WORKING AT HEIGHT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
FALL PROTECTION INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION: MORE THAN JUST A TICK-BOX EXERCISE The Working at Height Association discusses why inspections can’t be missed.
ANNUAL INSPECTIONS ARE VITALLY important. Not only are they a regulatory obligation but, ultimately, they help save lives. That’s why it pays to partner with professionals with the necessary experience and competency to inspect and certify your fall protection equipment. Can you afford not to? There is a wide spectrum of potential issues that may arise when inspecting fall protection systems and personal protective equipment (PPE), all of which need to be addressed. After all, by its very nature, fall protection
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equipment can be exposed to the harshest conditions. It’s also important to remember that the general state of PPE and systems can often be influenced by the competency of the person that has used the system and how frequently it has been used. APPROACH TO QUALITY INSPECTION Some initial questions to consider when inspecting systems and PPE should include: • Has the system been accurately installed within the manufacturer’s guidelines?
• H as it been configured properly with the right components? • Are calculations that help ensure safe levels of load absorption accurate? If the answer to any of the above questions is “no”, then those working at height could be exposed to an unacceptable level of risk. Some key issues that quality inspection should cover include: • Inspection of all energy absorbers. • Checking the cable for damage/signs of wear and tear.
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