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In many industrial and construction sectors, working at height is a necessity. Whether in construction, industrial maintenance, or the energy industry, workers must be equipped with reliable personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure their safety.
However, purchasing equipment that complies with standards is not enough: it is crucial to subject it to rigorous periodic personal protective equipment inspections. Why are these inspections essential? What are the risks of neglecting them? And how can they be implemented effectively?
This article explores these questions and highlights best practices to adopt.
1. Ensuring compliance of safety equipment inspection with applicable regulations
Periodic inspections of safety equipment are not just a recommendation, but a legal requirement in many countries.
In Europe, Directive 2009/104/EC requires employers to ensure the maintenance and inspection of protective equipment. This regulation aims to guarantee that the equipment used remains compliant with current safety standards and poses no danger to workers.
Some laws specify that personal protective equipment (PPE) must be regularly inspected by a competent person. The frequency and nature of the inspections are defined based on the type of equipment and its usage. For example, safety harnesses must be inspected at least once a year, while some anchor devices may require more frequent checks. In all cases, the manufacturer's user manual must be consulted.
Failure to comply with these obligations can result in administrative, financial, and criminal sanctions in the event of an accident. A company that neglects these inspections is exposed to significant fines and may be held liable in the case of a serious incident. Additionally, if an accident is caused by defective equipment, the employer can be prosecuted for endangering others' lives, which can lead to severe legal consequences.
Beyond legal compliance, following equipment inspection regulations also demonstrates the employer's commitment and commitment to the safety of their teams. It helps avoid legal disputes, strengthens employee trust, and ensures a secure working environment.
2. Ensuring worker safety
The primary objective of periodic inspections is to ensure that protective equipment remains fully functional and safe. Over time and with use, even the most robust devices can wear out, deteriorate, or present defects that are invisible to the naked eye. A simple failure of a harness, carabiner, or anchor can lead to a serious, even fatal, accident.
3. Preventing wear and extending the lifespan of PPE equipment
Regular inspections allow for the detection of signs of wear before they become critical. Safety equipment is often exposed to harsh conditions: weather, heavy loads, chemicals, UV rays, etc. These factors can affect their performance and shorten their lifespan. By performing regular checks, companies significantly reduce the risk of incidents related to equipment failure. Early identification of defects allows companies to make timely repairs or replacements, avoiding additional costs related to unexpected breakdowns or accidents.
4. Reducing costs related to workplace accidents
A workplace accident has major human and financial consequences. In addition to the impact on the worker's health, an accident can lead to operational disruption, administrative investigations, medical expenses, and compensation. A well-conducted periodic inspection is a strategic investment that helps avoid these unforeseen costs. A company that ensures rigorous maintenance of its equipment reduces the number of accidents and, consequently, the associated costs.
5. Making employers and workers accountable for safety checks
Periodic inspections are also a way to strengthen the safety culture within companies. By implementing a rigorous procedure, employers demonstrate their commitment to protecting their employees. In turn, workers become more aware of the importance of checking their equipment and reporting any irregularities. A proactive approach to safety fosters a climate of trust and shared responsibility.
How to implement effective PPE inspections?
To ensure the effectiveness of inspections, it is essential to follow a structured methodology:
a) Establish an inspection schedule
The frequency of inspections depends on the type of equipment and applicable regulations. Certain devices, such as harnesses and lifelines, must be inspected at least once a year by a qualified person. Others, such as permanent anchors, may require more frequent checks depending on their usage.
To simplify the tracking of these inspections and ensure the traceability of verifications, Tractel has developed Tracinfo, a platform dedicated to managing PPE inspections. This tool allows companies to register each piece of equipment, schedule upcoming inspections, and access a detailed history of past verifications. With Tracinfo, businesses ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements while optimizing the management of their safety equipment.
b) Appoint a competent person for fall protection inspection
Inspections must be carried out by a trained and qualified person, whether an internal employee or an external service provider. This person must have the technical skills required to identify signs of wear and assess the compliance of the equipment.
c) Safety equipment inspection - maintain a tracking log
Each inspection must be documented in a log that details the dates of inspections, observations made, corrective actions taken, and the signatures of the inspectors. This log allows for tracking the condition of the equipment over time and serves as evidence in case of an audit or regulatory inspection.
d) Raise awareness among workers regarding workplace safety compliance
Users of safety equipment must be trained to identify potential defects before each use. A simple daily visual check can prevent many incidents. This inspection involves examining the overall condition of the equipment, looking for visible signs of wear, such as frayed stitching on a harness, carabiners with cracks, or damaged anchor systems. Workers should also test the locking and adjustment mechanisms to ensure they are functioning properly.
To ensure the effectiveness of these checks, training sessions can be regularly organized to teach employees the best practices for inspection and the compliance criteria for equipment.
By integrating this habit into their daily routine, workers actively contribute to their own safety and that of their colleagues.
Conclusion
Periodic inspections of safety equipment should never be overlooked. They play a key role in accident prevention, regulatory compliance, and cost optimization. By implementing a rigorous maintenance policy, companies protect their workers while safeguarding themselves against potential penalties and financial losses. Taking a proactive approach to safety is an investment in the sustainability and performance of the business.