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Inspecting climbing ropes and lines: what the codes require

How often a climbing line is checked, who checks it and when it leaves service, as written by OSHA, WorkSafeBC, HSE, the ICoP and the New South Wales and New Zealand codes.

Checked against the sources at the bottom of this page on October 9, 2026. Rules, fees and pay change: the source has the last word.

This page reports what the named codes, regulators and makers say. It is not training and does not teach the work. This page reports what the official source says. It is not legal advice: ask the office named here. Every source below was read on October 9, 2026. The guide on gear inspection rules covers all kit, and line and saddle care covers cleaning and storage.

Credits: HSE text is adapted from HSE pages published under the Open Government Licence v3.0. SafeWork NSW text is adapted from the Tree works code of practice (March 2026), copyright State of New South Wales (SafeWork NSW), licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0; changes were made, because the text is summarised and reworded. WorkSafe New Zealand material is summarised from its Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Arboriculture, with the source acknowledged.

What each source says

SourceWhat it says
HSE, United KingdomHSE says arborists should be trained to carry out a daily pre-use check of their lifting equipment, and that for items with high wear such as ropes a written weekly record of inspection should be kept.
OSHA 1910.140(c)(18), United StatesPersonal fall protection systems are inspected before initial use in each workshift. Under (c)(17), equipment subjected to impact loading is removed from service immediately.
SafeWork NSW code, section 4, New South WalesThe climber thoroughly inspects climbing equipment before and after each use. Damaged equipment is removed from service until a competent person assesses it.
WorkSafe NZ code, 3.2.4, New ZealandArborists check climbing lines, work lines, lanyards and other equipment for damage, cuts, abrasion and deterioration before each use, and remove them if wear or damage is excessive. Lines are stored dry in a bag or box away from sharp tools, petrol, oil, sunlight and chemicals. Climbing lines are free of joining splices or knots.
WorkSafeBC Part 26, 26.12.0.1 to 26.12.0.6, British ColumbiaA qualified arborist inspects the climbing system before it is first used on each shift. A system in which any piece of equipment has arrested a fall is taken out of service, and returned only after the manufacturer, its authorized agent or a professional engineer certifies it safe.
ICoP 3.11, United KingdomThree levels of check: pre-use, interim and thorough examination. Records are kept for each item, with lifespan set by the manufacturer, and equipment past a stated lifespan is withdrawn unless the maker grants evidenced dispensation. Storage is dry, dark and chemically neutral.

Where the sources differ

HSE names a daily pre-use check, with a written weekly record for ropes. OSHA and WorkSafeBC set the check at each workshift or shift. The NSW code says before and after each use, and New Zealand says before each use. The ICoP does not set one interval and asks for pre-use, interim and thorough examinations scaled to the type of equipment, where and how it is used, intensity of use and the consequences of failure. After a fall is arrested, WorkSafeBC and OSHA both take the system out of service.

What the sources leave out

None of the codes read gives a number of years after which a rope is retired. The ICoP leaves the lifespan to the manufacturer. California's section 3427 sends the inspection of climbing lines and other climbing equipment to section 3422(j) and does not itself describe a rope check.

Sources