CONSTRUCTION SAFETY MAGAZINE Summer 200518

Inspecting fall-arrest equipment

LockingSnapHooks

RopeGrab

To adequateanchor point

WebLanyard

Lifeline

FullBody

Harness

ShockAbsorber

INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Component What to check for

Full-body harnessWebbing frayed, cut, burnedStitching loose, rippedMetal buckle bent, cracked

Grommets damaged, missingStrap keepers broken, missingD-ring worn, bent, cracked

Locking snaphooks

Hook bent, cracked, twistedLock not working properly

Springs weak, broken, missing

Lanyard withshock absorber

Webbing frayed, cut, burned, damaged by chemicalsStitching loose or rippedJacket cut, torn, burned; signs of shock loading

End loops cut, torn, burned, or stretchedStretching from shock loadingConnection to snap hookKnots in rope lanyard

Rope grabFails hand testNot used with appropriate diameter and type of ropeSprings broken, missing

Gate can’t close fullyLocking pin not workingSafety latch brokenTeeth on cams worn

Lifeline

Diameter must match that of rope grabPolypropylene or equivalentLength reaches the groundRope frayed, rotted, cut, weakened by knots

Discoloration from sun, chemicalsAttachment to anchor secureStretching from shock loadProtection where lifeline runs over roof edge

Anchor Capacity 16 kilonewtons (3,600 pounds) or more

One anchor per lifelineSigns of deformation

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InspectingFall-arrest equipment

Effective accident preventiondepends on inspection. This isespecially true with a fall-arrestsystem. The system should beinspected before each use.

A fall-arrest system

must consist of components meeting Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirements

must include a full bodyharness

must include a lanyardequipped with a shock absorber unless the shock

absorber could cause a falling worker to hit the ground or an object or level below the work

must be attached to a lifeline or by the lanyard to an adequate fixed support

must prevent a falling worker from hitting the ground or any object or level below the work

must not subject a falling worker to a peak fall-arrest loadgreater than 8 kilonewtons bykeeping free-fall to a minimum (generally less than 5 feet).

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