What’s Involved in a Fall Arrest System Inspection?
A Fall Arrest System Inspection consists of a number of tests for hardware, webbing, labelling, and various other components.
A Fall Arrest System Inspection is a mandatory process that ensures your equipment is up-to-standard and safe for use. Only a qualified professional should check your FASs, as even the smallest oversight could have fatal consequences.
In this article, we’ll discuss what’s involved in a Fall Arrest System Inspection, how often one should be performed and the importance of training in maintaining your equipment.
What is Involved in a Fall Arrest System Inspection?
A Fall Arrest System Inspection involves several processes that ensure accurate and complete results.
- What is a Visual Inspection of Fall Arrest Systems?
Visual inspections determine visible indications of deterioration in all the components of your system.
These components include lanyards, harnesses, lifelines, connectors and anchor points. Although the metal and fabric used to manufacture these parts are reinforced, they aren’t entirely invulnerable to damage from long-term use.
Any one component may experience cuts, abrasions, and rusting, which is why it’s essential to have each of them checked regularly. Similarly, the stitching on your harnesses or lanyards may fray, making them unfit for use.
- What is a Hardware Inspection?
A hardware inspection is more than simply looking at the component, it involves using it as an employee would on-site to ensure it works properly. Your Inspector will examine all carabiners, connectors and buckles, as well as test the locking mechanisms.
Hardware may rust, crack, or distort over time, especially if placed outside and exposed to rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. So it’s vital that you employ a highly experienced Inspector to ensure all Fall Arrest System Inspection Requirements are met.
- What’s a Webbing Inspection?
The webbing of your fall arrest equipment can sustain cuts, fraying, or UV damage if used regularly for long periods. Should the webbing deteriorate, catastrophic consequences can occur. Aside from routine inspections, your webbing should be replaced every five years. Although this isn’t necessarily mandated, it’s recommended for safety.
- Why are Label Inspections Important?
The print on labels doesn’t last forever and even though it may not be something you ever think about, labelled information is vital for safety. Labels on your fall arrest equipment detail when it was manufactured and when it was last checked. By letting your labels fade, you run the risk of losing this information and inadvertently using unsafe or expired equipment.
You can fill this information out yourself or ask your inspector to do so to ensure your labels are always correct and your equipment is safety-compliant.
- What’s the Purpose of an Anchor Point Inspection?
An Anchor Point Inspection ensures that all of your anchor points are secure and capable of supporting the load it’s intended for. Your specialist will ensure that the anchor points are at an appropriate height and position and aren’t showing signs of wear and tear.
How can Staff Training Affect a Fall Arrest System Inspection?
If your staff are trained in visual fall arrest system inspection, they’ll identify brewing problems before the expert inspector arrives on-site. This can streamline the inspection process and may alert you to problems that need to be addressed sooner.
Training your staff and ensuring they regularly check for visible signs of wear and tear on all your fall arrest equipment could prevent potentially fatal accidents.
Furthermore, manual inspection completed by your staff may call for an earlier visit from a professional.
How can Streval Help With Fall Arrest System Inspections?
At Streval, we have a team of highly experienced Fall Arrest System Inspectors on hand to visit your site and ensure your components are still safe for use.
If you’d like to learn more about the Fall Arrest Systems Streval offers, contact us now! We’re ready to make your site safer.