Safety at height is not optional, and not only because the regulations or the OHS Law require it, but because it helps us prevent accidents and minimize the possible consequences of a fall when working at height.
A fundamental part of ensuring that the devices work properly is the reviews and inspections carried out on a regular basis.
What Standards Are Taken into Account in Inspections?
We are going to put together a checklist to see, in practical terms, what we need to take into account when carrying out an inspection, but first we need to know which standards must be followed.
- OHS Law 31/1995
- RD 2177/2004
- UNE-EN standards: depending on the device being inspected, one or another will apply:
- EN795: Anchor systems such as lifelines, deadweight anchors, or anchor points
- EN14122: For protection such as safety guardrails or crossovers
- EN353: For vertical devices such as the lifelines found on ladders
Checklist for an Annual Inspection
The first thing to know is that an effective annual inspection does not consist of “giving it a quick look,” but of systematically verifying all the elements that affect the real safety of the system.
Verifying the Structural Condition of the System
The first step is to check that the system is structurally sound, that is, that it has no defects that could compromise its integrity, for example:
- Deformations
- Fissures
- Cracks
- Corrosion
To do this properly, we will need to refer to whatever documentation we have on the installation, such as the manufacturer’s specifications and any existing documents like the installation certificate or past inspection reports.
According to the regulations, any equipment must be declared unfit if any defect that compromises its proper operation is found.
Inspection of Anchors and Fasteners
Whether they are screw-type, mechanical, or chemical anchors, or even counterweights, they must be checked to confirm they are in suitable condition.
For example, we may find:
- Looseness
- Corrosion
- Detachment
- Fissures
In these cases, the damaged component or components must be replaced to ensure that, in the event of a fall, the system would work properly.
System-Specific Inspection
As mentioned earlier, each system follows a different standard, and therefore inspections must comply with that standard. Next, we will go through the checklist according to the type of system we may encounter:
Safety guardrails
They follow the EN14122-3 standard, which addresses aspects such as minimum height, the presence of a toe board, or the spacing between posts; therefore, when carrying out the inspection, we must pay attention to:
- Minimum height: The system must measure at least 1,100mm, that is, 1.1 meters
- Post spacing: The horizontal rails may have a gap of 500mm at most, while for the vertical posts most manufacturers use 1500mm as the standard, although there are guardrail models that go up to 1600mm.
- Toe board: The guardrail must have a toe board installed wherever there is a risk of objects falling, and it must be at least 100mm high
- Strength: When loads are applied, the guardrail must not move
Lifelines: Horizontal and Vertical
Focusing on permanent lifelines, different standards may apply: for horizontal lifelines, EN795C or EN795D, and for vertical ones, EN353. In both cases there are minimum requirements to check:
- Cable tension (for cable lifelines)
- Condition of the cable or rail: cracks, crushing, corrosion, rust, etc.
- Energy absorbers: whether, for example, the indicator has been triggered by a fall or an accidental load.
- Intermediate posts: If present, whether they comply with the manufacturer’s specifications regarding spacing.
- Fastening: At the ends and at each intermediate post.
- Moving parts: If there are trolleys or sliders, whether they are the appropriate ones approved by the manufacturer and what condition they are in.
Anchor points
For anchor points, the EN795-A standard tells us the minimum time we must test them with a pull-out tester to ensure the device will work correctly in the event of a fall.
In addition, we must check that it has no deformations and that its own anchors (screws, mechanical anchors, etc.) to the structure have not suffered any damage.
Signage, Marking, and Traceability
Finally, a system that lacks identification is a system that is out of compliance, since its traceability from manufacture to installation cannot be verified.
For this reason, the following must be checked:
- Identification plate
- Mandatory documentation: manufacturer, year of installation, etc.
- Testing and Certifications
- Legible labels
Environmental Assessment
Sometimes the system may have been the most suitable one when it was installed, but the environment has changed, or the system itself has been modified, and it can no longer guarantee the user’s safety in the event of a fall.
Conclusion
As manufacturers, we know that an annual inspection in accordance with Spanish regulations is not merely an administrative formality, but a structured technical process used to detect real defects, assess risk, and ensure the effective safety of the system.
A checklist like this makes it possible to move from a superficial check to a professional inspection aligned with regulations, audits, and legal liability.