Klein Tools Occupational Protective Connecting Devices - Manual (Page 11)

1.
Inspect stitching and webbing.
Check stitching for broken, burned, cut or pulled
stitches. Broken strands of webbing appear as tufts
on the webbing surface. To visually check for
damage caused by corrosives, heat, chemicals and
other conditions, hold the connecting device with
your hands six to eight inches apart. Bend the
webbing in an inverted “U” to cause surface tension
and to expose problem areas. Inspect entire length.
For deceleration units, check the stitching for
broken, burned, cut or pulled stitches, and the
breakaway jacket for cuts, tears, broken stitches,
stretch marks or other evidence of impact load.
Note: On Klein deceleration units, the uncovering
of a red-lettered warning label inside the leather
jacket indicates that the unit was subjected to a
severe impact force; therefore, the unit must not
be used and must be disposed of immediately.
For deceleration lanyards, check the stitching for
broken, burned, cut or pulled stitches, and/or other
evidence of impact load. Note: On Klein deceleration
lanyards, the uncovering of a red-lettered warning
label indicates that the unit was subjected to a
severe impact force; therefore, the unit must not
be used and must be disposed of immediately.
For aircraft-cable lanyards, check the full length
for breaks, burns, or cuts in the vinyl covering and
the aircraft cable.
2.
Check for broken strands.
Inspect rope lanyards for broken strands by twisting
the rope slightly to undo the braiding. Inspect entire
lanyard in this manner. Lanyards with broken strands
must be discarded.
Note: Twisted rope, such as the nylon filament and
polypropylene rope used in Klein lanyards, is subject
to a condition known as “hockling”, which is similar
to the reverse twisting often seen in a telephone
handset cord. This can be caused by a repetitive
twisting movement such as normal hand rotation in
hooking and unhooking a lanyard dangling freely, or
by using the lanyard to suspend equipment.
Preventative measures include: (1) never using a
lanyard for towing or hoisting, (2) inspecting and
smoothing out after each use, and (3) storing
neatly.
3.
Inspect snap hooks, D-rings, and other metal
parts.
Check hardware for sharp edges and cracks. Rollers
should not be distorted in shape and should roll
freely. Check all parts, especially corners and
attachment points, for wear and cracks.
4.
Destroy and replace all worn or damaged OPE
equipment.
If evidence of excessive wear, deterioration or
mechanical malfunction is observed, replace the
equipment immediately. Never work with worn or
damaged OPE equipment. Using damaged or
worn equipment can cause injury or death.
5.
The inspector is the most important part of
any inspection procedure.
Check all equipment thoroughly and follow all safety
procedures and guidelines. Do not take any shortcuts;
they could result in injury or death.
Important Note: OSHA specifies that all employers
covered by the Occupational Safety and Health
Act are responsible for inspection and
maintenance of all tools and equipment used by
employees — whether owned by the employees or
by the company. Personal-protective equipment
should be inspected before each use, and immediately
removed from service if any sign of wear or damage
is found.
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Connecting Device Inspection Procedures