Gear Inspection

This life safety service from trained Roco professionals will provide an extra set of “hands and eyes” inspecting your gear. Depending on the equipment and its use, there are different guidelines, standards and regulations that must be followed.

Our report will list the equipment reviewed along with manufacturer, product number, lot/serial number, date of manufacture and date in-service (when available), and results of pass/fail testing for both visual and functional inspections. All equipment deemed unsuitable for use will be tagged for removal from service.

Ensuring that your rescue gear is safe for use is a critical yet often-overlooked aspect of reducing risk in the workplace. Enjoy the added peace-of-mind of having a rescue professional inspect your gear – and offer guidance on its proper inspection and care.

Get your rescue team involved! We encourage their attendance of our on-site inspection, where they will receive information on proper pre- and post-use inspections of their equipment. We will also offer guidance on equipment care, proper storage and recordkeeping.

Did you know?

  • Fall protection personal protective equipment (PPE) is required to undergo inspection by the employer at least one time per year?
  • Fall protection PPE inspection must be documented by a competent person who is not the end-user?
  • OSHA mandates that most gear must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines, which often includes periodic inspection and service either by the manufacturer or by a 3rd party designated as qualified by the manufacturer? (For example, many Roco Rescue team members are certified by PMI as rope inspectors.)
  • Some life safety gear has “wear indicators” to show you how much useful life remains. Do you know which equipment has these indicators and where to find them?

CUSTOMER Q&A: What is meant by a “competent person”?

An OSHA “competent person” is defined as “one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them” [29 CFR 1926.32(f)].

References include:

  • 1926.502 Appendix C; ANSI Z359.2 Section 5.5.2 Inspections; ASTM Rope Inspection Guide; NFPA 1983 Section 5.2; ANSI Z359.11 Annex A (harnesses); and ANSI Z359.4 Section 6.1.

NOTICE: The client remains responsible for ensuring that all guidelines and requirements for maintaining and, where indicated, removal of equipment from service, are followed. This includes removing equipment from service anytime there is a situation or incident that occurs during handling, training, or rescue, that might have caused damage or otherwise compromised the integrity of the equipment, particularly where internal damage that is not visible might be present (e.g. equipment dropped from height, exposure of nylon products to chemicals or other potentially degrading substances, etc.). Client will be required to complete a certification that between Roco inspections, the equipment was properly stored, was available only to personnel trained to use the equipment properly, and that any equipment that was exposed to any condition or occurrence that could have resulted in hidden damage has been removed from service. A company representative, preferably someone from the rescue team, must be present during the inspection process.