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Inspecting Fall Protection Equipment

Slips Trips Falls | OSHA Fatal Four

The Problem

Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in construction and other industries. One of the primary reasons for fall-related injuries is the failure to properly inspect fall protection equipment. Faulty harnesses, lanyards, or connectors can fail when needed most, leading to serious injuries or death. Today, we’ll discuss how to inspect your fall protection equipment to ensure it’s safe and compliant with OSHA standards.

Identify the Hazards

  • Damaged Harnesses:
    Cuts, frays, or tears in webbing compromise the integrity of the harness.
  • Faulty Hardware:
    Rust, cracks, or deformation in D-rings, buckles, or snap hooks can lead to equipment failure.
  • Improperly Stored Equipment:
    Exposure to chemicals, moisture, or UV rays can weaken materials over time.‍
  • Lack of Inspection: Using equipment without checking its condition increases the risk of failure during a fall.

Safety Practices and Preventative Measures

To mitigate these hazards, follow these steps to inspect and maintain your fall protection equipment:

  1. Inspect the Harness:

    • Check the webbing for cuts, frays, abrasions, burns, or other damage.
    • Stretch the webbing to reveal hidden flaws.
    • Inspect stitching for loose, torn, or broken threads.
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  2. Inspect Hardware:

    • Look for cracks, rust, or deformation in D-rings, buckles, and adjusters.
    • Ensure snap hooks and carabiners are functioning correctly with no bent or missing components.
    • Test locking mechanisms to ensure they engage and release properly.
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  3. Inspect Lanyards and Connectors:

    • Examine shock absorbers for signs of deployment or damage.
    • Check for wear, fraying, or exposed core fibers in lanyards.
    • Verify that connectors are secure, undamaged, and free of corrosion.
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  4. Proper Storage:

    • Store equipment in a clean, dry place away from chemicals, sunlight, and extreme temperatures.
    • Hang harnesses and lanyards to prevent tangling or crushing.
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  5. Tag and Remove Defective Equipment:

    • Immediately tag damaged or defective equipment as “DO NOT USE.”
    • Report defective equipment to your supervisor for replacement or repair by a qualified professional.

Real-Life Case or Scenario

Where possible, use an actual incident that you have experienced or been involved in.

E.g. Recently, a worker fell while using a safety harness that hadn’t been inspected. The lanyard had hidden damage that failed during the fall, resulting in serious injuries. This incident could have been prevented if the equipment had been inspected and replaced beforehand.

Employee Responsibilities

  • Inspect all fall protection equipment before every use.
  • Follow proper storage practices to maintain equipment integrity.
  • Report damaged or defective equipment immediately.
  • Refuse to use equipment that hasn’t been inspected or is in questionable condition.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Provide employees with high-quality, compliant fall protection equipment.
  • Train workers on how to inspect and use fall protection systems correctly.
  • Replace damaged or defective equipment promptly.
  • Establish and enforce a regular inspection routine.

Discussion & Questions

  • "What specific issues have you encountered when inspecting fall protection equipment?"
  • "Does anyone have questions about how to properly inspect a harness, lanyard, or connectors?"
  • Encourage employees to share their inspection routines or any challenges they face.

Commitment/Action Plan

Let’s commit to inspecting all fall protection equipment before every use. Starting today, make it a habit to carefully examine your harness, lanyards, and connectors to ensure they’re in top condition.

Wrap-Up

Falls are preventable when we use the right equipment and inspect it regularly. Thank you for your commitment to safety and for taking the time to ensure your fall protection systems are always in top shape.

Standards Overview

  • OSHA Standard 1926.502 requires that personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) be inspected before each use.
  • Employers must ensure that fall protection equipment is maintained in good condition and removed from service if defective.
  • OSHA emphasizes the need for regular inspections to prevent equipment failures that could result in injuries or fatalities.
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Legal Disclaimer

This toolbox talk is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The information presented is based on best practices and general industry standards but may not apply to all workplace situations.
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It is the responsibility of the employer, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards. The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
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Participants are encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals to address specific concerns or questions. Always follow your organization's policies and procedures for workplace safety and hazard mitigation.

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