FREQUENCY:
- Before each use visually inspect.
- The lanyard and harness must be inspected by a competent person other than the user at least annually. Record the results of each inspection in the inspection log of the user manual.
LANYARD INSPECTION STEPS:
Step 1. Inspect the lanyard hardware (snap hooks, adjusters, thimbles, spreader bar, etc.). These items must not be damaged, broken, distorted, or have any sharp edges, burrs, cracks, worn parts, or corrosion. Ensure the connecting hooks work properly. The hook gates must move freely and lock upon closing. Ensure the adjusters, if present, work properly.
Step 2. Inspect the lanyard per the following as applicable:
WEBBING AND STITCHING:
Inspect the webbing. The material must be free of frayed, cut, or broken fibers. Check for tears, abrasions, mold, burns, or discoloration. Inspect the stitching. Check for pulled or cut stitches. The webbing must be free of knots, excessive soiling, heavy paint buildup, and rust staining. Check for chemical or heat damage, indicated by brown, discolored, or brittle areas. Check for ultraviolet damage, indicated by discoloration and the presence of splinters or slivers on the webbing surface. All of these above factors are known to reduce the webbing strength. Damaged or questionable webbing should be replaced.
SYNTHETIC ROPE: Inspect the rope for concentrated wear. The material must be free of frayed or broken strands, cuts, abrasions, burns, and discoloration. The rope must be free of knots, excessive soiling, heavy paint buildup, and rust staining. Rope splices must be tight, with five (5) full tucks, and the thimbles must be held by the splice. Check for chemical or heat damage indicated by brown, discolored, or brittle areas. Check for ultraviolet damage, indicated by discoloration and the presence of splinters and slivers on the rope surface. All of the above factors are known to reduce the rope strength. Damaged or questionable ropes should be replaced.
Step 3. Inspect the labels. All labels must be present and fully legible. If inspection reveals a defective condition, remove the unit from service immediately and destroy or contact a factory authorized service center for repair.
HARNESS INSPECTION STEPS:
Step 1. Inspect harness hardware (buckles, D-rings, back pad, loop keepers); these items must not be damaged, broken, distorted, and must be free of sharp edges, burrs, cracks, worn parts, or corrosion. PVC coated hardware must be free of cuts, rips, tears, holes, etc. in the coating to ensure non-conductivity. Ensure buckles work smoothly. If present, inspect the quick connect buckles by ensuring that the release tabs work freely and that a click is heard when the buckle engages. Inspect parachute buckle spring.
Step 2. Inspect webbing; material must be free of frayed, cut, or broken fibers. Check for tears, abrasions, mold, burns, or discoloration. Inspect stitching; Check for pulled or cut stitches. Broken stitches may be an indication that the harness has been impact loaded and must be removed from service.
Step 3. Inspect labels; all labels should be present and fully legible.
IMPORTANT:
If this equipment has been subjected to forces resulting from the arrest of a fall it must be immediately removed from service and destroyed or returned to the manufacturer for possible repair.
IMPORTANT: Extreme working conditions (harsh environment, prolonged use, etc.) may require increasing the frequency of inspections.