We work with and inspect equipment from a wide range of recognised working at height and fall protection manufacturers, including:
Comprehensive Solutions with PFPE Management
Personal fall protection equipment, abbreviated in the industry to PFPE covers a wide range of personal height safety equipment that is designed to protect the wearer when working at height. The correct selection, use and maintenance of each component is vital to ensure it works in conjunction with the other components of the system.
From initial supply, ongoing inspections and examinations to maintenance and servicing we’ve got you covered.
Examples of Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE) we can supply, service, inspect, examine and maintain are:
- Full body harnesses
- Fixed and adjustable restraint lanyards
- Fixed and adjustable fall arrest lanyards
- Horizontal Safety Lines (HRL’s)
- Work positioning lanyards
- Work positioning lines
- Anchorage slings
- Inertia Blocks and Inertia Reels
- Self retracting Lines (SRL’s)
- EN795 Class A eyebolts
- EN795 Anchorages all classes
- Roof Anchors
What you need to know
It’s often difficult to determine what the law actually requires you to do in relation to checks, inspections, thorough examinations, servicing and maintenance.
Let’s break it down:
Pre use checks
Should be completed by the wearer before each and every use. They must be adequately trained to carry out this check.
Thorough Examinations
(often referred to as detailed inspections)
The HSE’s guidance states “It is essential that the competent person carrying out any inspection is sufficiently independent and impartial to allow them to make objective decisions and has appropriate and genuine authority to discard defective equipment”.
Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 state these should be carried out by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 12 months.
BS8437:2005+A1:2012 requires equipment to be formally examined at intervals not exceeding 6 months or whereby the equipment is used in an arduous environment at intervals not exceeding 3 months or less.
Where Personal fall protection equipment is used under normal circumstances and operation to lift or lower people, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 Regulation 9 require a thorough examine at an interval not exceeding 6 months.
Servicing and Maintenance
Servicing and maintenance is generally required at an interval set by the manufacturer. It is often missed, not completed or understood by end users and individuals performing detailed and examinations internal to the organisation.
Servicing must be performed by a manufacturer trained service agent.
An example of servicing on PFPE would be fall arrest blocks, inertia reels or self retracting lifelines. This would generally be completed on an annual basis.
The Work at Height Safety Association (WAHSA) has released a technical guidance note TGN01 Guidance on the selection, use, maintenance and inspection of retractable type fall arresters. It states:
“Fall arrest blocks must be serviced, inspected and re-certified by the manufacturer or an approved service company (as specified by the manufacturer) at least every 12 months, or less if deemed necessary”.
Available to download from:
How Our PFPE Inspections Work
We help you stay compliant with LOLER, PUWER, PPE, BS 8437 and EN365 – without the confusion. Here’s how our PFPE inspections are delivered
1. Initial Site Walk & Equipment Log
We identify and record all harnesses, lanyards, connectors, inertia reels, and fall arrest devices requiring inspection.
2. Thorough Visual & Tactile Check
Each item is carefully examined for damage such as wear, UV degradation, rust, and manufacturer expiry dates – in line with the manufacturers guidance, HSE, British Standards, European Standards and ISO standards.
3. Tagging & Quarantine (If Needed)
Items that pass inspection are tagged with the next due date. Any unsafe equipment is quarantined and clearly marked “Do Not Use”.
4. Digital Report & Compliance Record
We issue a digital examination report for each item of equipment. With full details. Drop us an email to see an example.
Need replacements? We’ll advise on compliant alternatives and help you safely remove any failed or expired kit.
Why choose Velocity Safety Ltd
Why choose Velocity Safety Ltd for your Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE) Inspections, Examinations and Servicing requirements
- Manufacturer trained by Abtech Safety Ltd and other leading organisations such as IPAF, NPORS, Spanset and Ridgegear.
- Our engineers have passed various servicing and thorough examination qualifications.
- Approved service and repair agent for Abtech Safety, Ridgegear and Globestock.
- Supplier for leading manufacturers such as Abtech Safety, Ridgegear, Globestock, JSP, Portwest and Solid Swivel
- Over 12 years experience in the health, safety and work at height industry.
- Our director and founder is an accredited IPAF, PASMA and Ladder Association instructor and has over 10 years experience in work at height training delivery.
- We carry out inspections, examinations and servicing to BS8437:2005+A1:2012.
- Fully Insured.
What Others Say About Us…
High-risk contractors rely on us to inspect and service PFPE with zero corners cut – and clear reports that pass audits.
“After many issues with the inspectors from our insurer I contacted Ross to quote. He saved us just over £3000 in the first year. He also does weekends for us to reduce downtime.”
Joe, Civils Company Midlands
“After spending £20k purchasing the wrong powered air units for our factory on our previous PPE supplier/H&S advisors recommendations, Ross came in and told us what we needed, why we needed it and what cost savings could be had over the life of the equipment. I just wish we found him sooner.”
David, Engineering Company North West
“Great Service, Great guy nothing is too much trouble.”
John, Groundworks Company North West
Other Services Available:
- Supply EN795 Eyebolts and Anchor Devices in a variety of materials.
- Supplier of a range of Personal Fall Protection Equipment
- Abtech Safety repair and service agent
- Ridgegear Repair and Service Agent
- Globestock Repair and Service Agent
- Supplier of confined space equipment
- Work at Height Consultancy
- Installer of Class A anchor devices
- Davit Arm Installation & Pull Testing for fall arrest and confined space applications
- Eyebolt and Anchor pull testing service
- Ladder, Step Ladder, Podium and Platform inspections
Frequently Asked Questions – PFPE Inspections
Fall protection is a lifesaving system – not just a box-tick. These FAQs help clarify what’s required and how we can help you stay safe and compliant.
How often should PFPE be inspected?
At minimum every 6 months – but quarterly or more frequent checks are often needed in high-use or harsh environments.
Who can legally carry out PFPE inspections?
Inspections must be conducted by a competent person with knowledge of PFPE, manufacturer guidance, and relevant British Standards. All our inspectors are trained and experienced.
Do you inspect harnesses and inertia reels?
Yes – we examine and service all common PFPE including full body harnesses, lanyards (fall arrest, work positioning, restraint), connectors, SRLs, and rescue kits.
Do I need to keep inspection records?
Yes. You’re legally required to retain documented inspections. We provide digital reports to simplify this.
Can you inspect multiple sites?
Absolutely – we work with clients across multiple locations.
What happens if an item fails inspection?
It’s clearly tagged out of service and recorded in your report. We can advise on suitable replacements if required.
What if I’m unsure about the age or expiry of an item?
We’ll help interpret labels and check manufacture dates.
Can I still use PFPE while waiting for inspection?
Only if it’s within its current inspection interval and not showing signs of damage or expiry. We recommend booking before any lapse.
Do you tag the equipment?
Yes – all compliant items are tagged with inspection status and next due date for visual assurance.
Do you inspect PFPE equipment near me?
Yes – our team inspects Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE) on-site across the North West and beyond. Whether you’re operating harnesses and lanyards in Preston, Blackpool or wider Lancashire, we carry out thorough LOLER and PUWER-compliant checks. National coverage is also available across construction, telecoms and utilities sectors.
Are you qualified to handle PFPE servicing from major manufacturers like RIDGEGEAR?
Yes – Velocity Safety is a RIDGEGEAR-approved service and repair centre. Our technicians are trained on their latest systems, including SRLs and fall protection gear. We carry out full inspections, repairs, and certifications in line with manufacturer protocols.
Can you supply harnesses that are already inspected and tagged?
Yes – we supply fall protection gear that’s ready to use on arrival. Every harness is inspected, tagged, and documented before delivery, so you can deploy it straight to site with confidence.
Whatever your personal fall protection equipment requirements, you can be sure your in honest, reliable and safe hands.
Contact Velocity Safety today 01254 933 486 or Contact Us
Arrange a PFPE Inspection or Repair
Harnesses, lanyards, fall blocks – we inspect and service all major PFPE brands. Ensure your equipment is safe, certified, and compliant with BS8437 and manufacturer standards.
01254 933 486
info@velocitysafety.co.uk
Velocity Safety
Unit 7 Whitebirk Enterprise Centre,
Lower Phillips Road,
Blackburn,
Lancashire
BB1 5UD
