FallTech 778100 - Manual (Page 15)

Section 8: Product Inspection
Inspection is a critical element in the employment of any fall
protection equipment. In order to protect Authorized Persons who are
using this Beam Anchor, it is important that the employer establishes
procedures that has layers of inspection to ensure that any mechanical
or functional deficiencies are recognized before the product is put into
use.
8.1: Issuing
If the EcoAnchor is to be kept in a locker or tool crib between periods
of use, the person responsible should inspect the product upon issuing
and receipt to ensure that it is in proper working order. If any deficiency
is noted, this should be logged on the inspection record and the product
should be removed from service and handled in accordance with the
employer’s lock-out/tag-out policy. If this EcoAnchor exhibits a
deficiency, it should be immediately removed from service and replaced.
8.2: Daily/Incidental Use
OSHA 1910.66 and OSHA 1926.502 (as well as ANSI Z359.1-2007
and ANSI A10.32-2004) specifically require that the user inspect all
fall protection equipment prior to each use to ensure proper
function and to ensure that the equipment is in serviceable
condition. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or death.
FallTech requires that the following steps be taken during each
inspection prior to use of this EcoAnchor:
1. Check for any damage to the EcoAnchor. Check the bladder for
tears, punctures or evidence of abrasion. Once it has been
filled, check for leaks or the presence of water on the working
surface that may be accumulating as a result of a slow or
concealed leak.
2. Inspect the anchor ring for cracks, burrs, deformation or
corrosion. Check to ensure that the ring is securely attached to
the bladder and that there is no evidence of damage or a leak on
the upper bladder surface adjacent to the anchor ring.
3. Check to ensure that the label is present and legible (the label is
on the corner adjacent to the vent-valve.
4. Check the fill-valve and the drain valve to ensure that the caps
are securely tightened and that there is no water leaking from
either valve.
5. Check the water level in the EcoAnchor bladder. A gentle kick to
the side should expel a small amount of water from the vent-
valve. If it does not, or if the bladder does not appear to be full
(the neoprene surface should be taught or tight), be sure to top it
off and ensure that it is full before tying off.
6. Check the working surface and ensure that it is free from
accumulations of water, mud, oil, grease or any other substance
that may reduce the bond between the EcoAnchor and the
working surface. If these conditions exist, remove the
EcoAnchor from service immediately.
7. Check the working surface if there has been cold or inclement
weather. Look for accumulations of water, ice or snow. If there
are slick or frozen conditions, do not attempt to use the
EcoAnchor – remove it from service immediately.
8. If the weather has been cold, check to ensure that the water
inside the EcoAnchor is not frozen. If you suspect that it may be
frozen, immediately initiate your employers lock-out/tag-out
procedure and open the drain valve and attempt to drain the
bladder. If there is ice in the bladder, do not attempt to move it –
allow it to thaw and drain completely.
9. If you know or suspect that this EcoAnchor has been used in a
fall, remove it from service immediately and have it replaced.
10. Inspect the labels and ensure that they are present or legible.
Re-familiarize yourself with any warnings or instruction on the
labels. If the labels are missing or illegible, remove the
EcoAnchor from service and have it replaced.
11. The results of semi-annual Competent Person inspections
should be recorded in section 8.3 of this manual.
12. Do not attempt to repair or modify this product in any way. If it is
damaged, it must be returned to the manufacturer for service.
13. If this EcoAnchor fails any part of this inspection, be sure to
remove it from service immediately and have it replaced.
8.3: Mandatory Semi-Annual Inspection
ANSI Z359.1-2007 requires that all fall protection equipment be
inspected by a competent person other than the user at least once each
year. FallTech strongly encourages that all fall protection equipment be
inspected by a competent person other than the user at least once every
six months.
This inspection should be noted in the inspection log below, along
with any deficiencies. This inspection should also be used as an
opportunity to counsel any authorized persons with respect to any
deficiencies that they may have failed to note in their daily inspections.