512 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 16-22

Sections

21-5. Inspection Requirements.

Fall Protection Equipment

The Authorized Person and Authorized Rescuer must inspect personal fall protection and rescue equipment before each use, ensuring it is in safe working condition.
Equipment damaged, malfunctioning, or used during a fall must be removed from service immediately.
The Competent Person (CP) is responsible for semi-annual inspections and documentation of fall protection and rescue systems and equipment. These inspections should cover harnesses, lanyards, straps, ropes, and hardware for any signs of damage or wear.

Safety Nets

CPs must inspect safety nets according to the manufacturer's instructions, ANSI/ASSP A10.11, and 29 CFR 1926.502.
Remove from service and replace any safety nets that are damaged or defective.
CPs must document each inspection of safety nets.

21-6. Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) Requirements.

Scaffold Erection and Dismantling

The Competent Person (CP) must evaluate the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection before scaffold work begins.
If fall protection isn't feasible, the CP must document the reasons and detail alternative fall hazard controls in the Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA).

Establishing Anchorages

The CP must decide and document in the AHA whether fall protection is required for the first person establishing anchorages.
Once anchorages are in place, fall protection must be used by all individuals involved in the task.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

21-4. Who is responsible for semi-annual inspections and documentation of fall protection and rescue systems and equipment?

An Authorized Person

The KO or COR

A QP trainer

The Competent Person (CP)

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 21-5.

21-5. Inspection Requirements.

a.  Fall Protection Equipment.  Inspect fall protection and rescue systems and equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions and any other applicable requirements, or as prescribed by the CP, to include the following:  (21-5.a)

(1)  Remove from service any equipment that is damaged, malfunctioning, or was subjected to a fall.

(2)  Before Use. The Authorized Person and Authorized Rescuer must inspect personal fall protection and rescue equipment prior to each use to determine that it is in a safe working condition.

(3)  Semi-Annual.  A CP must inspect fall protection and rescue systems and equipment at least semi-annually and whenever equipment is subjected to a fall.  Such inspections must be documented by the CP.

(4)  Inspect, at minimum, the following:

(a)  Harnesses, Lanyards, Straps, and Ropes.  Check all components for cuts, wear, tears, damaged threads, broken fibers, undo stretching, pulled or torn stitches, frayed edges, mold, alterations, damage due to deteriorations, discoloration, abrasions,
        burn or chemical damage (for example, contact with fire, acids, corrosives), UV
        deterioration, missing markings or labels, and any internal deterioration.

(b)  Hardware (for example, snaphooks, carabiners, connectors, D-rings).  Check all components for signs of excessive wear, cracks, corrosion, and deformation.  Look for distorted hooks or faulty springs, tongues unfitted to the shoulder buckles, lose or damaged mountings, and non-functional parts.

b.  Safety Nets. CPs must inspect safety nets according to the manufacturer’s instructions and ANSI/ASSP A10.11 and 29 CFR 1926.502 (29 CFR 1926 Subpart M). Remove from service and replace any damaged or defective nets.  Such inspections must be documented by the CP.  (21-5.b)

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 21-6.