How often should fall protection equipment be inspected?

Fall protection equipment should be inspected regularly. Here's a breakdown of the inspection requirements:

• Before Each Use: Personal fall arrest systems must be inspected prior to each use for mildew, wear, damage, and other deterioration 2, 9, 14. Defective components must be removed from service if their strength or function may be adversely affected [1].
• Regular Inspections: Personal fall arrest systems must be regularly inspected 1, 3.
• Competent Person Inspections: A competent person should inspect fall-protection system components before initial use and periodically as recommended by the manufacturer, installer, or an engineer [2].

Any system or component subjected to impact loading must be immediately removed from service and not used again until a competent person inspects it and determines that it's undamaged and safe to use 4, 9, 14.

It is also important to ensure that equipment used as part of a fall protection system is kept free from substances and conditions that could contribute to its deterioration [3].