 Inspection of Equipment |
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Equipment Inspection
Proper documentation of origin, use and inspection of equipment is necessary to insure the integrity of rope access systems. The following guidelines shall be followed.
· Designate an equipment manager for the purpose of overseeing the care, storage, documentation, and replacement of equipment.
· Keep all manufacturer’s instructions and lot identification tags.
· Mark equipment so that it can be uniquely identified. A three-digit alpha-numeric system (Example: ACD) will provide over 46 thousand unique combinations.
· Record equipment usage with notes regarding extreme or abnormal conditions of use.
· Immediately remove from service any equipment with signs of deterioration or excessive wear, or if it has exceeded manufacturer’s recommended work life.
· Each operator should visually inspect equipment before and after each use.
· Equipment should be thoroughly inspected and results documented by a competent person periodically (every 90 days is recommended).
Maintenance and Inspection of Software Components
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Product |
Care and Maintenance |
Inspection and Retirement |
Marking |
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All Synthetic Software
including nylon and polyester sewn webbing, harnesses, ropes, lanyards and shock absorbers |
· Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight
· Avoid chemical contaminates especially strong acids and bases
· Protect from sharp and abrasive surfaces
· Wash with mild detergent and warm water
· Hang dry and do not store wet
· Store in cool and dry location out of direct sunlight |
Retire immediately if shock-loaded or signs of wear are noted. Check for:
· Unique identification
· Abrasion, fraying, or tears in fabric or stitching
· Fading, glazing, or unusual stiffness caused by heat, chemical contamination, or prolonged UV exposure |
Use indelible marker on non-load bearing components, tags, or tape |
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Harnesses |
See above. |
In addition to above check for:
· Wear, corrosion, cracks, and deformities of metal components
· Proper function of buckles and connectors (see inspection of connectors) |
Use indelible marker on non-load bearing components (e.g. outside of padded waist belt). |
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Ropes |
In addition to above:
· Avoid stepping on rope - dirt and sand pushed through the sheath can damage the core
· Store only dry ropes coiled or stacked in rope bags
· Use edge protection and anchoring techniques to protect ropes from sharp and abrasive surfaces
· Custom rope washers can be used
· Daisy chain ropes before washing ropes in basin or front loading washing machine |
In addition to above check for:
· Exposed core fibers or substantially worn sheath (50% of sheath fibers cut or abraded)
· Inconsistencies in rope texture or stiffness: Soft spots, bulges, or obvious changes in diameter indicate core damage
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Use indelible marker on electrical tape and cover with heat-shrink tubing. A recommended marking system includes:
· Rope type
· Diameter
· Length
· Unique ID number
· Date in Service
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Lanyards
and
Shock Absorbers |
See above. |
In addition to above check for:
· Signs of dynamic loading
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See above. |
Maintenance and Inspection of Hardware Components
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Product |
Care and Maintenance |
Inspection and Retirement |
Marking |
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All Steel and Alloy Components
Including connectors, descenders and rope grabs |
· Use keeper slings and good technique to avoid dropping while in use
· Clean before inspecting
· Lubricate with silicon or Teflon™-based lubricant as needed after inspection
· Do not store wet
· Store in dry environment |
Retire immediately if shock-loaded, dropped from 10 feet or above onto hard surface or if signs of wear are noted. Check for:
· Unique identification
· Hairline cracks and deep nicks
· Deformation
· Grooving from rope wear
· Corrosion
· Sticky or frozen mechanisms
· Signs of shock-loading |
Light engraving on non-load bearing components |
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Connectors
(carabiners
and
quick-links) |
In addition to above:
· Lubricate carabiner gates and quick-link threads
· Close quick-links before storing to avoid damaging threads |
In addition to above:
· Function of locking mechanisms
· Look closely for cracking around pin and latches |
Engrave lightly individual ID on locking sleeves or create batch identification and inventory system using paint (avoid moving parts) |
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Descenders |
In addition to above:
· Keep side plates of descenders closed when not in use
· Ensure latch is fully closed before loading |
In addition to above check for:
· Wear of cam (the Petzl ID has a wear indicator)
· Integrity of bolts, rivets, springs
· Proper function |
Location of light engraving will vary by type |
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Ascenders
and
Rope Grabs |
In addition to above:
· Keep latches closed while not in use to avoid accidental damage |
In addition to above check for:
· Condition of cam
· Integrity of bolts, rivets, cables, and springs
· Proper function |
Location of light engraving will vary by type |
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Wire Slings |
See above. |
In addition to above check for:
· Broken wires (especially around the swages)
· Cracks and deformities in swages
· Cable ends protrude beyond swage slightly (not more than 1/3 diameter of wire |
Separate ID tag can be fitted. ID # can be engraved lightly onto swage |
Maintenance and Inspection of Other Safety Components
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Product |
Care and Maintenance |
Inspection and Retirement |
Marking |
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Helmets
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· Avoid chemicals, especially strong acids and bases, and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight
· Clean prior to inspection
· Warm water and light detergent can be used
· Store dry and clean away from contaminates and direct sunlight
· Avoid rough handling that can scar or groove shell
· Do not modify or alter shell or suspension in any way
· Headlamps should be mounted only on compatible fixtures or straps
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Retire immediately if helmet sustains an impact or is dropped from 10 feet or more onto hard surface. Check for:
· Unique identification marking
· Conformity to relevant standards (CE or ANSI Z89)
· Cracks, dents or deep nicks in shell
· Deformation of shell
· Integrity of harness strapping system, buckles, and rivets anchoring it to the shell
· Check to make sure suspension points are firmly snapped into place
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Mark helmets with an indelible marker on harness, or on tape inside the helmet. Avoid using marker directly on shell. Especially avoid paint markers | |
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