Confined spaces can be a claustrophobic safety hazard for workers when lowering to a workspace is required. Improper use or failure to adequately inspect the rescue tripod to use could result in serious injury to the lowered worker. Hazardous situations such as employee injuries can be avoided by making a confined space tripod inspection checklist and looking for any signs of malfunction.
When to Check Your Tripod
Tripods used to enter confined spaces should be thoroughly inspected before each use and briefly checked after use to ensure there are no obvious malfunctions. Additional inspections should be carried out periodically; inspections should be carried out at least annually.
If at any stage of the inspection the tripod does not perform as expected, the tripod should be discontinued immediately. Inspections are required after every fall event to document where equipment failed. After the cause is finally determined, use of the tripod must be discontinued.
A Visual inspection
You need to start inspecting your tripod by looking for the obvious first signs of potential failure. These signs include:
Parts that are misaligned, broken, bent, worn, or damaged in any way.
Loose or missing fasteners on components.
Signs of material deterioration or corrosion.
Any other indication of a threat to the integrity of the tripod.
1.check leglocks
Engage the tripod's leg locks and make sure they are secure and working as intended.
2.The lifeline
Once the tripod is set up, check that the lifeline is intact by pulling it out all the way. Inspect the entire rope for cuts, corrosion, broken strands, and other signs of damage. Test its ability to retract by pulling the cord out a few feet and letting it retract into its housing unit. As the rope retracts, maintain a slight tension on the rope itself.
a. an successful test
If all is well, the line should retract fully into the housing compartment without issue.
b. an unsuccessful test
If the cord jams or does not fully retract into the housing unit, pull the entire length of the cord and allow it to retract under tension. If the line still has problems during the retraction process, it is not suitable for use.
3.braking mechanism
To engage the brake system of the tripod lifeline, grab the line above the load indicator.
Indication of a successful test
Then applying a sharp downward force to the line should activate the braking mechanism. prevent the line from falling further. Once the line is released, and force is no longer applied, the brake should disengage and retract normally into the lifeline housing.
Signs of failing brake system
There should not be any slippage of the wire when the brake is applied. If the lifeline is still pulled after the brake is engaged, the mechanism is no longer safe or not working properly.
4.snap hook
Observe that the snap hooks operate freely, lock and rotate correctly and smoothly. Check the snap hook retainer for signs of damage and make sure there are no bent, cracked or deformed parts.
5.load indicator
Check the load indicator for any signs of activation. The load indicator fits in the swivel of the snap hook. When enough downward force is applied to the swivel, the eyelet of the swivel will reveal a red area.
6.retrieval mechanism
Check the retrieval mechanism and make sure it is working. Make sure none of the components are corroded or misaligned or deformed in any way.
7.Webbing straps
With hands 6 to 8 inches apart, grasp the webbing. Bend the webbing into an inverted U shape. The resulting surface tension will cause any loose fibers and cuts to be easily exposed. Continue this process along the entire length of the webbing to make sure there is no damage. Flip the webbing over and repeat the process, making sure there are no faults or loose fibers on the other side.
damage that needs attention
frayed edges
broken fiber
burn
chemical damage
reduce
pull wire
8.D rings
Check the attachment point of the D-ring to make sure it is secure and can turn freely. Check the D-ring for cracks, sharp edges and deformation.
9.Buckles
Special attention must be paid to the buckle, as any neglected damage could cause it to break, resulting in injury to the worker. Check the buckling system for unusual damage or deformation. Check that the rollers and tongue move freely and that the tongue overlaps the buckle frame properly. Check the outer and center rods for any signs of deformation.
Potential Causes of Tripod Problems
overheat
Webbing and cord may become brittle and take on a brown, shriveled appearance when exposed to heat of 180 degrees Fahrenheit. After this exposure, the fibers break upon bending.
exposure to chemicals
Chemicals will cause the rope to turn brown and may cause the rope and webbing to lose their elasticity.
open flame or molten metal
Rope and webbing will become hard and brittle, and may fuse together when exposed to open flame. Hard, shiny spots will appear on the webbing.
paints and solvents
Dried paint will restrict movement of webbing and rope fibers. Solvents and desiccants can cause the rope fibers and webbing to react as if exposed to chemicals, losing their elasticity and turning brown.
Do not neglect to check
There are many points of failure when it comes to confined space tripod inspections. Neglecting to perform these necessary assessments can lead to avoidable situations such as worker injury and, in worst cases, worker death. Keep abreast of the inspection situation to ensure that employees are protected from unnecessary danger.
