Fall Protection Equipment Inspection Checklist:

Fall Protection Equipment Daily Pre-Use Inspection Checklist

Purpose: Your fall protection equipment is your lifeline. Before each use, a thorough visual and tactile inspection is mandatory to ensure all components are in safe, working condition. If you find any damage, defects, or suspect an item has been involved in a fall, immediately remove it from service, tag it "UNUSABLE," and report it to your supervisor or competent person.

General Information (Optional - can be filled out during inspection):

  • Date of Check: ___________________

  • Inspected By: ____________________

  • Equipment ID/Serial # (if applicable): ____________________

  • Location/Job: ____________________

Checklist Items (Visual & Tactile Inspection):

1. Full Body Harness: * [ ] Webbing: Inspect all webbing (shoulders, chest, legs, back) for: * Cuts, nicks, frays, pulled threads, or broken fibers. * Excessive wear, abrasions, or unusual thinning. * Burn marks (from heat, sparks, or chemicals). * Discoloration, stiffness, or signs of chemical damage (acid/alkali stains). * Fraying or damage at buckle points or D-ring connections. * [ ] Stitching: Examine all stitching for: * Loose, broken, or pulled stitches. * Burn marks or discoloration. * Integrity of load-bearing stitches. * [ ] Buckles & Adjusters: * Check for deformation, cracks, bends, or sharp edges. * Ensure they operate smoothly and engage securely. * Verify there are no missing or bent parts. * [ ] D-Rings: * Inspect for deformation, cracks, pitting, or rust. * Ensure they pivot freely (if designed to) and are not bent or broken. * [ ] Labels & Markings: * Are all labels (manufacturer, model, size, warnings, inspection date) present and legible?

2. Lanyards (Energy Absorbing, Rebar, Positioning, etc.): * [ ] Webbing/Rope/Cable: (Apply same inspection criteria as harness webbing/stitching): * Cuts, frays, tears, burns, broken fibers. * Excessive wear or abrasions. * Discoloration, stiffness, chemical damage. * [ ] Stitching: Inspect all load-bearing stitching for integrity. * [ ] Connectors (Snap Hooks, Carabiners): * Ensure gates operate smoothly and close completely. * Verify self-locking/self-closing mechanisms function properly. * Check for distortion, cracks, sharp edges, excessive wear, or corrosion. * Ensure rivets are secure and not loose. * [ ] Energy Absorber (if applicable): * Inspect the protective cover for tears or damage. * Check for any signs of activation/deployment (e.g., elongated stitching, stretched material). If deployed, it must be removed from service.

3. Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs): * [ ] Casing: Inspect for cracks, dents, deformation, or damage. * [ ] Lifeline (Webbing/Cable): * Pull out entire length and inspect for cuts, frays, kinks, birdcaging, corrosion (cable), or chemical damage. * Ensure the lifeline is clean. * [ ] Retraction Mechanism: * Check that the lifeline extends and retracts smoothly. * Verify the locking mechanism engages quickly and reliably with a sharp tug. * [ ] Connectors: (Apply same inspection criteria as lanyard connectors). * [ ] Swivels (if present): Ensure they operate freely. * [ ] Labels: Legible and present.

4. Anchor Points & Connectors (that you are responsible for checking daily): * [ ] Fixed Anchors: (e.g., eye bolts, beams clamps): * Visually inspect for deformation, cracks, excessive corrosion, or signs of weakening. * Ensure they are securely installed and not loose. * Verify they are clear of sharp edges that could damage lanyards. * [ ] Temporary Anchors: (e.g., tie-off straps, roof anchors): * Inspect for cuts, frays, tears, burns, or chemical damage. * Ensure they are correctly rated for fall arrest and properly installed according to manufacturer's instructions. * Check for any signs of wear or degradation.

Action Required:

  • [ ] IMMEDIATELY Remove from Service: Any equipment failing any of the above checks.

  • [ ] Tag Damaged Equipment: Mark clearly as "DO NOT USE" or "DAMAGED."

  • [ ] Report to Supervisor/Competent Person: Provide details of findings.

[ ] Confirmed All Fall Protection Equipment Inspected and Safe for Use: (Sign and Date) _________________________________________

Important Notes:

  • This checklist is for daily user pre-use inspection only.

  • Regular, more comprehensive inspections by a designated Competent Person or Qualified Person (as defined by OSHA/ANSI) are also required at least annually, and often more frequently.

  • Always follow your company's specific fall protection program, manufacturer's instructions, and all applicable OSHA and ANSI standards (e.g., OSHA 1926 Subpart M, ANSI/ASSP Z359 series).

  • Never use fall protection equipment that has been involved in a fall event, even if it appears undamaged. It must be immediately removed from service.