Our recent success in completing our 4th IRATA membership re-certification audit with flying colors is a testament to the outstanding teamwork and dedication of the entire PacRopes team. From our TA/Safety Manager to our Training Manager, Warehouse Co-Ordinator, Supervisors, Project Managers, Trainers, and Office Manager, everyone played a crucial role in ensuring that we continue to meet the highest standards of rope access work and training.
Out of the whole audit preparation process, the equipment inspections definitely kept us on our toes and gave us the most stress! With over 10,000 pieces of equipment across all of Pacific Ropes, our teams had a huge task in making sure our inspections were completed and recorded to a meticulous level of attention.
To be completely transparent, there were moments were we wanted to give up. PacRopes started with two people working out of their apartment. So, the equipment procedures we had back then compared to now are vastly different! We weren't as detailed and organized back then. So, hunting down random steel carabiners from 8 years ago with missing numbers would take hours! Trying to figure out the original spools that our ropes came from seemed hopeless!
IRATA membership audit aside, at the end of the day, what kept us going was the fact that the safety of our technicians and students could not be compromised. The condition of our gear holds immense significance in our field and training centers, as it can be the difference between staying safe or not.
However, equipment inspections involve much more than just the act of inspecting the equipment pieces. An inspection involves a thorough examination of equipment, procedures, and personnel to ensure everything is functioning correctly and safely. Key components of an inspection include:
Equipment Checks: Inspecting ropes, harnesses, ascenders, descenders, and other gear for wear and tear, damage, or defects. Read how to inspect your rope access gear here!
Procedure Review: Evaluating the methods and procedures used by technicians to ensure they align with best practices. A proper equipment inspection procedure ensures anyone involved completes the inspections to the highest company standard.
Personnel Assessment: Verifying that all personnel are properly trained, certified, and competent to perform their tasks safely and effectively. A rope access course is not enough to be competent in performing equipment inspections.
Documentation Verification: Checking records and documentation to ensure all inspections, training, and maintenance activities are properly logged and up to date. Data is key!
The biggest misconception is that a rope access technician who has their rope access certificate is qualified to inspect rope access equipment. That is not the case. Although equipment management and inspections are discussed, the rope access courses do not dive deep enough to cover the detailed required for proper equipment inspections.
In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC regulations emphasize the responsibility of employers to ensure that equipment is inspected and maintained by qualified personnel. According to the WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR), section 12.2 on Safety Inspections, it is the employer's duty to ensure regular inspections of tools and machinery by a qualified person. This includes making sure that any equipment found to be unsafe is either repaired or replaced promptly.
Similarly, Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations mandate that equipment inspections must be to the manufacturer's specifications (Section 15.1, 150.1) which is far more in depth and only covered in PPE Competent Inspection courses.
Failure to adhere to these requirements can lead to significant legal consequences, for an employee, operator, or employer which may include fines and potential liability in the event of workplace accidents (Canada Gazette) (Justice Laws Canada).
As a Petzl Technical partner, we offer a PPE Course diving deeper into equipment inspections (it's 3 days long!!), and how to conduct thorough inspections on Petzl gear and similar equipment. Inquire to see when our next PPE Inspector course is scheduled, or look into the course here!