When must a personal fall arrest system be inspected?

A personal fall arrest system is critical for ensuring safety when working at heights. The correct answer is that it must be inspected before each use. This requirement is in place to ensure that all components of the system, such as the harness, lanyards, and anchors, are in safe, working condition before they are used in potentially hazardous situations. Performing an inspection before each use helps identify any wear and tear, damage, or defects that could compromise the system's effectiveness. Regular validations prior to use ensure that any issues can be addressed immediately, thereby protecting the user during operations.

Other options, while they imply regularity, may not be sufficient to ensure safety. Monthly inspections or weekly checks could allow undetected issues to linger and potentially put workers at risk. Simply checking after each workday may also not align with a worker's need for safety on a day-to-day, use-by-use basis. Thus, the practice of inspecting before each use stands out as the most proactive and effective safety measure.