Fall Arrest Systems MUST BE Inspected Regularly

FALL PROTECTION and FALL ARREST SYSTEMS

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 accounted for 40 out of 114, or 30% of construction fatalities.  The victims fell from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, unguarded building edges. And through roof, floor openings and skylights.
Did you know on any given day, a visit to any job site in the country 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 stated in WAC 296-24-88050(6), personal fall arrest systems must be regularly inspected.  Any component with any significant defect, such as cuts, tears, abrasions, mold or undue stretching; alterations or additions which might 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of buckles; loose or damaged mountings; nonfunctioning parts; wearing or internal deterioration in the ropes must be withdrawn from service immediately, and should be tagged or marked  as unusable, or destroyed.   WHEN IN DOUBT THROW IT OUT!
Please note each component in your fall arrest system will have specific inspection criteria and required inspection dates.  For example full body harnesses have tags like these pictures:

Full Body Harnesses Instruction Tag Label

Harness Tag Inspection Grid with serial number Picture

Each tag gives instructions for proper fit, safe fall clearance distances and an inspection grid, that has the  serial number of equipment.  These tags are also clearly marked DO NOT REMOVE LABEL. 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 punch 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 5 years unless otherwise specified by manufacturer. (from date of 1st use DOS) and Semi-annual equipment inspection is required.  Who’s responsible for inspection and proper use?  It’s the employers responsibility.  Adopt a smart policy; train your employees, inspect your equipment, review job hazards and have a fall protection plan.   Please click on the following to print out this information: INSPECTION TAGS

If you need more information regarding fall protection or more information concerning Fall Arrest Systems call our Office: (425) 301-2276 (Oregon) or (425) 301-2276 (Washington). We also have open enrollment training in Beaverton, Oregon by calling Safety Training Works, inc. or we can also schedule on site training if that is more convenient for your company and workers.  We service statewide in bot Oregon and Washington. Visit our website at: http://safetytrainingworks.com or our on - line store at: http://safetytrainingworks.biz.