What counts as fall protection equipment?
Fall protection equipment includes all components of a fall arrest, work positioning or rescue system. The most important ones with their European standards:
| Full body harness | EN 361 |
|---|---|
| Work positioning belt / sit harness | EN 358 / EN 813 |
| Lanyard | EN 354 |
| Energy absorber | EN 355 |
| Guided type fall arrester | EN 353-2 |
| Retractable fall arrester | EN 360 |
| Connectors (karabiners) | EN 362 |
| Anchor devices | EN 795 |
| Descenders | EN 341 / EN 12841 |
| Low stretch kernmantle ropes | EN 1891 |
| Helmets | EN 397 / EN 12492 |
The standard is marked on the product and stated in the instructions for use. In the APPEC manufacturer database, the standards are stored with each model.
Check before every use
Before every use, the user checks their equipment as described in the instructions for use. Manufacturers typically list points such as the legibility of the marking, the condition of webbing, stitching and ropes, and the function of buckles and metal parts. Exactly what to check is always stated in the instructions of the specific product.
Periodic inspection by a competent person
In addition, every item is thoroughly inspected at regular intervals. The standard EN 365 requires the manufacturer to provide instructions for this. An interval of no more than twelve months is usual, shorter with intensive use or in harsh environments. Many manufacturers offer training for inspectors and provide inspection sheets.
After a fall
Items that have arrested a fall or whose condition is doubtful are withdrawn from use immediately. Whether they may be used again is decided by a competent person according to the manufacturer's instructions. In APPEC you set such an article to “in repair” or “discarded” with a negative inspection.
How long does fall protection equipment last?
The maximum service life is specified by the manufacturer – for textile products such as harnesses and ropes often up to ten years from manufacture, for metal parts sometimes unlimited if in perfect condition. The actual service life can be much shorter due to use, UV light, chemicals or heat. APPEC flags articles nearing the end of their service life in good time as “upcoming” or “too old”.
What goes into the inspection report?
For each item the following are usually recorded: manufacturer, model and serial number, date of manufacture and purchase, date of first use, date and result of the inspection per inspection point, comments, name and signature of the inspector and the next inspection. APPEC fills in the article data automatically, and the inspection questions come from the manufacturer.
