It is necessary to visually inspect personal protective equipment against falls from a height to ensure they are in a proper condition and to functionally check that they are in proper working order before each use. The personal protective equipment against falls from a height must be inspected at least once a year by a competent person. More frequent inspections of the PPE may be necessary. This depends on the use conditions and the operational circumstances. Inspection by the competent person must be carefully documented. Parts and systems of the personal protective equipment against falls from a height which have been used to arrest a fall must be immediately withdrawn from use and handed over to a competent person or an authorised workshop for checking. Damaged components of the personal protective equipment against falls from a height, e.g. lanyards, retractable type fall arrester, webbing or connectors may not be used. Avoid any risk!
The period of use depends on the respective use conditions. Webbing, slings and ropes made from man-made fibres are subject to constant ageing which depends in particular on UV radiation, environmental effects and climatic conditions. It is recommended that, under normal use conditions, harnesses be withdrawn from use after 6 - 8 years and lanyards (webbing, ropes) after 4 - 6 years. The manufacturer's instructions regarding length of use and withdrawal from use must always be noted and followed.
Repair work may only be carried out by the manufacturer or a person authorised by them. Personal protective equipment against falling from a height without CE mark, manufacturer and year of manufacture details are to be withdrawn from use.
Textile personal protective equipment items must be stored in dry, clean rooms protected from light where they are to be hung up.