Inspecting Your Self-Retracting Lanyard

Self-retracting lanyards (SRL) are the form of fall arrest device that is required for use with all Rigid Lifelines fall protection systems. In order to ensure that your fall arrest device is functioning at its peak performance, it’s crucial that you inspect your equipment thoroughly before each use. After any fall event, all equipment must be removed from service so that a thorough inspection can occur. But, the following inspection points noted in this blog should happen before anyone uses a self-retracting lanyard. Remember, preliminary inspections reduce the likelihood of equipment ineffectiveness. 

Before using an SRL, you should follow these inspection points:

• Inspect every component of the Self-Retracting Lanyard.
• Housing or casing must be free from cracks, distortion, or any other damage.
• Check the operation of the unit by pulling smoothly on the lanyard. Then, pull the lanyard sharply to engage the locking mechanism. Unit must not slip when locked.
• All markings and labels must be legible and attached to the product.
• All snap hooks and carabiners on product must be able to self-close and lock.
• All hardware must be free of cracks, sharp edges, deformation, corrosion, or any evidence of defect.
• The lanyard must fully extract and retract smoothly without any slack being created upon retraction. Note: Many people often do this inspection point incorrectly by not extracting the entire length of webbing or cable.

To Inspect Webbing and Rope:

• Bend 6 to 8 inches of the webbing into an upside down “U” shape
• Inspect along all webbing and rope materials. Look for tears, cuts, fraying, abrasion, discoloration, burns, holes, mold, unsplicing, pulled or broken stitches, or other signs of wear or damage.
• Sewn terminations should be secure, complete, and not visibly damaged. All rope splices should be secure.

Please note: These inspection points are meant as a minimum guideline and are not all of the potential inspection points that may be required for your particular situation. PLEASE FOLLOW ALL INSPECTION PROTOCOL AS OUTLINED IN YOUR PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION TRAINING COURSE AND IN THE MANUAL PROVIDED WITH YOUR SRL.

In order to enhance the likelihood of a successful and comfortable fall arrest with a fall protection system, it is a good idea to follow the inspection points that have been outlined above. Performing tasks in a construction or industrial environment can definitely damage the equipment in the area. In an effort to maximize the effectiveness of your safety equipment, you should regularly take the time to inspect your devices before you use them. Frequent inspections help reduce the likelihood of using equipment that is damaged and may fail when presented with the forces of fall arrest.

Until the next time, stay safe up there!

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