Safety harnesses are one of the most critical pieces of PPE for work at height, designed to keep you safe and secure and reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a fall. However, like all safety gear, harnesses can wear out over time and become unsafe if not properly maintained or inspected.
This blog will explain the key areas to look for when determining whether your harness is safe to use so that you can stay safe and secure when working at height.
1) Fraying, Cuts and Tears
When inspecting your harness, look for any fraying, cuts, abrasions or tears on the webbing (the straps). Even minor damage like loose fibres and threads can compromise the strength of the harness. Gently tug on the straps to see if they have any significant slack or give, if the harness is in full working order, they should feel firm and secure.
2) Stitching
All stitching on the harness should be tight and intact. If you see any frayed, loose, broken or missing stitches, the harness should be immediately replaced. Pay close attention to the stitching at load-bearing points like the waist, leg and shoulder straps.
3) Discolouration
If your harness appears excessively faded or discoloured, it may have had prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can degrade the material over time and cause it to lose its strength. It is also important to look for signs of staining or burn marks can could indicate chemical damage.
4) D-Rings and Buckles
If the D-rings on your harness are bent or cracked in an way, they will not be strong enough to protect you during a fall. As the D-rings and buckles are made of metal, you should also always check for signs of rust and corrosion that may weaken the structure, and double-check that all buckles are able to be locked securely into place.
5) Padding and Deformation
Harnesses should always retain their shape after use. If your harness has become misshapen, twisted or misaligned, it may not be able to provide the necessary support and safety you need.
You should also check any areas where the padding seems worn, as a harness with worn-out padding can not only lead to discomfort, but can also result in poor distribution of pressure, increasing the risk of injury.
6) Evidence of Impact
Harnesses that have been involved in a fall should always be retired, because even if there is no visible damage, the fibres may have weakened under stress.
If in Doubt, Replace It!
If you have any doubts about a harness’ safety or even if you only spot minor issues, replace it immediately.
If you have spotted your harness is unsafe and needs replacing, why not check out our extensive range of safety harnesses? We stock harnesses for a wide range of work at height activities, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs in our collection.
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