Protecting Your Safety Harness: Maintenance and Care Tips

Safety harnesses are crucial personal protective equipment (PPE) for anyone working at heights. Proper care and maintenance of your harness can significantly extend its lifespan and ensure optimal performance when you need it most. Here are some key tips to protect and maintain your safety harness:

Storage and Transport

Proper storage and transportation of your safety harness are essential for its longevity:

• Store your harness in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to prevent UV damage.
• Avoid damp storage areas to prevent mold growth.
• When transporting, use a protective pack to shield your harness from potential damage.
• Be cautious of extreme temperatures during transport, as they can degrade the harness material.
  

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning and proper maintenance are crucial for preserving your harness:

• Clean your harness with lukewarm soapy water (pH neutral, max 30°C) and rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
• For stubborn spots, use a small brush to remove dirt or mud.
• After use in salty environments, rinse the harness with fresh water.
• Machine washing is possible using a delicate synthetic setting (30°C) without a spin cycle. Place the harness in a thick cloth bag to protect the washing machine.
  

Drying and UV Protection

Proper drying techniques help maintain the integrity of your harness:

• Air-dry your harness away from UV sources.
• Avoid proximity to heat sources such as direct sunlight, wood fires, or radiators.
• Remove gear from packs after each use, even if cleaning isn't necessary, to allow proper drying.

Inspection and Retirement

Regular inspection is crucial for ensuring the safety of your harness:

• Check your harness for signs of wear, damage, or degradation before each use.
• Be aware that the maximum lifetime for plastic and textile products is up to 10 years from the date of manufacture. For metal products, the lifetime is indefinite. Note: always refer to the manufacturer's’ instructions for expiry.
• Retire your harness immediately if it has been subjected to a significant fall or shows signs of damage, even if that means the harness is used once.
• Check out our harness inspection checklist.

Chemical Exposure and Marking

Be cautious about what comes into contact with your harness:

• Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, solvents, or corrosive substances.
• When marking your harness, use only small pieces of adhesive tape on non-safety parts, as some chemical components can weaken the fibers.
  
  
  

By following these guidelines, you can significantly extend the life of your safety harness and ensure it remains in top condition for when you need it most.

(Images: Edelrid)