How to Inspect a Safety Harness Before Using It

Equipment inspection is a critical procedure while using safety harnesses and working at heights. At Dutest, we strive to make working conditions as safe as possible by supplying high-quality equipment like full-body harnesses, lanyards, and multi-purpose life-line systems to protect workers who perform various tasks at risky heights.

Let us look at the various ways of inspecting a safety harness before using it.

1. Follow manual instructions

Inspect the instructions of your harness and understand product specifications so you use the right type of harness and wear it correctly. Visual and tactile inspections are pre-use checks that should be carried out before every use to make sure nothing is faulty. Some of the hardware components that can be checked include:

• Webbing – Check for signs of damage such as worn or strained webbing, cracks, loose stitching, or fabric fading which may indicate a poorly made structure.

• D-Rings – Check for signs of rust or damage and make sure the ring pivots freely.

• Buckles – Ensure all rivets are tight and no sharp edges are sticking out. The buckles should not be bent, and stitching should be intact.

• Straps and rope – Look out for broken fibers in the ropes and loose stitching while inspecting the clips on the straps.

• Plastic loops – Check for damaged or broken loops.

2. Check for sun damage

Exposure to ultraviolet rays causes the harness to degrade over time. The harness should be stored away from direct sunlight and harsh chemicals to avoid flaking of the fibers and weakening of the webbing. Fibers that have a glazed appearance may indicate low strength of the webbing.

3. Check for equipment contamination

In work areas where harnesses are exposed to dirt and grime, the material of the harness may result in excessive internal or external abrasion. When dirt and debris get caught under the dorsal D-ring it can lead to acute problems for workers at heights. Cleaning the safety equipment regularly will help maintain its components that operate together to support workers safety.

4. Fasten the harness

Your fall protection harness should be fastened by a qualified individual to fit the wearer appropriately. Tighten or loosen the webbing through the harness buckles so that the person can move around well and have a functional range of motion.

As one of the premium safety harness suppliers in UAE, we select a combination of harnesses that suit your proposed work and anchorage point.

Visit our website for more information.