Issue Date: 2026
Service Life and Inspection Requirements – ZERO Fall Protection Equipment [PDF]
1. Scope
This document defines the service life limitations, inspection requirements, and withdrawal criteria for ZERO® fall protection equipment.
This document applies to all ZERO® products used for work at height and shall be read in conjunction with the relevant product Instructions for Use (IFU) and applicable regulatory requirements.
2. Compliance and Governing Standards
ZERO® fall protection equipment shall be used, inspected, and maintained in accordance with applicable standards, including:
- AS/NZS 1891 – Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
- EN 365 – Personal protective equipment against falls from a height
In accordance with these standards:
- Equipment shall undergo periodic examination by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 12 months
- More frequent inspection intervals shall be applied where required due to frequency of use, environmental exposure, or risk profile
- Inspections shall be carried out in accordance with ZERO® product instructions and applicable legislation
Where specified by ZERO®, inspection, servicing, or recertification shall be undertaken by an authorised service centre.
3. Definitions
Competent Person
A person with the appropriate training, knowledge, and experience to perform inspections and assess the condition of fall protection equipment.
Service Life
The maximum period during which a product may remain in service, subject to passing inspection and remaining fit for purpose.
Date of Manufacture (DOM)
The date marked on the product by the manufacturer.
4. General Service Life Principles
The actual service life of fall protection equipment is dependent on:
- Usage intensity and application
- Environmental conditions including UV exposure, chemicals, moisture, and temperature
- Storage, transport, and maintenance practices
ZERO® defines maximum service life limits where applicable. These limits do not guarantee usability for the full duration. Products shall be withdrawn earlier if inspection criteria are not met.
5. Service Life Classification
5.1 Textile Products
Includes harnesses, lanyards, ropes, and any load-bearing textile components.
- Maximum service life: 10 years from Date of Manufacture (DOM)
- Products may remain in service only if they continue to pass inspection
Note: Textile materials are subject to degradation and may require withdrawal significantly earlier depending on conditions of use.
5.2 Mechanical Products (No Textile Components)
Includes metallic devices such as connectors, anchors, and hardware with no textile elements.
- No predefined maximum service life
- Products may remain in service provided they:
- Pass inspection
- Show no signs of damage, deformation, corrosion, or functional impairment
- Remain fit for intended use
5.3 Mechanical Products with Non-Serviceable Textile Components
Includes products where textile elements are integral and cannot be replaced, such as sealed Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs).
Maximum service life: 10 years from Date of Manufacture (DOM)The product must be withdrawn from service at end of life or if inspection criteria are not met
5.4 Mechanical Products with Serviceable Textile Components
Includes products where textile elements can be replaced independently of the mechanical system.
Textile Components:
- Maximum service life: 10 years from Date of Manufacture (DOM)
- Must be replaced if:
- Inspection criteria are not met, or
- Maximum service life is reached
Mechanical Components:
No predefined maximum service life
May remain in service subject to passing inspection and remaining fit for purpose
6. Inspection Requirements
All ZERO® fall protection equipment shall:
- Be inspected prior to each use by the user
- Undergo periodic examination by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 12 months
Inspection frequency shall be increased where the following apply:
- Equipment is used in harsh environments
- Equipment is subject to high usage
- Regulatory or site-specific requirements apply
Inspection records shall be maintained in accordance with applicable standards and organisational requirements.
7. Damage, Contamination, and Removal from Service
Equipment shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions are identified:
- Cracks, deformation, or structural damage
- Excessive wear, abrasion, corrosion, or mechanical malfunction
- Cuts, fraying, burns, or fibre degradation in textile components
- Exposure to chemicals, paints, or contaminants that may affect integrity
- Evidence or suspicion of shock loading or fall arrest
Where there is any doubt regarding the condition of equipment, it shall be withdrawn from service.
Assessment shall be carried out by a competent person to determine whether:
- The product may be returned to service following approved maintenance, or
- The product must be permanently withdrawn and disposed of
Repairs shall only be performed by ZERO® or an authorised service provider.
8. Fall Arrest Events
Any equipment subjected to a fall arrest event shall be immediately removed from service and shall not be reused unless explicitly authorised in writing by ZERO® following inspection.
9. Limitation of Service Life
The stated service life represents the maximum allowable period under ideal conditions.
ZERO® does not guarantee product performance for the full duration of this period.
Operational, environmental, or maintenance factors may reduce the actual service life.
Issued by:
ZERO® Height Safety (NZ/AU) Limited