Safety equipment is often the last line of defence between a worker and a serious injury. Whether you’re working at height, entering a confined space, or carrying out rescue operations, regular inspection and servicing are essential to ensure equipment performs exactly as intended when needed.
But how often should safety equipment be inspected? The answer depends on the type of equipment, how frequently it is used, and the environment in which it operates.
Why is safety equipment inspection important?
Even the highest-quality equipment can become damaged through normal use, environmental exposure, accidental impact, contamination, or improper storage.
Regular inspections help identify:
- Wear and tear
- Corrosion
- Damaged components
- Missing parts
- Incorrect operation
- Signs of a previous fall or overload event
Failing to identify these issues can compromise the performance of the equipment and potentially place users at risk.
How often should safety equipment be inspected?
As a general rule, all safety equipment should undergo:
A pre-use inspection before every use by the user.
A formal inspection at least every 12 months by a competent person or approved service agent.
In harsh environments or high-use applications, more frequent inspections may be required.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s user instructions and local regulations for specific requirements.
How often should a SENTRY Tripod be inspected?
The SENTRY Tripod should be visually inspected before every use.
Users should check:
- Leg locks and adjustment mechanisms
- Pulley head components
- Fasteners and fittings
- Structural damage
- Signs of excessive wear or corrosion
- Labels and markings
The tripod should also undergo a formal periodic inspection by a Globestock-approved service agent, at least annually.
If any defects are found, the equipment should be removed from service immediately.
How often should SAVER SRL-R 3 way units be inspected?
The SAVER SRL-R 3 way is a retractable fall arrester with an integrated rescue mechanism and should be inspected before every use.
Checks should include:
- Lifeline condition
- Proper retraction and extension
- Function of the locking mechanism
- Recovery winch operation
- Connectors and karabiners
- Housing condition
- Fall indicators
In addition to daily inspections, SAVER units must be serviced by an approved service agent at least every 12 months.
If a SAVER has arrested a fall or been involved in an incident, it must be removed from service immediately and inspected before being returned to use.
How often should STOP SRL-R 2 way fall arresters be inspected?
Like all fall protection equipment, the STOP SRL-R 2 way requires a visual inspection before every use.
Users should verify:
- Lifeline condition
- Smooth retraction and extension
- Correct operation of the braking mechanism
- Connector condition
- Fall indicator status
- Housing integrity
A formal inspection and recertification should be carried out at least annually by a Globestock-approved service agent.
Any STOP unit that has arrested a fall must be removed from service immediately until it has been inspected and recertified.
How often should a personnel or material WINCH be inspected?
Winches play a critical role in confined space access, rescue operations, and the raising and lowering of personnel or materials. Because they are often used in safety-critical applications, regular inspection is essential.
Before every use, operators should inspect the winch for:
- Signs of damage to the housing and mounting points
- Correct operation of the handle and gear mechanism
- Condition of the lifeline or wire rope
- Signs of corrosion, kinking, crushing, or broken strands on steel ropes
- Proper operation of the anti-run brake
- Secure attachment of hooks, connectors, and terminations
- Legibility of labels and product markings
The winch should operate smoothly throughout its full range of movement, with no unusual resistance, noise, or signs of mechanical wear.
Like other safety equipment, winches should undergo a formal inspection and service at least every 12 months by an approved service agent. Equipment used frequently, exposed to harsh environments, or subjected to increased wear, may require more frequent inspections.
How often should safety harnesses be inspected?
Harnesses are exposed to daily wear and are among the most important components of a fall protection system.
Before each use, users should inspect:
- Webbing for cuts, burns, abrasions, or chemical damage
- Stitching for loose or damaged threads
- Buckles and adjustment hardware
- D-rings and attachment points
- Labels and identification markings
Harnesses should also undergo a formal inspection at least every 12 months by a trained and competent person.
Any harness showing signs of damage or excessive wear should be removed from service immediately.
What happens during a formal equipment service?
Formal servicing goes beyond a simple visual inspection.
Depending on the product, servicing may include:
- Detailed inspection of all components
- Functional testing
- Verification of locking and braking systems
- Replacement of worn parts
- Recertification and documentation
- Updating inspection records
For products such as SAVER and STOP fall arresters, servicing helps ensure the internal braking and retraction mechanisms continue to perform correctly throughout the product’s service life.
Who can service safety equipment?
Not all safety equipment can be serviced by any inspection provider.
For products such as SAVER and STOP, formal inspections should only be carried out by approved and trained service agents who understand the equipment and follow manufacturer-approved procedures.
Using authorised Globestock service providers helps ensure compliance, traceability, and confidence in the equipment’s ongoing performance.
What should you do if equipment fails an inspection?
If any safety equipment fails a pre-use or formal inspection:
- Remove it from service immediately
- Clearly label it as unusable
- Prevent further use
- Arrange inspection, repair, or replacement through an approved service provider
Equipment should never be used if there is any doubt about its condition or performance.
Final Thoughts
Regular inspection and servicing are essential parts of any safety programme. Whether you’re using a SENTRY Tripod, SAVER SRL-R, STOP fall arrester, or full body harness, routine checks help ensure equipment remains safe, compliant, and ready for use.
A simple pre-use inspection only takes a few minutes, but it can make a significant difference when safety depends on the equipment performing exactly as designed.
Because when it comes to working at height and confined space safety, prevention is always better than reaction.
