Fall Arrest Systems MUST BE Inspected Regularly

Did you know fall hazards killed more workers in the construction industry than any other type of incident in Washington state during the years of 1998-2005.  They account for forty out of one hundred and fourteen , or 30% of construction fatalities .  The victims fell from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, unguarded building edges. And through roof openings , floor openings and skylights.

Did you know on any given day, a trip to any work site in the USA will unveil fall protection equipment being used that is potentially dangerous because of wear, neglect, misuse or age/exposure.  The combination of fall hazards not addressed and neglected fall protection equipment is deadly.

 
As declared in WAC 296-24-88050(6), personal fall arrest systems must be on a regular basis inspected.  Any component with any crucial defect, such as cuts, tears, abrasions, mold or overdue stretching; alterations or additions which could affect its efficiency; damage due to deterioration, contact with fire, acids or other corrosives; distorted hooks or faulty hook springs; tongues unfitted to the shoulder of buckles; loose or damaged mountings; broken parts; wearing away or internal deterioration in the ropes must be withdrawn from service immediately , and should be tagged or marked  as unusable, or destroyed.   WHEN IN DOUBTFULNESS GET RID OF IT IMMEDIATELY !

Remember each product in your fall arrest system will have specific inspection criteria and required inspection dates.  For example full body harnesses have tags like these pictured at:  

 

http://www.osha-safety-regulations.com/fall-protection/fall-arrest-systems-must-be-inspected-regularly

 

Each tag gives operating instructions for right on fit, safe fall clearance distances and an inspection grid, that has the  serial publication number of equipment .  These tags are also clearly marked DO NOT REMOVE TAG.  You must    inspect your harness and lanyard before each use; it takes all of three minutes.  A competent person must inspect your harness and lanyard every six months and mark or poke your grid on the tag.  Don’t forget to mark your initial date of service you put it into use.    This is very important if you purchased fall protection equipment and it sat on the shelf in your warehouse for 18 months.  We always mark our harnesses with DOS (date of service):  and the date, so there is no question when these components went into service.

 

It clearly states in the ANSI A10.32-2004 service life of fall protection equipment manufactured of synthetic fiber shall be five years unless differently specified by manufacturer. (from date of first use DOS ) and Semi-annual product inspection is required .  Who’s responsible for inspection and proper use ?  It’s the company or employers responsibility.  Take over a smart policy; train your employees , inspect your equipment, review job site hazards and have a fall protection plan.   Safety Training Works, Inc. can help you .

 

Call Valerie – (425)531-2246 cell telephone our office  (503)356-0403 ext 210.    

Originally posted 2010-08-23 16:24:14. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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