Safety harnesses protect workers from fall-related injuries, the number one cause of job site accidents. The most critical factor for safety is keeping your equipment inspected and in working order. Here are some tips that will help.
Inspecting Your Harness
You must inspect all components (including hardware, lanyards, and positioning harnesses or full body harnesses, depending on which system is used) of personal fall arrest systems, personal fall restraint systems, and positioning device systems before each use according to the manufacturer’s specifications for mildew, wear, damage, and other deterioration. You must remove defective components from the service if their function or strength has been adversely affected.
Webbing – Look for:
- Cuts, nicks, and tears
- Broken fibers or cracks
- Overall deterioration
- Fraying and abrasions
- Hard or shiny spots
Stitching – Look for:
- Pulled stitches
- Missing stitching
- Cut stitches
- Discoloration of stitches
Hardware – Look for:
- Distortion (twists, bends)
- Rough or sharp edges
- Rust or corrosion
- Broken/distorted grommets
- Modifications by users
