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On-site Hazard Assessment

OSHA/ANSI Inspections for Fall Protection Systems

Have your fall protection system annual inspection performed by one of our trained professionals to stay in compliance with OSHA and assure worker safety.

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Annual Inspections to ensure OSHA/ANSI Compliance For Engineered Fall Protection Systems

Regular inspections are essential in keeping your employees safe and your business OSHA 1910/1926 and ANSI Z359 compliant. At Flexible Lifeline Systems, we work with organizations who want the reassurance that their fall protection equipment is being inspected by Competent Person certified professionals. Our inspection capabilities cover a wide range of safety solutions including Lifeline Systems, Safe Access, Rooftop Guardrail, Rigid Tieback Anchors, Positioning Systems, and Suspended Access Equipment. With over two decades of experience in Fall Protection Systems Design and Engineering, FLS provides the security of knowing these safety concerns are not being forgotten, overlooked, or done improperly. Depending on the system, our crew is often able to perform minor maintenance, system repair, recommended upgrades, and PPE inspections for harnesses, lanyards, and retractable lifelines. If you are unsure if your systems are in good working order, safe, and installed per manufacturer specifications, or need help managing your fall protection inspection program, we are here to provide expert guidance and professional verification. 

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Annual Inspections

Annual Inspections

All inspection programs are be managed by one of our Field Service Advisors (FSA). The assigned FSA will work with you to develop an onsite inspection program that keeps you in compliance and meets your specific needs. Our Field Service Technicians (FST) are highly trained and experienced fall protection inspectors.

Recertification Services

Recertification Services

Our 5 Year Engineering and Design Review Program is led by our Professional Engineer (P.E., SECB) who is Qualified Person Certified. This review is an evaluation of the original system design to ensure its continued compliance with current regulatory requirements and provides certification, full drawings, and documentation when required.

ADVANTAGES OF ANNUAL FALL SAFETY INSPECTIONS

Simple and Convenient

Simple and Convenient

Removes the hassle of managing and manually documenting your own inspection programs.

Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance

By having your annual inspection performed by one of our trained professionals, you’ll have the security of knowing these safety concerns are not being forgotten, overlooked, or done improperly.

OSHA & ANSI Compliance

OSHA & ANSI Compliance

Annual inspections of fall protection equipment certifies compliance with OSHA 1910/1926 and ANSI Z359.

Compliance

  • Federal Mandates: Inspections ensure adherence to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.140 and 1926.502, which require fall protection systems to be maintained in safe working condition. 
  • ANSI Industry Standards: All inspection procedures follow ANSI/ASSP Z359.18 and Z359.6 guidelines for the inspection and recertification of active fall protection systems. 
  • Competent Person Criteria: Per OSHA definitions, our inspectors are Competent Persons capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and have the authority to take prompt corrective measures. 
  • Documentation and Liability: Our programs provide the necessary documented evidence of inspection required by regulatory bodies to mitigate corporate liability and ensure worker safety. 
  • Engineering Review: For complex systems, we offer a 5-Year Engineering and Design Review led by a Professional Engineer to evaluate continued compliance with evolving regulatory requirements. 

Fall Safety Inspections FAQs

How often should fall protection equipment be inspected? 

Equipment must be inspected every time prior to use by the user and at least annually by a competent person other than the user. In harsh environments, more frequent inspections may be required to assure ongoing safety.

How does a 5-year recertification differ from an annual inspection?

 While an annual inspection is a visual and functional check, a 5-year recertification is a more in-depth engineering review. It involves evaluating the system against current codes, which may have changed since installation, and may include pull-testing or structural analysis to ensure the host building still supports the system’s design loads.

 Are PPE items like harnesses and lanyards included in a system inspection? 

Yes, our technicians can include PPE inspections as part of the overall site visit. We check for wear, tear, UV damage, chemical exposure, and “impact indicators” that signal a piece of equipment has been involved in a fall and must be retired.

 What are the specific inspection requirements for Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs)?

SRLs require a pre-use inspection by the user and a formal annual inspection by a Competent Person. Depending on the manufacturer and the environment, such as corrosive or high-heat areas, some SRLs may also require factory service or recertification every one to five years. 

Does OSHA require documentation of fall protection inspections?

Yes, OSHA requires that engineered systems be inspected and maintained. While some standards emphasize “manufacturer specifications,” having a written, dated report from a third-party professional is the best way to prove compliance during an OSHA audit and to ensure the safety of your workers.

 What happens if a system fails an FLS inspection?

 If a deficiency is found, the system must be immediately tagged “Out of Service” to prevent use. Our Field Service Technicians can often perform minor repairs or maintenance on-site. For major issues, we provide a detailed report and a proposal for the necessary engineering or component replacements to bring the system back into compliance.

What is the difference between a Competent Person and a Qualified Person for inspections?

 A Competent Person is trained to identify hazards and has the authority to correct them, typically performing annual inspections. A Qualified Person, often a Professional Engineer, is required for the initial design or when a 5-year structural recertification is needed to verify that the system still meets the original engineering specifications.

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