The correct use of PPE for Work at Height is essential to avoid any type of accident involving falls, which can be fatal for the worker. Among the most important precautions to increase the durability of the Fall Arrest Device is the cleaning of all components of the material. In this post we will teach you how to properly care for the hygiene and maintenance of your Fall Arrest Device.
Work at Height accidents are the most frequent among professionals who need to use PPE to protect themselves. It is estimated that 40% of all accidents in the country are related to falls during work. In the case of civil construction, about 49% of all accidents happen during activities at height. Hence the importance not only of regular cleaning, but also of PPE maintenance.
Cleaning the Fall Arrest Device
To keep your Fall Arrest Device in good condition, clean, and with long durability, it is necessary to take special care with this PPE for Work at Height. The hygiene of the Fall Arrest Device must be done regularly, in order to avoid wear and tear, and even early oxidation. Below you will see how to clean the excess weathering and dirt that can accumulate.
Use a damp cloth with a little soap for metal parts.
Rinse the cloth, and while it is still damp, remove the accumulated soap with water.
Use a dry cloth to dry the equipment.
Water and mild soap for fabric.
If the fabric is cleaned, put it to dry in a dry place in the shade.
The periodicity of cleaning the Fall Arrest Device must be done according to the use of the equipment. If it is used daily, it is important to do this cleaning weekly, so that its conservation is intensified. In case of sporadic use, it should be cleaned every 15 days.
Maintenance of the Fall Arrest Device
Besides regular cleaning, it is necessary to perform periodic maintenance of the Fall Arrest Device to ensure that all its components are working properly. The revision must be performed by Hércules. The period between one maintenance and another cannot exceed 12 months. In addition, it is essential to pay attention to the expiration date of the Fall Arrest Device.
In addition to the preventive maintenance that should be performed every 12 months at the most, a daily check of important items is required to make sure that the Fall Arrest Device is in ideal condition for use. These are the items:
In case of equipment with an impact indicator, it is necessary to check if it has been broken
Verify the integrity and conservation of the steel cable, carabiner, and box.
Test the brake system with a small impact to assess the condition of the equipment’s braking system.
Take good care of your Fall Arrest Device
The use of PPE for Work at Height is mandatory, according to NR 35. The company must provide this equipment to its professionals, and the professionals must make good use of it. As well as its hygiene and constant maintenance is essential, to ensure that the PPE lasts as long as recommended by the manufacturer and also that it remains in ideal conditions of use.
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