You probably already know this, but there’s nothing more important for your health and safety when working at height than utilising the right height safety equipment.
As an experienced professional, no doubt you’re already equipped with best-in-class personal protective equipment (PPE) such as harnesses, helmets and lanyards, and specialist height safety equipment such as fall arrest blocks and anchor test kits.
If you’re just starting out, no problem, here’s where to find some.
But here’s the question. When was the last time you took a really good look at your equipment to check it’s still fit for purpose?
The importance of equipment inspections
When workers or the public’s wellbeing is at stake, quality PPE and height safety equipment makes all the difference. So, it’s important to make sure you have quality supplies. But if they haven’t been well looked after, accidents can still happen.
That’s why the Personal Protection Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 requires employers to maintain fall arrest equipment to ensure its safe to use, and replace equipment that is deemed not fit for purpose.
Furthermore, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 requires equipment which is exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous situations to be inspected at suitable intervals.
Are you inspecting your equipment regularly enough?
Visual inspections
Firstly, it’s good practice for all PPE and height safety equipment that you conduct visual inspections before each use. That harness you purchased two years ago may’ve been the pick of the bunch at the time, but is it still in good shape now?
Check before you put it on again.
Re-certifications
Further to that, the BS EN 3655: 2004 Personal protective equipment against falls from height standard instructs users of fall arrest equipment to re-certify equipment on a 12-monthly inspection. Some textile webbing products may need to be certified every 6-months at least, or even every 3-months if being used in arduous conditions.
It’s crucial to mention here that this re-certification processes must always be undertaken by a qualified professional (competent person) and should include:
- A description of the product
- The frequency and type of inspection
- Who is authorised to conduct the inspection
- The actions that should be taken if the test fails
- The means of recording inspections
- The training of users
- The means of monitoring to verify the inspections
We’ve got you covered
Are you looking for qualified professionals to undertake your inspections and re-certifications? If so, Leach’s can help.
We offer a reliable inspection, servicing, and re-certification service for all your height safety equipment needs, including harnesses, lanyards and fall arrest blocks. We’re here to help you ensure your equipment is kept in full working order so you and your team can continue safely working at height.
We can also arrange to collect and deliver your height safety equipment back to you, fully re-certified!
Sound good? For more information about our inspection, servicing and re-calibration service, click the link. Alternatively, call our sales team on +44 (0)1432 346890 or email sales@leachs.com.
