A customer recently asked us a question we hear all too often. “Why do I need my lifeline system inspected every year when we hardly ever use it?”
The answer is simple. A fall protection system is only safe on the day it has been properly inspected, tested and certified by a competent person. How often you use it does not change the legal requirements or the risks involved. In fact, systems that sit untouched for long periods can be more vulnerable to hidden defects than those used regularly.
So why are annual inspections necessary? What can go wrong, and what are your legal responsibilities as a building or company owner, FM, or site manager?
Legal requirements for annual inspection
The Work at Height Regulations require employers, building owners or anyone responsible for a facility to ensure any equipment used for work at height is maintained and in a safe condition. Section 5 of the regulations sets out clear requirements for fall protection systems, including the need for inspection by a competent person at suitable intervals.
In most cases, this means every 12 months, but some manufacturers specify shorter intervals. And, if the system is used regularly or exposed to harsh environments, more frequent inspections will be needed.
Why your lifeline system needs to be inspected regularly
Lifelines systems are the last line of defence. They protect individuals working at height by either preventing them from reaching a fall risk (fall restraint) or arresting a fall should one occur (fall arrest).
These systems usually include anchorage points, cable, intermediate brackets, shock absorbers, and, of course, the PPE used with the system.
Even when not in use, a system can deteriorate over time due to various reasons.
- Environmental exposure: Weather, UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and moisture can damage components, particularly galvanised parts or cables, which are susceptible to corrosion.
- Unauthorised alterations: Systems can be tampered with or adapted during other work, often without the building owner or FM being aware.
- Damage from other trades: Rooftops are busy places, and systems can be damaged by maintenance teams, plant installers or contractors working nearby.
- Wear and tear: Even static components degrade over time. Rubber pads on portable anchor points can perish. Fixings can loosen. Shock absorbers can reach the end of their service life.
- Deployment: If a system has arrested a fall, it must be taken out of service immediately. We often find active systems being used with deployed shock absorbers because the users didn’t realise the implications.
The only way to identify these issues is through a thorough inspection.
What a competent inspection involves
Professional recertification involves far more than a glance.. Annual lifeline inspections should include:
- Examination of posts, end anchors and structural connections.
- Pull testing of swage terminations and fixings as specified by the manufacturer.
- Full inspection of shock absorbers
- Detailed assessment of the cable’s condition, including wear, kinks, corrosion and deformation
- Checking that the system runs smoothly across all intermediate brackets
- Tension checks and adjustments
- Tightening of accessible fixings and identification of corrosion.
You must also have the PPE you used with the system inspected. As well as the standard pre-use checks, harnesses and lanyards require a detailed inspection every six months. Or more frequently if the system is used regularly. Damaged stitching, frayed webbing, compromised connectors or worn kernmantle ropes can all pose a serious risk to the user.
Your responsibility as a duty holder
The law is clear. You have a duty to ensure that the fall protection systems on your roof are safe. It’s not enough to install a system and leave it. If you don’t carry out annual tests and inspections, you can’t show compliance, and, more importantly, you cannot guarantee workers’ safety.
A simple yearly inspection regime gives you:
- Peace of mind that the system will perform if needed
- Compliance with regulations and manufacturers’ requirements
- Clear documentation for audits, insurers and risk assessments
- Confidence for everyone who sets foot on your roof
Start the year safely
It doesn’t matter if your system is used every week or once a year; you must never assume it’s ready and safe to use when needed. Annual inspection is not an optional extra. It’s a fundamental part of responsible site management.
Please do get in touch if you’d like to book a lifeline inspection or talk to us about your fall protection requirements.
