Inspection

Regular inspections are critical to ensure the safety of equipment. Follow these guidelines for all components.

Before First Use

• Photograph the apparatus to document its original condition.
• Inspect the full length for any imperfections.

Before Each Use

• Maintain a usage and inspection log, including any incidents.

Inspect rope for:

• Damaged, frayed, or worn fibres.
• Wear or damage to eyes or attachments.
• Proper seating of connectors (carabiners or shackles) on thimbles.
• Contamination (e.g., dirt, oil, chemicals).
• Loosening of splicing, whipping, or stitching.
• Signs of dynamic loading (e.g., after a fall).

Inspect trapeze for:

• Proper seating of connectors on thimbles.
• Cracks, deformation, wear, or corrosion.
• Correct positioning of all components.
• Consider storage conditions.

⚠️Shackle trapezes

• Use an Allen key to ensure shackle pins are tightened and flush.
• Do not use without thread lock.

Full Inspection (Every 6 Months)

A competent person must perform a thorough inspection every six months. Record:

• Date, inspector’s name, and photographic documentation
• Comparison to original condition

Key Checks

• Examine rope and stitching for damage or deterioration.
• Smell rope for mildew or chemical contamination.
• Bend rope into U-shape to detect stiffness or internal damage.
• Inspect for cracks, distortion, corrosion, burrs, or heat discoloration (>100°C).
• Document defects with photos and compare to original records.

For steel components:

• 5% material loss → Increase inspection frequency.
• 5–10% loss → Retire or replace affected parts.
• Check for cracks, distortion, corrosion, burrs, or heat discoloration (>100°C).
• Inspect attachment points, welds, bolts, and joins for movement or deformation.
• Use photos and measurements to detect permanent deformation (sign of overloading).

⚠️Shackle trapezes

• Remove shackles to check for wear on the bar or pin.
• Clean threads and reapply blue thread lock before reassembly.
• Do not use without thread lock.

Dyna-Core Ropes

• Open gaps in outer cotton rope to inspect dyneema core
• Check dyneema around thimble eye for abrasion and secure seating

PolySafe Ropes

• Damage to the cover may indicate damage to the load-bearing core.
• Examine full length for cuts, abrasions, or damage to cover/stitching.
• Check internal fibres for lumps, kinks, or irregularities.
• Surface fibre chafing is normal but must be monitored—especially at eyes, attachments, and high-stress areas.
• Local abrasion from sharp edges under tension can cause significant strength loss.
• Cross/longitudinal cuts, selvedge or stitching damage may indicate core damage.
• If core is exposed → discontinue use immediately.
• Flaking or softening of cover suggests chemical damage.
• Glazed or fused fibres indicate weakening, especially at eyes.