Work-positioning equipment inspection

You must check that metal hardware on a body belt has no cracks, nicks, distortion, or corrosion. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF explicitly lists those defects as causes for removal from service.

• If you find any crack, nick, distortion, or corrosion on buckles, D-rings, or other hardware, remove the belt from service and tag it until repaired or replaced.

You should ensure there are no loose or worn rivets on a body belt. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF lists loose or worn rivets as an item to inspect for safety.

• Replace or remove from service any belt with rivets that are loose, missing, or show significant wear.

You must check that the waist strap has no loose grommets. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF identifies loose grommets as a defect to be inspected.

• If grommets are loose, repair or replace the waist strap before use to ensure secure fastening.

A body belt with fastening straps that are 100-percent leather is not acceptable. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF specifically states fastening straps should not be 100-percent leather.

• Use belts with approved materials or mixed-material straps as recommended by the manufacturer.

A body belt should be removed from service if it has any worn materials that could affect the safety of the user. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF requires inspecting for worn areas that compromise safety.

• Look for fraying, thinning, deep cuts, or other damage to webbing or stitching; replace the belt if such defects are present.

You must inspect positioning straps to make sure the warning center of the strap material is not exposed. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF lists the warning center exposure as a condition to check.

• If the warning center is exposed, the strap has been overloaded or damaged and should be removed from service.

Positioning straps with cuts, burns, extra holes, or fraying must be removed from service. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF explicitly includes those defects in its inspection checklist.

• Tag and replace straps showing these defects rather than attempting field repairs that could compromise strength.

Rivets on positioning straps must be properly secured. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF identifies properly secured rivets as an inspection item.

• Any loose or missing rivets indicate the strap should be repaired or taken out of service.

Positioning straps that are 100-percent leather are not acceptable. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF states straps should not be entirely leather.

• Use straps constructed of approved materials per manufacturer guidance to ensure proper strength and durability.

You should inspect snaphooks for cracks, burns, or corrosion. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF lists these defects as disqualifying conditions.

• Any snaphook showing these defects must be removed and replaced to maintain secure connections.

Gaffs on pole and tree climbers should be at least as long as the manufacturer's recommended minimums, generally 32 mm (1.25 in) for pole climbers and 51 mm (2.0 in) for tree climbers, measured on the underside of the gaff. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF provides these recommended minimums.

• Gauges are available to help determine whether gaffs meet length and shape requirements.

You must ensure gaffs and leg irons are not fractured or cracked. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF includes fracture or cracking as a defect to inspect.

• Any fracture or crack requires immediate removal from service to prevent failure during use.

You must ensure stirrups and leg irons are free of excessive wear. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF lists excessive wear as a condition to check.

• Replace or repair any component showing substantial thinning, elongation, or other wear that could reduce strength or fit.

If gaffs are loose on climbers, they must be repaired or replaced and the climber taken out of service until secured. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF specifically lists loose gaffs as an inspection failure.

• Tighten or replace mounting hardware per manufacturer instructions; do not use a climber with loose gaffs.

You must ensure gaffs are free of deformation that could adversely affect use. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF includes deformation as an inspection item.

• Bent, twisted, or badly worn gaffs that change penetration performance should be removed from service.

Gaffs must be properly sharpened. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF lists proper sharpening as a required inspection item.

• Use the manufacturer's guidance or gauges to confirm the gaff profile and sharpness are adequate for safe penetration and holding.

Appendix F identifies multiple defects that require removal from service, including fractured or cracked gaffs or leg irons, excessive wear of stirrups and leg irons, loose gaffs, deformation, improperly sharpened gaffs, and broken straps or buckles. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF lists these items as inspection criteria.

• Any of these defects should prompt immediate repair or replacement before returning the climber to use.

You must inspect climbers to ensure there are no broken straps or buckles. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF explicitly includes broken straps or buckles in the inspection list.

• Replace any broken or damaged straps/buckles; do not attempt to use temporary fixes that could fail under load.

Yes, gauges are recommended to assist in determining whether gaffs are long enough and shaped correctly to penetrate poles or trees. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF notes that gauges are available for this purpose.

• Use an appropriate gauge to verify the underside measurement and shape per manufacturer recommendations.

Appendix F provides items to inspect but does not specify inspection frequency. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF lists inspection criteria but does not set time intervals.

• Establish inspection intervals using manufacturer guidance, workplace procedures, and the conditions of use to ensure equipment remains safe.

It means the internal indicator (warning center) built into the strap must remain covered by the webbing and not visible, since exposure indicates internal damage or overload. Requirement in 1926SubpartVAppF specifically requires that the warning center not be exposed.

• If the warning center is visible, remove the strap from service because it has been compromised.