How Often Should My Rope Access Equipment Be Checked?

A Practical Guide for UK Rope Access Technicians and Clients

When you work in rope access, your equipment isn’t just gear—it’s your lifeline. Whether you're a technician on the ropes or a company responsible for safe operations, knowing how often rope access equipment must be inspected is essential. In the UK, inspections are governed by a combination of IRATA guidance and legal requirements under LOLER and PUWER. Below, we break down what you need to know in clear, practical terms.

Daily (or Pre-Use) Checks – Every Time You Go on the Ropes

Before starting any job, all rope access equipment must undergo a pre-use check. This is a quick but thorough visual and tactile inspection carried out by the user.

You’re looking for things like:

• Cuts, glazing, or wear on ropes

• Damaged stitching on harnesses and lanyards

• Cracks, sharp edges, or deformation on metal devices

• Functionality of moving parts, cams, and descenders

If anything looks questionable, the equipment should be quarantined immediately and reviewed by a competent person. Pre-use checks are your first line of defence and must be done every time.

Detailed Recorded Inspections – At Least Every 6 Months

Under the LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998), all rope access equipment used for lifting or supporting people must undergo a thorough inspection every six months.

This applies to items such as:

• Ropes

• Harnesses

• Cow’s tails/lanyards

• Ascenders and descenders

• Back-up devices

• Connectors (karabiners, maillons, etc.)

• Pulley systems and lifting equipment

These inspections must be carried out by a Competent Person—typically an experienced IRATA Level 3 or someone specifically trained to perform statutory equipment examinations.

All findings must be documented in an equipment inspection record.

Some Equipment Requires 12-Month Inspections

Certain kit that isn't used for supporting or lifting people falls under the standard LOLER/PUWER guidelines and needs inspecting at least every 12 months. This usually applies to:

• General lifting equipment not used to suspend personnel

• Storage or rigging items not directly part of the rope access system

While rope access companies often include everything under a 6-month inspection cycle for simplicity and safety, legally only some items fall under the 12-month rule.

After Any Incident or Suspected Damage

If a piece of equipment has:

• Been dropped from height

• Experienced excessive shock loading

• Been exposed to chemicals or extreme heat

• Been involved in any kind of incident

…it must be immediately withdrawn from service, quarantined and inspected, regardless of when it was last checked. Equipment may need to be retired permanently depending on the findings.

New Equipment Should Also Be Logged and Checked

Even brand-new kit should be:

• Added to the equipment register (Scannable can make this process a lot easier!)

• Allocated a unique ID

• Inspected before first use

Manufacturing defects are rare but not impossible, and UK best practice is to treat new gear with the same scrutiny as used gear. Make sure you retain the Certificate of Conformity (CoC), technical instructions and the original purchase invoice. Many new items of equipment now come with RFID tags built in, some with 2D codes like barcodes, QR codes, and data matrix codes (like the codes on Petzl equipment)

IRATA’s Guidance: Maintain a Robust PPE Management System

IRATA’s ICOP and TACS emphasise the importance of:

• A structured PPE tracking system

• Routine inspections

• Clear quarantine procedures

• Competent oversight (usually by a Level 3)

A good rope access company will track the life cycle of every item and remove kit well before it becomes a hazard.

So… How Often Should Rope Access Equipment Be Checked?

The Simple Answer

• Pre-use: Every time the equipment is used

• Formal inspection: At least every 6 months for equipment supporting persons

• Other lifting gear: Every 12 months minimum

• After incidents: Immediately

• When new: Before first use

Following these guidelines helps protect technicians’ lives and ensures your operation stays compliant with UK legislation.

We sell Scannable that can help you easily keep track of all your equipment and it's individual asset inspection schedule, just using the app and any normal smart phone.