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

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*

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

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

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.

When using slings you should be familiar with the safe use of slings. Slings should only be used by trained operatives who understand the methods of rating and application of mode factors:

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• Good slinging practice must ensure that the load is as safe and secure in the air as it was on the ground and that no harm is done to the load, lifting equipment, other property or persons.

• Establish the weight of the load, ensure the lifting method is suitable and inspect the sling and attachments for obvious defects. Prepare the landing area  making sure the floor is strong enough to take the load. Follow any specific instructions from the supplier.

• Ensure the lifting point is over the centre of gravity. Any loose parts of the load should be removed or secured. Secure the sling firmly to the load by hooks onto lifting points or shackles etc. The sling must not be twisted, knotted or kinked in any way.

• Use packing to prevent damage to the sling from corners or edges and to protect the load.

• Do not exceed the SWL or rated angle. Any choke angle must not exceed 120° and any basket 90°.

• Do not hammer, force or wedge slings or accessories into position; they must fit freely.

• When attaching more than one sling to the hook of the appliance use a shackle to join the slings and avoid overcrowding the hook.

• Use an established code of signals to instruct the crane driver.

• Ensure the load is free to be lifted and not, for example, bolted down.

• Check that there are no overhead obstacles such as power lines.

• Keep fingers, toes etc clear ensuring they do not become trapped when lifting, lowering or controlling loads.

• Make a trial lift by raising the load a little to ensure it is balanced, stable and secure and if not lower it and adjust the slinging arrangement.

• Where appropriate use tag lines to control the load.

• Except where special provision is made, do not allow anyone to pass under or ride upon the load. The area should be kept clear.

• Make a trial set down, ensure the sling will not become trapped and the load will not tip when the slings are released. Use supports which are strong enough to sustain the load without crushing.

• Never drag slings over floors etc or attempt to drag a trapped sling from under a load.

• Never use a sling to drag a load.

• Place the hooks of free legs back onto the master link and take care to ensure that empty hooks do not become accidentally engaged.

• Never use slings in contact with chemicals or heat without the manufacturers approval.

• Never use damaged or contaminated slings.

• On completion of the lift return all equipment to proper storage.