Equipment Inspection Alert

Safety Connection would like to remind you a properly trained person should inspect all new equipment whether direct from the manufacturer or an authorized reseller. July 16th, 2009, Clint Honeycutt, Sr was teaching students in a class on-site in Crowley, Louisiana to inspect their fall protection equipment. Clint had each student get their fall protection gear to practice inspections. The equipment was brand new, still in the bag and made by one of the top 3 manufacturers of fall protection equipment in the country. One of the lanyards was improperly sewn and the webbing could be pulled apart by hand.

If this lanyard had taken the force of a fall, there's no doubt the stitching would have torn out completely. This is why inspection of all equipment, even new, right-out-of-the-box equipment is so critical. Never take for granted that your equipment is in good, working order. An inspection before every use could save your life.

- Clint Honeycutt, Sr

Below are images of the new lanyard's failed stitching.

Lessons Learned:

Users shall be properly trained to spot defects, not just usual wear and tear during inspections.
User shall inspect their equipment each day prior to use.
A Competent Person shall inspect all new equipment when intially put in service and
1. document the inital inspection, noting the unique serial number for positive identification.
2. perform inspections at intervals of no more than 1 year. Safety Connection recommends quarterly inspections.

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