a formal inspection has been performed within the last six months.
All components of personal fall protection/fall arrest systems must be inspected by a competent person at intervals of no more than six months.
3 monthly inspection
Fall arrest devices (type 1), Rope and adjusters/fall arrest devices.
6 monthly inspection
Harnesses, Lanyards with shock absorbers, Retractable webbing lanyards, All ropes, Webbing slings, temporary static lines, Work positioning lanyards.
12 months
Anchors, Tripods, Pulleys, hardware, Self-retracting lifelines (type 2 & 3)
RECORD OF PPE INSPECTION
Inspection reports must be recorded on a formal Inspection Log, and filed for safekeeping.
MAINTENANCE
Personal protection equipment should be cleaned periodically using a specialist cleaner or a mild detergent and water. Wash with a soft, non-abrasive brush or sponge and allow to air dry after removing the excess water with a dry cloth.
DO NOT put personal protection equipment in a clothes dryer or use a blow dryer. Excessive heat may melt the webbing and alter its strength. DO NOT use chemicals to clean heavily soiled gear. Chemicals may destroy webbing, equipment and function.
STORAGE
Personal protection equipment (harnesses, lanyards, etc.) along with connectors and other related items should be stored in a clean, dry environment free from direct sunlight, dust, excessive heat and harmful chemicals.