We recently wrote about fall protection inspections and why you need to ensure your equipment is in good working order and remains compliant.
This prompted some questions from readers. These included how often they should have their fall protection systems tested by a competent person. Many thought it was annually and hadn’t realised that some inspection requirements were more frequent.
The aim of this overview is to help you understand how often your fall protection or prevention systems must be inspected and certified.
Why you need to have your fall protection systems inspected
As a building owner, employer, or facilities manager, you have a legal duty to make sure that all equipment that protects people at height is tested and inspected by a competent person. This is someone with the right knowledge, skills and experience to assess the condition of the equipment as well as to identify any defects or issues that could compromise safety. They also need the authority to withdraw equipment from use or destroy it if it doesn’t comply.
Competent fall protection inspections will help you to ensure that people are using equipment that’s fit for purpose. It can also help prevent serious injuries and fatalities, as well as legal and financial repercussions for you and your company.
Horizontal safety line inspections
Horizontal lifeline systems tend to consist of a cable attached to two or more anchor points, harness, lanyard and traveller. If the system is deployed or any one of these components is damaged or removed, it will not be able to protect as it’s designed for. As a result, cable-based fall protection systems must be inspected at least every 12 months by a competent person.
Examples of what an inspection includes:
- Visual inspection of the entire system, including anchor points, support structures, shock absorbers and cable.
- Checks for wear and tear signs such as frayed lines or corroded anchor points.
- Pull testing of swage terminations and structural fixings to ensure the system can still support the required loads.
- Re-tensioning the cable if needed.
- Checking the personal protective equipment (PPE) is compatible with the system.
- Confirming the system is being used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and relevant safety regulations.
Relevant regulations include:
- Work at Height Regulations 2005
- BS 7883:2019
- EN 795
Eyebolts and Abseil post inspections
Single fixed anchorage points such as eyebolts and abseil posts are used for safe access to the exterior of a building. This could be for window cleaning, general inspection, or rope access and façade maintenance. Eyebolts used for fall restraint and fall arrest when working at height must be tested at least every 12 months. For abseil posts, the frequency increases to every 6 months.
Examples of what inspections include:
- Review of the System Technical File (where applicable/available).
- Visual inspection of the eyebolt/abseil post and its fixings to ensure they’re in good condition and free from any signs of damage, corrosion or wear.
- Confirmation that the structure where the eyebolt/abseil post is installed is sufficiently load bearing and free from damage or cracks.
- Load testing to ensure the soundness of the fixing.
Relevant regulations include:
- BS 7883:2019
- BS EN 795:2012
- LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)
Mobile man anchor inspections
Although mobile anchors tend to be for occasional, short-term protection, they need to be included in your fall protection inspection regime. Deadweight anchors such as these must be certified at least every 12 months.
Examples of what’s included in an inspection:
- Checks for any missing, torn or worn rubber on the underside of the weights
- Looking for loose or missing fittings and fixtures
- Checks for signs of general corrosion, cracks on the system or pulling on the shock absorber.
Relevant regulations include:
- BS 7883:2019
Freestanding guardrail inspections
Although collective measures such as rooftop railings don’t have any moving components, they still need to be inspected at least every 12 months.
Examples of what inspections include:
- Review of the System Technical File (where applicable/available).
- Inspecting the permanently installed freestanding guardrail system as outlined by the manufacturer.
- Verifying the original wind design with a wind speed calculation.
- A full inspection report.
Relevant regulations:
- BS 13700:2021
- Work at Height Regulations
What other checks and inspections are needed?
In this fall protection inspection overview, we’ve covered recertification requirements by a competent third party in line with relevant legislation. But you also have a duty to ensure regular checks and inspections are carried out.
You should inspect critical safety equipment, such as fall protection systems, before each use.
These pre-use checks should include a visual inspection for any signs of damage, corrosion, or general wear and tear.
More detailed and interim inspections must then be carried out at suitable intervals, and a record kept of the findings. The frequency of these depends on the type of equipment, how often it’s used and environmental conditions.
Inspection and certification mean protection and compliance
Falls from height are one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries and fatalities. Because of this, it’s vital that your fall protection equipment is safe to use and compliant.
And that means ensuring it’s inspected regularly by a competent third-party company.
