27
Sep
How frequently should Height Safety Equipment be inspected?
No matter the industry, having the right equipment in place is the first step in minimising the chances of a height related accident. In saying that, having the right equipment is not enough – you need to be sure that your height safety devices can fulfill the job you expect it to do.
There’s no worse time for equipment failure than while working at heights.
Frequent inspection of your gear is essential; after all, in hazardous situations a malfunctioning fall arrest system could fail you right when you need it most.
When should Height Safety Equipment be inspected and serviced?
| ITEM | INSPECTION FREQUENCY | AS/NZS1891.4 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Personal equipment including harnesses, lanyards, connectors, fall-arrest devices including common use devices | BEFORE AND AFTER EACH USE Inspection by a Height Safety Operator and/or Height Safety Equipment Inspector (Note 2) before and after each use. | Clause 9.2 |
| Harnesses, lanyards, associated personnel equipment | 6-MONTHLY INSPECTIONS by a Height Safety Equipment Inspector (Note 3). | Clause 9.3.2 |
| Fall-arrest devices (external inspection only) | 6-MONTHLY INSPECTIONS by a Height Safety Equipment Inspector (Note 3). | Clause 9.3.4(a) |
| Ropes and slings | 6-MONTHLY INSPECTIONS by a Height Safety Equipment Inspector (Note 3). | Clause 9.7 |
| Anchorages—drilled-in type or attached to timber frames | 12-MONTHLY INSPECTIONS by a Height Safety Equipment Inspector (Note 3). | Clause 9.3.3 |
| Anchorages—other types | LOAD TESTED YEARLY for chemically or friction-mounted anchor points. | Clause 9.3.3 |
| Fall-arrest devices—full service | Refer to the manufacturer or manufacturer’s service agent for service requirements. As a guide only: Type 1 – yearly Sealed type 2 and type 3 – 2 yearly Unsealed type 2 and type 3 – yearly. | Clause 9.3.4(b) |
| Horizontal and vertical lifelines: Steel rope or rail (Ladder Safety Systems) | 12-MONTHLY INSPECTIONS by a Height Safety Equipment Inspector (Note 3). 10 Yearly recertification requirement, followed by 5 yearly recertification requirement. | Clause 9.3.5 |
| Horizontal or vertical lifelines: Fibre rope, Webbing | 6 MONTHLY INSPECTIONS by a Height Safety Equipment Inspector (Note 3). | Clauses 9.3.5 & 9.7 |
| All items of personal and common use equipment | ENTRY OR RE-ENTRY Inspection by a Height Safety Equipment Inspector on entry or re-entry into service. | Clause 9.4 |
When should a Safety Harness be inspected and serviced?
By law in Australia, safety harnesses should be routinely inspected and checked by a competent person every 6 months. The results and any repairs should be documented. Click here to read about the required documentation.
If the harness is used in harsh environments including dusty, abrasive, or corrosive work environments it is recommended that the harness be checked every 3 months.
In between your periodic inspections, all of your height safety equipment, should be visually inspected before and after each use. Where possible, the items should be opened and inspected to ensure that the internal components are also in good condition.
Where can I find more information?
Inspection requirements of height safety equipment are set out in Australian Standards AS/NZS1891.4 2009. Essentially this covers the selection, safe use and maintenance of industrial fall arrest systems and devices which include safety harnesses, horizontal lifelines and rails, fall arrest devices and associated lanyards, connectors, anchorages and fittings.
A preview of these standards can be found here.
What could happen if you don’t service Height Safety Equipment ?
If height safety equipment like horizontal lifelines are not serviced regularly and inspected properly, the ramifications can be deadly. Some include serious injury or death, damage to assets and business, increased liability, fines and jail time and insurance battles.
SUMMARY
- Always visually inspect your equipment before every use.
- Ensure your equipment is regularly inspected by a competent person
- Keep the relevant inspection records.
There are different methods of documenting this activity, which is largely down to the company in question. However, in all cases it’s vital that records are comprehensive, up to date, clearly filed and easily accessible by personnel that might need to quickly look into the status of a member of staff or item of equipment. It can be time-consuming but there are systems to help.
We can provide an online data management system to help you in this documentation process.
Book a certified inspection with Ranger Lifting
Our testing and inspection team have a strong industry reputation as professionals who get the job done. But they’re also highly trained, competent technicians who have passed the LEEA Diploma courses and examinations, height safety and installation courses and take part in continuous professional development (CPD) programs.
We understand that the removal of items from site can be frustrating for staff and delay work. Our mobile testing services ensure the majority of your lifting equipment can be tested on-site. Not only does this save time on transportation costs and downtime, it provides reassurance to your team who have peace of mind knowing all their equipment is still on-site.
Book your height safety inspection now or take a look at our inspection services.
CALL RANGER LIFTING ON