Harnesses and Lanyards: These are among the most critical components of a fall protection system. During inspections, check for signs of wear, tear, fraying, or corrosion in the hardware. Verify that the stitching is intact, and buckles and connectors are functioning properly.

Anchor Points and Lifelines: Inspect the anchor points for structural integrity and proper attachment. Lifelines should be free from kinks, knots, and cuts. Any signs of rust or degradation in the lifeline material should raise concern.

Guardrails and Toeboards: In scenarios where guardrails and toeboards are employed, ensure that they’re securely fastened and free from damage. Regularly inspect their sturdiness and alignment to maintain their efficacy in preventing falls.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Fall protection equipment like helmets, gloves, and safety glasses should also be inspected. Even though they might not directly prevent falls, they contribute to overall worker safety. Look for cracks, deformation, or signs of wear that could compromise their protective capabilities.

Taking time to inspect each of these key components during fall protection inspections leads to a multitude of benefits. Read about those more in the following section.

Prevent Accidents: Regular fall protection inspections catch potential issues before they become hazards. This results in prevented accidents and injuries. This proactive approach safeguards both workers and employers from costly consequences.

Compliance: Many jurisdictions and safety standards mandate routine fall protection inspections. Complying with these requirements not only avoids legal penalties but also demonstrates a commitment to worker safety.

Cost Savings: Timely identification of problems through inspections can extend the lifespan of fall protection equipment. This reduces the need for frequent replacements, ultimately saving money in the long run.

Enhanced Worker Confidence: When employees know that their safety equipment is well-maintained and routinely inspected, their confidence in their own safety increases, resulting in improved morale and productivity.

Not only are fall protection inspections effective in reducing accidents, they also lead to monetary savings, increased workplace safety, and a culture of trust and safety among employees. With benefits like this, companies would be smart to make fall protection inspections a priority.

The following 4 factors can be used to implement effective fall protection inspections.

Frequency: The frequency of inspections depends on factors such as the type of equipment, usage intensity, and environmental conditions. Regular intervals, whether weekly, monthly, or quarterly, should be established.

Trained Inspectors: Designate trained personnel to conduct inspections. These individuals should have a comprehensive understanding of fall protection systems and be able to identify potential issues.

Documentation: Maintain thorough records of all inspections, including dates, findings, and actions taken. This documentation can serve as evidence of compliance and a reference for future assessments.

Software: Fall protection inspection software brings all the components together by keeping an accurate inventory of fall protection equipment, assigning proper inspection frequency, displaying digital inspection forms to guide the inspector through the right steps, and keeping inspection records for compliance reporting.

Fall protection inspection software such as InspectNTrack offers an innovative approach that increases efficiency and accuracy of equipment inspections for fall protection systems. It can manage fall protection inspections on their own, or as part of a larger inspection program, with other fire and life safety equipment.

Each piece of fall protection equipment is given a unique identifier. Barcodes are often used for equipment, but RFID tags are generally more suitable for fall protection equipment. InspectNTrack software allows users to attach a barcode or RFID chip, or use the RFID chip that the manufacturer embedded in the equipment.

1. Each piece of fall protection equipment is added to the InspectNTrack database along with its unique RFID identification number.
2. InspectNTrack manages the inspection schedule. When an inspection or maintenance task is due, the system adds it to the mobile app’s to-do list.
3. The field technician opens the mobile app on a compatible device and taps the top of the device on or near the fall protection RFID tag.
4. The equipment record is opened and the required inspection is launched. The field technician answers the inspection questions by tapping the desired answers on the screen or inputting required data into the app.
5. The inspection form allows the field inspector to capture and add photos or notes to the inspection.
6. If any issues or deficiencies are identified during the fall protection inspection, InspectNTrack automatically collects and logs the exact reason for the failure. A discrepancy record is created to track the deficiency and eventually record a corrective action. Discrepancies can be exported or even integrated to work order management systems for seamless data transfer.
7. Inspection details including date and time, inspector name, deficiencies, and overall inspection results are synchronized to the InspectNTrack database. They are stored permanently in the equipment record.
8. Comprehensive compliance reports and inspection analytics can be generated on-demand as needed. These reports provide insights into the overall condition of the fall protection equipment, identify trends, and support proactive maintenance and replacement planning. If desired, InspectNTrack can be integrated to business intelligence software such as Tableau or Power BI for more advanced analytics.

InspectNTrack is built to make managing fall protection inspections simple and effective.

Here are the top reasons to include software in fall protection inspections.

Data Capture and Storage: RFID readers collect data from the RFID tags on fall protection equipment during inspections. This data is then transmitted to the software application, where it is stored in a structured and organized manner. The software ensures that all inspection data is captured accurately and securely.

Visibility: The software provides visibility into the inspection process. As soon as an inspection round is completed and synchronized, the data is instantly updated in the system. This allows safety managers and authorized personnel to access the latest information on equipment status and inspection history.

Inspection Scheduling and Reminders: InspectNTrack automatically adds fall protection equipment to the inspection schedule when it has an inspection due. This ensures that inspections are conducted on time and reduces the risk of missed inspections.

Data Analysis and Reporting: InspectNTrack software includes tools that allow safety managers to analyze inspection data. They can identify trends, patterns, and potential issues with fall protection equipment. Customizable reports can be generated, providing insights to make informed decisions on maintenance and replacements.

Compliance Management: The software can be programmed to track compliance with safety regulations and standards. It can highlight items that are due for inspection or maintenance, ensuring that all equipment remains in compliance.

Asset Management: InspectNTrack software enables efficient tracking of fall protection equipment. The software helps in maintaining an accurate inventory, allowing users to quickly locate specific items and manage the lifecycle of each piece of equipment.

Mobile Accessibility: InspectNTrack’s mobile app allows inspectors to use handheld devices like smartphones or tablets to conduct inspections on-site. The data collected on the mobile device is seamlessly synced with the central software database.

Integration with Existing Systems: InspectNTrack can integrate with existing systems such as business intelligence, work order management systems, and more. This integration ensures that inspection and deficiency data is seamlessly shared across different platforms, eliminating the need for duplicate data entry.

Security and Access Control: InspectNTrack provides access control features including single sign on, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access inspection data. This safeguards sensitive information and prevents unauthorized changes to inspection records.

Scalability: InspectNTrack can scale to meet the needs of organizations of varying sizes. Whether it’s a small business or a large enterprise, the software can adapt to the number of items being inspected and the frequency of inspections.

As you can see, there are a plethora of benefits that stem from integrating software into fall protection inspections. However, the main benefit is the simplicity that software provides.

• Software Conversion Made Simple With InspectNTrack
• 10 Ways to Improve Fire and Life Safety Inspections With Software 
• Why You Need Automated Inspection Software
• The Top 3 Features of InspectNTrack