Inspecting connectors and devices: what the codes require
What the NSW and New Zealand codes ask a climber to check on carabiners, snap hooks, descenders and ascenders, and when they leave service.
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 ratings for this hardware are in the guide on connectors and hardware ratings, and the device types are in climbing devices by type.
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
| Source | What it says |
|---|---|
| SafeWork NSW code, 4.10, New South Wales | Connection hardware is fit for purpose and inspected for safe operation before, during and after use. Faulty or defective hardware is permanently removed from service. The maker's manual is followed for use, maintenance and storage. |
| SafeWork NSW code, 4.6 | Defective ascenders, descenders and rope grabs are removed from service until repaired and assessed as fit for use. |
| WorkSafe NZ code, 3.2.9, New Zealand | The code lists checks for significant dents or distortion, cracks or forging folds, and weak pivots or springs, with removal from service if wear or damage is excessive. It says the equipment is not modified or repaired, is kept in a container away from cutting tools and chemicals, and is cleaned as the maker says. |
| OSHA 1910.140(c)(18), United States | Personal fall protection systems are inspected before initial use in each workshift. Under (c)(17), equipment subjected to impact loading is removed from service immediately. |
| ICoP 3.11, United Kingdom | Three 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 Records are kept for each item, with lifespan set by the manufacturer, and equipment past a stated lifespan is withdrawn unless the maker grants evidenced dispensation.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. |
Repair and alteration
The two codes differ on repair. NSW says defective ascenders and descenders can be returned after repair and assessment, and defective connection hardware is permanently removed. New Zealand says not to modify or repair ancillary equipment at all. The ICoP allows routine maintenance such as cleaning and lubrication to the maker's instructions and treats anything outside that as alteration.
What the sources leave out
No source gives a gate wear limit or a maximum age for hardware. Gate and locking checks are left to the maker's instructions.
Sources
- SafeWork NSW, Tree works code of practice, March 2026, read October 9, 2026
- WorkSafe New Zealand, Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Arboriculture, read October 9, 2026
- OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.140 Personal fall protection systems, read October 9, 2026
- Arboricultural Association, Industry Code of Practice for Arboriculture: Tree Work at Height (ICoP), second edition, May 2020, read October 9, 2026