Rescue Gear Inspections
Rescue equipment has to remain identifiable, serviceable and suitable for the work it is expected to support. Total Group’s Rescue Gear Inspections review ropes, harnesses, tripods and self-retracting lifelines for visible wear, damage and other issues that may require follow-up before the equipment is used.
What the inspection covers
The review is centred on the equipment identified for your worksite and its intended use. Depending on the equipment and the information available, the inspection may consider webbing and rope condition, stitching, buckles, connectors, attachment points, corrosion, deformation, labels and other signs of damage or deterioration. Self-retracting lifelines also need to be assessed against their product instructions and operating limitations. The equipment’s make, model, identification, service history and any previous fall or loading event are important context for the review.
Inspection findings should lead to a clear equipment decision under the employer’s programme. Items with damage, missing identification, an uncertain history or a fall event should not be returned to service merely because they look acceptable. The employer’s procedure and the manufacturer or other competent authority should determine whether an item is removed from service, repaired, further assessed or released for use.
Planning the inspection
Before arranging an inspection, identify the equipment types and quantities, where the equipment is stored, how it is being used and whether it has been exposed to a fall, chemicals, heat, sharp edges, moisture or other conditions that can affect its serviceability. Gather manufacturer instructions, product labels, previous inspection records and any applicable site or client requirements. This information helps separate a routine condition review from an issue that needs specialist manufacturer input or a different technical assessment.
Inspection is one part of a working fall-protection programme. Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code provides a useful example: where a fall-protection plan is required, it must address procedures for assembling, maintaining, inspecting, using and disassembling the system, and must include rescue procedures where a worker may be suspended after a fall. The Code also includes pre-use inspection in the training content for workers using fall protection. These are binding Alberta requirements; another province, territory, federal undertaking or project may follow a different legal framework. Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 9
Roles and follow-up
The employer remains responsible for selecting equipment that suits the task, controlling defective equipment and ensuring workers understand the applicable inspection and emergency procedures. Supervisors and workers need to know how equipment is identified, stored, checked before use and taken out of service. A client or prime contractor may also require a particular form, register, inspection interval or approval process.
CCOHS recommends pre-use inspection, written inspection records and removal of defective equipment from service. It also advises following the manufacturer’s instructions for use, care, maintenance and inspection, and notes that inspection or re-certification expectations can differ by jurisdiction, manufacturer and applicable standard. CCOHS, Body Belts, Harnesses, and Lanyards
Total Group can discuss the equipment list, site conditions and documentation your team needs reviewed. The inspection does not replace the employer’s fall-protection plan, rescue plan, equipment manufacturer instructions or any required engineering, testing, repair or certification process.
Standards and jurisdiction
CSA Group describes CSA Z259.17:21 as guidance for selecting and implementing active fall-protection equipment and systems. CSA Z259.2.2-17 (R2022) is the current CSA product record identified for self-retracting devices. Whether a standard is legally required depends on the controlling legislation, an incorporated standard, an employer or client programme, and the applicable edition. CSA Group fall-protection standards overview CSA Z259.2.2-17 (R2022), Self-retracting devices
Discuss your requirements with Total Group before the inspection so the review can be matched to the equipment, worksite and governing requirements. Confirm the site jurisdiction, employment jurisdiction, manufacturer instructions, client rules and any required inspection or approval process before equipment is placed into service.
