New Guidance on Inspecting Fall-arrest Equipment

The HSE has published a new guidance leaflet on using fall arrest equipment when working at height. "Inspecting Fall-arrest Equipment Made from Webbing and Rope" advises employers on effective inspection regimes for fall-arrest equipment - such as energy-absorbing lanyards - including the frequency and type of inspections to be done, and the types of defect and damage to look out for.

The guidance is based on research that investigated the causes and effects of degradation of man-made textiles used in lanyards. The research was carried out after two fatalities; one at Edenderry power station in Ireland in December 1999, resulting from the failure of an energy-absorbing lanyard; and another during work on an overhead tower in Flixton, Greater Manchester, caused by the failure of a work positioning belt in January 2000.

Martin Holden, a principal specialist Inspector with HSE's Technology Unit, said: "The research shows the vital importance of pre-use checks and regular documented inspections of fall arrest equipment. A one millimeter deep cut in the edge of a webbing lanyard can result in between five and 39 per cent loss of strength. Ingress of dirt and ultra violet light can also cause damage to the webbing fibres, resulting in a similar loss of strength."

"Lanyards are widely used in many industrial sectors and employers should have effective inspection regimes in place to detect damage and defects early. If they don't they can expect enforcement action by HSE Inspectors. The guidance recommends pre-use checks, and detailed inspections at least every six months, or if used frequently or in arduous environments, every three months. Workers should check their lanyards regularly before use and know what to look for, but if in doubt they should contact the manufacturer/supplier. Lanyards should be treated with care, not dragged on the ground or allowed to get dirty and must never be wrapped around sharp or angled surfaces."

Falls from height continue to be the most common kind of accident associated with fatal injuries to workers, (in 2000/1 approximately 25 per cent of accidents in the construction industry involved falls from height).

Copies can be obtained free of charge by telephoning HSE books on 01787 881165.

Legislation

The requirement to have formal procedures in place to inspect lanyards comes from Regulation 7 of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPE) which state:

(1) Every employer shall ensure that any personal protective equipment provided to his employees is maintained (including replaced or cleaned as appropriate) in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.

(2) Every self-employed person shall ensure that any personal protective equipment provided to him is maintained (including replaced or cleaned as appropriate) in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.

Regulation 11 of PPE states: "Every employee who has been provided with personal protective equipment shall forthwith report to his employer any loss of or obvious defect in that personal protective equipment."
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