When a fall protection audit goes badly, it's rarely because the physical equipment is unsafe. It's because the documentation proving it's safe, current, and properly managed isn't where it should be. A safety file that's disorganised or incomplete creates exactly the same red flag as equipment that's genuinely non-compliant, even when the hardware itself is fine.
What an auditor actually looks for
- •A site-specific Fall Protection Plan, compiled by a documented competent person - not a generic template
- •Test certificates for every anchor point, matched to the specific anchor rather than a general batch certificate
- •Current inspection records, dated within the last year, for every anchor and lifeline
- •Training records showing each worker has been trained on the specific equipment they use, not just a general induction
- •A clear rescue plan alongside the Fall Protection Plan, not assumed as implied
The gap that catches people out most often
Inconsistency between records and reality. A safety file listing five anchor points when a site walk reveals six, or training records for staff who've since left without updated records for their replacements, reads as poor management even if every individual document is technically correct. Auditors notice mismatches faster than missing documents.
Team using equipment without documented training on it?See training coursesA simple pre-audit checklist
- •Walk the site and count anchor points physically, then check that number against the file
- •Confirm every anchor has its own dated test certificate, not a shared generic one
- •Check the most recent inspection date on each anchor against the annual requirement
- •Cross-check current staff working at height against who actually has training records on file
- •Confirm the Fall Protection Plan reflects the site as it is now, not as it was when first written
Building a file that survives scrutiny
The most reliable safety files are updated as installations and inspections happen, not reconstructed from memory the week before an audit. Every installation we complete comes with test certificates and inspection sheets handed over at the time, specifically so this documentation exists from day one rather than needing to be chased down later.
If you're not confident your current file would hold up, a good first step is a straightforward review against what's physically installed on site - flagging gaps before an auditor does.
Want your documentation and inspection records brought up to date together?See our documentation serviceWritten by Empire Height Safety Solutions.
