MODULE 8: INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Caring for equipment

When you use ladders, scaffolds, aerial lifts, and fall-protection systems you expect to get your job done safely. But do you pay attention to the condition of the equipment? Inspect the equipment frequently, keep it clean, store it properly, and it won't let you down.

Inspecting fall-arrest, fall-restraint, and positioning-device systems

It is very important that you inspect the components of personal fall-arrest, restraint, or positioning-device systems for damage or excessive wear before and after each use. Replace any component that looks damaged. Don't use a personal fall-arrest system that has arrested a fall unless a competent person has determined that the system is safe to use.

Harness, lifeline, and anchorage

Inspect these components regularly. Review the table below that highlights what to look for.

Component	What to look for
Harness webbing	Frayed edges, broken fibers, pulled stitches, cuts, burns and chemical damage.
Harness D-rings	Cracks, breaks, and rough or sharp edges; the D-ring should pivot easily.
Harness buckles	Excessive wear, frayed or cut fibers, broken stitching.
Harness grommets	Loose, bent, or broken grommets, and punched holes not made by the manufacturer.
Lifelines	Wear or deterioration.
Anchorages and anchorage connectors	Look for abrasion and damaged threads or swages. Inspect stitching and loops on synthetic slings for cuts, cracks, or frayed and broken stitching. Look for excessive kinks or damaged steel fibers.

Watch this video on inspecting your fall protection equipment courtesy of Capital Safety.

Snaphooks

Look for cracks, excessive wear, and corrosion. The snaphooks should open easily and close firmly. Keeper locks must prevent the keeper from opening when it's closed.

Lanyards

Type of lanyard	What to look for
Wire rope lanyard	Cuts, frayed strands, or excessive wear.
Web lanyard	Cuts, discoloration, cracks, frayed or broken stitching.
Rope lanyard	Frayed or cut fibers. The entire length of the rope should have the same diameter.
Shock-absorbing lanyard	Cuts, discoloration, cracks, frayed or broken stitching. Remove a lanyard from service if any part of the warning label is exposed.

Self-retracting lifelines

Look for cuts, frayed strands, or excessive wear in the line and damage to the housing. If the unit needs service, check the manufacturer's recommendations. Don't try to repair it yourself.

See more information about PFAS inspection and maintenance from Miller Fall Protection.

Guardrail systems

Frequently inspect manila, plastic, or synthetic rope used for top rails or midrails to ensure that the rope meets the minimum strength and rail height requirements. [See 1926.502(b)]

Safety-net systems

Inspect safety nets for damage or deterioration weekly and after any event that could damage them. Remove defective components from service.

Ladders

Remember, not just anyone can or should inspect ladders or fall protection equipment. A competent person must inspect ladders periodically. He or she must also inspect them immediately after any event that could damage them.

General. When inspecting ladders, generally look for loose steps or rungs (considered loose if they can be moved at all with the hand), loose nails, screws, bolts, or other metal parts. Look for cracked, spilt, or broken uprights, braces, or rungs, slivers on uprights, rungs, or steps. Also look for damaged or worn non-slip bases.

Step Ladders. On step ladders, make sure they are not wobbly (from side strain), have loose, bent or broken hinge spreaders, or loose hinges. Make sure the stop on hinge spreaders are not broken. Finally make sure the steps are not broken, split or worn.

Extension Ladders. On extension ladders, make sure the extension locks are not loose, broken, or missing. Make sure locks seat properly while extended, and make sure the rope is not worn, rotted, cut, or defective in any way.

Scaffolds

A competent person must inspect a scaffold and its components after it has been erected, before each shift, and after any event - including severe weather - that could damage it. The inspection should include the foundation, platform, guardrails, and access areas.

Suspension scaffolds

A competent person must inspect suspension ropes before each shift and after any event that could damage them. Inspect and tighten wire rope clips to the manufacturer's recommendations at the start of each shift. Inspect manila or synthetic rope used for toprails or midrails frequently to ensure that it meets the minimum strength and rail height requirements. [See 1926.502(b)].

Crane- and derrick-suspended personnel platforms

• After the trial lift. Immediately after a trial lift, a competent person must inspect the rigging, personnel platform, and the base that supports the crane or derrick.
• After proof testing. A competent person must inspect the platform and rigging immediately after they have been proof tested.

Summary: inspecting, cleaning, and storing fall-protection equipment

• Always follow manufacturers' instructions and warnings.
• Always inspect equipment before using it. Look for damaged or missing parts. Labels, warnings, and other instructions should be readable.
• If equipment looks like it needs repair, remove it from service and have a competent person examine it.
• Have a competent person inspect equipment regularly.
• Mark equipment with a unique code or item number. Identification numbers make it easier to keep track of the equipment and to document maintenance or repair.
• Wash synthetic rope and body harnesses in soapy water to remove dirt; rinse them with clean water. Air-dry at room temperature. Don't use cleaning solvents; solvents can damage synthetic material.
• Don't lubricate moving parts unless the manufacturer requires it; lubricants attract dirt.
• Don't remove information labels and warnings; make sure they're still legible after cleaning.
• Follow manufacturer's instruction for storing equipment.
• Store equipment in an area that is clean, dry, and moisture-free; avoid excessive heat, light, oil, and corrosive chemicals.

More information on cleaning and inspection of fall protection equipment.

Take the review Quiz Most (but not all) questions on the final exam are derived from module quizzes.