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Maintaining equipment
Anchor 1
Inspecting equipment
Pay attention to the condition of your equipment. Inspect it frequently, keep it clean, and store it properly, and it won’t let you down.
Inspecting fall-arrest, fall-restraint, and positioning-device systems. Each time you use a personal fall-arrest, restraint, or positioning-device system, inspect the components for damage or excessive wear. Replace any component that looks damaged. Don’t use a personal fall-arrest system that has arrested a fall unless a competent person has determined that the system is safe to use.
Harness, lifeline, and anchorage. Inspect these components regularly. Table 8 shows what to look for.
Snaphooks. Look for cracks, excessive wear, and corrosion.
The snaphooks should open easily and close firmly. Keeper locks must prevent the keeper from opening when it’s closed.
Lanyards. Inspect before use. Table 9 shows what to look for.
Self-retracting lifelines. Look for cuts, frayed strands, or excessive wear in the line and damage to the housing. If the unit needs service, check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Don’t try to repair it yourself.
Guardrail systems. Inspect manila, plastic, or synthetic rope used for top rails or midrails to ensure that the rope meets the minimum strength and rail height requirements for guardrail systems in Subdivision M. [See Subdivision M, 1926.502(b).]
Safety-net systems. Inspect safety nets for damage or deterioration weekly and after any event that could damage them. Remove defective components from service.
Ladders. A competent person must inspect ladders periodically, and immediately after any event that could damage them.
Scaffolds. A competent person must inspect a scaffold and its components after it has been erected, before each shift, and after any event — including severe weather — that could damage it. The inspection should include the foundation, platform, guardrails, and access areas.
Suspension scaffolds. A competent person must inspect suspension ropes before each shift and after any event that could damage them. Inspect and tighten wire rope clips to the manufacturer’s recommendations at the start of each shift. Inspect manila or synthetic rope used for top rails or midrails frequently to ensure that it meets the minimum strength and rail height requirements for suspension scaffolds in Subdivision M. [See Subdivision M, 1926.502(b).].
Crane- and derrick-suspended personnel platforms
• After a trial lift. A competent person must inspect the rigging, personnel platform, and the base that supports the crane or derrick immediately after a trial lift.
• After proof testing. A competent person must inspect the platform and rigging immediately after they have been proof tested.
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Anchor 2
Summary: inspecting, cleaning, and storing equipment
Inspecting equipment
• Follow manufacturers’ instructions and warnings.
• Inspect equipment before using it. Look for damaged or missing parts. Labels, warnings, and other instructions should be readable.
• If equipment looks like it needs repair, remove it from service and have a competent person examine it.
• Have a competent person inspect equipment regularly.
• Mark equipment with a unique code or item number. Identification numbers make it easier to keep track of the equipment and to document maintenance or repair.
Cleaning equipment
• Wash synthetic rope and body harnesses in soapy water to remove dirt; rinse them with clean water. Air-dry at room temperature. Don’t use cleaning solvents; solvents can damage synthetic material.
• Don’t lubricate moving parts unless the manufacturer requires it; lubricants attract dirt.
• Don’t remove information labels and warnings; make sure they’re still legible after cleaning.
Storing equipment
• Follow manufacturer’s instruction for storing equipment.
• Store equipment in an area that is clean, dry, and moisture-free; avoid excessive heat, light, oil, and corrosive chemicals.
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