Hello,

I've serached through this forum and through internet but cannot find it anywhere or find mixed information.

I have got a SALA kit that is over 10yo, the insurer has marked the part of it (the rope ) with defect C which states that it is advisory to replace all the fabric items every 10 y.

I did hear that a lot that harnesses, straps, slings, etc. need to be replaced after 10 years. Is there any regulation for this? as I'm trying to back up my case.

Thank you 

https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg367.htm

References: The Work At Height Safety Association Technical Guidance Note 3 “Guidance on inspecting personal fall protection equipment” which is available on internet search as a 2015 pdf but no longer avaialble through their web site https://www.wahsa.org.uk/guidance-notes/

Guidance talks of manufacturers issuing a lifespan or obsolecence date but in many cases this is wholly arbitrary when considering the actual condition of items in use where materials naturally degrade over time due to storage conditions being anything but optimal.

In the real world most fabric items will incur some form of damage through use meaning they eventually become discarded well before a ten year interval.

Importantly you have an insurance inspector assessing the condition of the kit and even though it is an advisory notification belt and braces says you would follow the advice as opposed to taking risk.

If you really want to argue with the insurance inspector ask the manufacturer for their comment.