Slips, Trips and Falls: Fall Protection

Fall Protection Equipment Inspections

Ask the following questions:

What are the hazards? Falls from heights due to damaged personal fall arrest systems

What are the results? Broken bones, internal damage, death.

How do we prevent these results?

Inspect your personal fall arrest system prior to use. On a regular basis not to exceed one year (or more frequently if required by manufacturer’s instructions) by a Competent Person to verify that the equipment is safe for use. Some manufacturers recommend every 6 months. Your life depends on it.

Take damaged equipment out of service: If there have been alternation; if there is an absence of parts, if there is evidence of defects, damage to or improper function of mechanical devices and connectors. Also look for any other condition that calls to question the suitability of the equipment for its intended purpose.

Know what to look for: fraying, un-splicing, kinking, knotting, roping, broken or pulled stitches, excessive elongation, chemical exposure, excessive soiling, abrasions, alterations, needed or excessive lubrication, excessive aging, excessive wear.

Personal Fall Arrest Systems are an important element of fall protection; yet the primary goal on construction sites should be to eliminate fall hazards altogether.