4. Procedure for Fall Arrest Equipment: Inspection, Maintenance, and Testing

Health and safety concern requirements, full body harness inspection is a necessary part that needs to compliance, full body harness is the equipment that used for the safety purpose, for the maintain safety in the company, some high-risk area like working on height, areas that unbalance and the possibility of the fall down are very strictly required the safety equipment.

Click here to watch a video about the inspection and maintenance of fall protection equipment.

Fall protection slings are conveniently produced from lightweight material to make climbs easy, they are powerfully stitched fabric that is highly resistant to sunlight, water and other chemicals that may cause degradation. They are designed to provide workers with strong grip support and most slings are adjustable, ensuring comfort and safety.

Annual recertification and testing:  Legislation dictates that fall protection equipment must be inspected and certified annually by an accredited person/company for recertification. Testing periods must be no greater than 12 months.

All the safety equipment needs to be inspected to ensure all the equipment is reliable to perform the task in a high-risk area. Workers need to follow these steps as part of the routine to ensure that harnesses and lanyards offer optimal protection:

• All harnesses, lanyards and slings must be inspected before use. Users need to check and ensure that all labels, harness serial numbers, inspection and withdrawal dates are legible. It is also important to check that the safety standard certification mark is visible.
• Inspect the harness and lanyard webbing for any cuts, tears, holes, excessive stretching or abrasion damage. Depending on the type of industry, harnesses can be exposed to heat, corrosives and even hardware, which can compromise the integrity of the webbing.
• Examine all the harness and lanyard hardware and check for corrosion, deformation or excessive movement. Buckle adjusters, D-rings, and snap hooks should be free from dirt and damage. If any of the hardware exhibits excessive wear and tear – replace it immediately.
• Ropes should be checked for cuts, abrasion or fraying, as well as cracked or broken thimbles. If damage to the rope is visible, remove the rope from service and document.
• Inspect all the sewing on the harness and lanyard to ensure that there are no broken, cut or worn threads. It is also important to look out for any damaged or weakened threads as a result of damage through exposure or deterioration. If there are any visible unauthorized repairs, remove the equipment from service immediately.

Basic care of the safety equipment will not only prolong its durable life but will also contribute to the performance of its vital safety functions. Proper storage and maintenance after use are just as important as cleaning the equipment of dirt, corrosives and contaminants. The most effective way of cleaning a harness or lanyard is to first wipe the surface with a damp sponge, before working up a lather using a mild solution of water and dishwashing liquid. Rinse the equipment in lukewarm water, and hang freely to dry away from excessive heat.

To avoid unnecessary damage and deterioration to harness and lanyards as a result of exposure to heat, corrosive or sharp edges, as well as UV or other factors. If there is any doubt about the ability of a piece of equipment to perform accordingly, it is to be removed from service.

Click here to view or download Annexure F

Tagging System

Every harness must have a legible tag identifying the harness, model, date of manufacture, name of manufacturer, limitations and warnings.

• Check tag for date of manufacture and remove from service if past adopted service life policy.
• If tagging system is missing or not legible remove the harness from service.

Cleaning and Storage

Wipe off all surface dirt with a sponge dampened in plain water. Squeeze the sponge dry. Dip the sponge in a mild solution of water and mild detergent. Work up a thick lather, with a vigorous back and forth motion, then wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Hang freely to dry, but away from excessive heat, steam or long periods of sunlight.

Storage areas should be clean, dry and free of exposure to fumes, heat, direct ultraviolet light, sunlight and corrosive elements.

Note: Do not store harnesses next to batteries, the chemical attack can occur if the battery leaks.

Click here to view or download Annexure G