8
Pre-Use Checks and Periodic Examinations
The safety of the user relies upon the continued efficiency and durability of the equipment, therefore pre-use checks shall be
completed before each use. See Table 2 Pre-Use Checks for pre-use check information. Periodic examinations shall be
completed by a person, other than the user, competent in the examination of PFLs, in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. The interval will be dictated by the usage, local regulations, and environmental conditions, and will be at least
annually. See Table 3 Periodic Examination Interval for more information. A record shall be kept of the results of the
examination.
Table 2 Pre-Use Checks
Pre-Use Checks
Method
Load Indicator
Ensure load indicator has not been deployed. See Section
.
Labels
Ensure labels are legible.
Examination Date
Ensure date of next examination has not elapsed. Ensure a periodic examination is not due as
determined by a competent person. See Table 3 Periodic Examination Interval and product’s
inspection grid.
General Condition
and Lifeline
Examine for signs of excessive damage, wear, corrosion or contamination. Check energy absorber
pouch for signs of cuts, abrasion, fraying/broken strands, tears, burns, mold, discoloration or
chemical damage. Inspect the full length of lifeline and verify that it has no broken, frayed, cut,
abraded, or missing threads. Verify there are no reductions in width or thickness of the lifeline. Verify
there are no smooth, discolored, shiny, hardened, or glazed areas of the lifeline that indicate
exposure to heat or chemicals.
Housing
Examine the housing and verify there are no cracks, excessive signs of wear, or extreme
discoloration. Verify that all fasteners are in place and secure.
Extraction and
Retraction
Inspect lifeline extraction and retraction by pulling the full length of the line out and letting it retract
back into the housing in a controlled manner. Maintain a light tension on the lifeline while it retracts.
The line operation must be smooth and unhesitant.
Lock-on
Pull sharply on the lifeline – ensure device locks. Repeat three times.
Connectors
Check for correct operation of connector and connector gate.
Table 3 Periodic Examination Interval
Usage
Interval
Infrequent to light
Annually (12 months)
Moderate to heavy
Semi-annually to annually (6-12 months)
Severe to continuous
Quarterly to semi-annually (3-6 months)
Usage shall be determined by a competent person. A competent person is defined as a person, other than
the user, competent in the examination of PPE in accordance with MSA instructions.
The V-SHOCK PFL is not repairable. Maximum product life: Continued use is dependent upon passing pre-use checks and
periodic examinations. Service life may be reduced by frequency and conditions of use or local regulations.
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V-SHOCK® & V-SHOCK® EDGE
Personal Fall Limiter (PFL)
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8 Pre-Use Checks and Periodic Examinations
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