How do i inspect my fall arrest harness?

Inspecting your fall arrest harness may seem a tiresome activity but should be an essential part of your routine

Break up the inspection into these steps

1. Check the "label"

• Confirm that the "label" has an individual serial number
• Confirm that the "label" has a valid inspection date and there were no reported problems
• Confirm the manufacturing date is present and that the harness does not exceed the five year working life*

2. Hardware check

Check condition of rear "D" Ring for:

• Distortion
• Fatigue/Rust (Excess of 15% surface coverage: rule of thumb, if you can rub the rust off between thumb and forefinger then it is unacceptable)
• Cracking
• Burrs
• Nicks
• Excessive Wear

Check plastic back plate, Fasteners, Web tidies, Adjusters and Connectors for:

• Excessive wear
• Cracks
• Damage
• Discolouration

3. Software check

• Hold the harness up by the shoulder straps and ensure that the webbing hangs evenly
• Connect buckles and ensure harness is not distorted and hangs correctly
• Check webbing for signs of UV (Colour fading is a good indication of UV damage and is easiest to identify when comparing to a new harness)
• Check webbing for signs of Chemical damage (Staining is a good indication of Chemical damage and can be identified if the harness appears brittle or hardened)
• Check Condition of webbing by running through thumb and forefinger

in all cases software, must be free from: -

• Cuts
• Fraying
• Excessive Abrasion

If you encounter any problems or you are unsure that your harness fits to the standard defined above, replace it, for a comprehensive list refer to our Harness Replacement section.

It is worth noting that proper care and cleaning of a fall arrest harness is just as important as the inspection itself.

Care:

1. Store in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight
2. Do not use a drying room to dry webbing products
3. Do not stand on a harness when donning/removing
4. Do not use marker pen or solvents
5. Clean using non biological detergent at a low temperature

Cleaning:

1. Before an inspection make sure equipment is clean.
2. Wash in warm soapy water with a sponge and hang to dry naturally.
3. Never expose to heat and never use a drying room.

*please note: working life defined by a valid and registered first issue certificate, if not available working life is set by your manufacturing date; five year working life is a guideline and harness working life is subject to individual manufacturer specifications