Inspect and maintain PPE against falls from a height: Deadlines, duties, and common mistakes businesses make

Personal protective equipment against falls is not a disposable product. It must be regularly inspected, stored correctly, and immediately taken out of service after certain events. Neglecting this not only jeopardizes the safety of your employees but also the effectiveness of the entire protection system at the critical moment.

Why PPE inspection is so important

PPE is exposed to mechanical stresses, UV radiation, moisture, chemicals, and normal wear and tear. Harnesses can tear, seams can loosen, carabiners can corrode, and fall arresters can lose their absorption effect. This is often not visible from the outside – which is why a systematic inspection is essential.

The three inspection levels at a glance

1. Visual inspection by the user before each use

Before each use, the user must inspect the equipment themselves. This only takes a few minutes, but it is legally required. What is checked: condition of the harnesses and seams (no cuts, abrasion, discoloration), function of the carabiners and connecting elements (opening, closing, locking), condition of the fall arrester (not activated, housing undamaged), legibility of the marking (CE mark, manufacturing date, serial number).

2. Annual inspection by a competent person

At least once a year, the entire PPE must be inspected by a competent person – someone who has been qualified by the manufacturer for this purpose or has proven knowledge of the relevant standards. This inspection must be documented: inspection date, inspected equipment parts, inspection result, name of the inspector.

3. Extraordinary inspection after special events

After a fall – even if the equipment appears undamaged – the entire PPE must be immediately taken out of service and inspected by the manufacturer or an authorized body. This also applies after heavy chemical exposure, after a fire or heat event near the equipment, and if the equipment has been used under unusual circumstances.

Service life: When must PPE be replaced?

PPE does not have a legally defined maximum service life – but manufacturers provide recommendations that must be strictly observed. Typical guidelines: textile components (harnesses, textile lanyards) 10 years from the manufacturing date, metal components without a fixed deadline, but with an inspection obligation. Important: The manufacturing date, not the purchase date, is decisive. Those who are using up older stock should keep this in mind.

Storage: Often underestimated

There are also storage requirements that are often ignored in practice. PPE should be stored dry and cool (not in the trunk, which reaches 60°C in summer), protected from direct sunlight and UV light, not stored near chemicals, solvents, or oils, and not stored under load or pinched.

What many companies do wrong

• No inspection report: The inspection may take place, but without documentation, it is worthless in the event of damage
• Wrong inspector: Not every employee is a competent person within the meaning of the standard
• Equipment reused after a fall: This is one of the most dangerous mistakes – a fall arrester is unusable after activation
• Outdated equipment: Date is not checked, manufacturer's information on service life is not observed
• Mixing incompatible components: Carabiners from one manufacturer with a harness from another – without checking compatibility

PPE and fall protection systems at Gerüstexpress

Investing in reliable PPE means investing in products that can be inspected, whose documentation is complete, and which deliver on their promises in an emergency. In the Gerüstexpress range, you will find mobile anchor points and complementary fall protection systems for professional use. Get advice now – so that your equipment is always ready for use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PPE need to be inspected after every use?

A quick visual inspection yes – before each use. The formal annual inspection by a competent person must be carried out at least once a year.

Who is considered a competent person for the annual inspection?

A person who has been qualified by the manufacturer or has proven knowledge of the relevant standards and equipment types. Not every employee automatically meets this requirement.

Can PPE be reused after a fall?

No. After a fall, the entire equipment must be immediately taken out of service and inspected by the manufacturer or an authorized body – regardless of its external condition.