
Self-Retracting Lifelines | Inspection Checklist
Self-retracting lifelines (SRL) must be inspected before each use, annually inspected by a competent person and recertified every five years.
Without inspections and maintenance schedules, equipment failures can have major impacts upon a business including unscheduled outages, increased cost and most importantly, major safety hazards resulting in injury or loss of life.
SRL’s that are properly treated, handled, installed, inspected and stored will reward us with a prolonged life of service, better job performance and peace of mind in knowing it won’t fail.
WHY ARE SELF RETRACTING LIFELINES IMPORTANT?
Despite going by many names including automatic fall arrest device, retractable fall arresters, retracting lanyards, and fall arrest block, the self-retracting lifeline is very important. Self-retracting lifelines allow for a greater mobility for those working at height, while at the same time minimizing trip hazards as the lanyard is always pulled taut.
When working at heights, SRLs are the piece of equipment, ensuring workers can safely return home to their families at the end of the day. You never know when an accident may take place, and when it does, you want to be connected to an SRL that is up on its inspection and ready to do its job!
WHO SHOULD INSPECT SRLs?
Daily inspections at the start of every shift or when resuming stalled work should be performed by trained employees. It can be helpful to do inspections alongside other co-workers, so that way if something of concern is found, you have the opportunity for a second set of eyes to look at it. Simultaneously, annual inspections are to also occur by a qualified technician.
HOW SHOULD I KEEP RECORDS OF SRL INSPECTIONS?
Daily inspections at the start of every shift or when resuming stalled work should be performed by trained employees. It can be helpful to do inspections alongside other co-workers, so that way if something of concern is found, you have the opportunity for a second set of eyes to look at it. Simultaneously, annual inspections are to also occur by a qualified technician. RANGER offers LEEA-certified inspections, repairs, predictive & preventive maintenance to ensure workplace safety. This can be conducted on-site or in our own offices
SRL Inspection Checklist:
As you go through these steps, if the SRL fails any step then it must be removed from service immediately.

Photo credit to LINQ.
If you’re looking for a standard or custom-specified wire rope or cable assembly for your next project, contact a Lifting Specialist at Ranger on 1300SLINGS.
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