A common question you’ll hear in the fall protection industry is: “How long does fall protection devices last?” In general, the shelf life of fall protection devices and roof anchors are five years from the date of first use. But that doesn’t mean you have to replace it every five years, especially if it is stored in a clean, sun-free and air-conditioned room.
The truth is that the first day of year six won’t make your trusted fall protection system unsafe all of a sudden. There are various factors to keep in mind. Standard authorities like ANSI and OSHA also don’t have a prescribed shelf life for your equipment although many manufacturers do.
According to ANSI standard A10.32-2012 fall protection systems should be replaced in the event of damage, defects or deterioration. To ensure the safety of your employees, the equipment should be inspected before every use. A thorough inspection will include checking that stitching on harnesses are fully intact and not damaged, there are no signs of wear and tear on material around the grommets and nylon.
OSHA shares the same sentiment with their requirement of regular inspections by a competent person and per the manufacturer’s instructions. It is vital to ensure that your equipment is in good condition to ensure the safety of your employees.
So How Will You Know When to Replace Your Fall Protection System?
- Physical damage such as cracks, dents, or deformities in the metal of the roof anchor
- Roof anchor corrosion damage
- Damaged stitching on harnesses
- Excessive wear and tear on nylon as well as the material around the grommets
- Sun damaged harnesses
Should you find of any of the above-mentioned signs during your inspection, you’ll need to replace it. It is not safe to use it.
For more information about replacing your Roof Anchor System, speak to the team at Africa Anchor System today.