What is this document?
INDG367 provides guidance on inspecting fall arrest equipment made from webbing or rope. It helps employers establish proper inspection regimes for safety harnesses, energy-absorbing lanyards, and other personal fall protection equipment.
The guide explains what to look for during inspections and how to identify signs of wear, damage, or deterioration that could cause equipment to fail when you need it most.
Who needs to read this?
- Construction managers responsible for workers at height
- Employers who provide fall arrest equipment to their workforce
- Competent persons carrying out equipment inspections
- Rope access technicians and their supervisors
- Health and safety managers overseeing work at height activities
- Workers who use fall arrest equipment and need to carry out pre-use checks
Key points covered
The guide covers essential inspection requirements for fall arrest equipment:
- Pre-use checks that workers should carry out before each use
- Detailed periodic inspections by a competent person
- Signs of damage and wear in webbing, including cuts, abrasion, and UV degradation
- Rope deterioration indicators such as fraying, glazing, and contamination
- Hardware inspection covering buckles, connectors, and D-rings
- Record keeping requirements for inspections
- When to remove equipment from service and how to dispose of it safely
How this applies to you
If you provide fall arrest equipment, you must ensure it is inspected at suitable intervals. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that equipment is inspected by a competent person before first use and periodically thereafter.
Train your workers to carry out basic pre-use checks before every use. They should look for obvious damage, contamination, or wear. Any equipment that fails a pre-use check must be taken out of service immediately.
Arrange for detailed inspections by a competent person at intervals recommended by the manufacturer, typically every 6 to 12 months. Keep records of all inspections and any equipment removed from service.
For broader guidance on managing work at height risks, see our workplace safety topic guide. Understanding the inspection requirements helps you comply with the Work at Height Regulations and protect your workers from falls.