Points of attention for PPE inspection
When carrying out a technical inspection of the fall protection, the inspector pays attention to the following matters:
- The condition of the textile straps . Are there any cuts, chemical exposure or other damage?
- The condition of the stitching and whether there is a chance of fraying
- Wear or cuts in ropes
- Wear or cuts in shock absorbers
- The functioning of automatic retraction systems for fall absorbers
- The functioning of the automatic closures
- The identification label
When there is any doubt about the condition of your fall protection, a check should always be carried out by a competent person. The following points require maintenance or replacement of the material:
- The visual inspection shows that the fall protection no longer meets the specified criteria.
- When the manufacturer's instructions specify an interval within which a fall arrest block must be checked.
Lifespan of fall protection
Tractel fall protection equipment has no maximum lifespan and can be used without restrictions when:
- Use is in accordance with the user manual .
- The storage and transport regulations as described in the user manual are strictly observed.
- A periodic inspection takes place at least once a year (EDTC).
- There is a complete written history (logbook) available for the product you plan to use.
The life of the fall protection can be reduced by the ingress of dirt, paint & solvent, UV radiation etc. It is the responsibility of the competent person to carry out the inspection, but also of the user to check their PPE before each use and ensure the product is safe to use.
Including inspection
When fall protection is purchased from SKP, it is already provided with an inspection by an EDTC (Vincotte). This way, you can immediately use the purchased fall protection in complete safety. In addition, you can also contact us for periodic inspections of your fall protection. For example, it is necessary that fall blocks are checked internally by specialized inspectors.
Timely inspection of fall protection
The EN 365 standard lists the requirements for manuals, periodic inspection, maintenance and repairs of fall protection. These guidelines are adopted by each European country in their national legislation .
In Belgium, it is mandatory to have personal protective equipment inspected every twelve months or after each fall . In case of intensive use, it is recommended to have the inspection take place more often. For this, an EDTC (External Service for Technical Inspections) is called in to have the necessary inspections carried out.

Our experts advise on the choice of fall protection
In addition to paying attention to wear and tear and timely inspection, there are many other things that contribute to safe working at height. For example, if you need more information about fall factors and which fall blocks to use, then definitely contact our experts.
SKP is always ready with the right solution for your fall protection.
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