Inspecting safety harnesses is a critical task to ensure the safety and reliability of personal protective equipment (PPE) used in various industries, including rescue operations.

Regular inspections are essential to maintain their integrity. It is recommended to inspect your safety harness at least once a year and after any major event during the life of your product.

Some manufacturers provide a checklist inspection form. Here is an example harness inspection form from Petzl. Check your manufacturer’s product manual or website for specific inspection procedures.

PPE INSPECTION PROCEDURE

Here is a detailed guide on how to inspect safety harnesses, based on the recommendations from manufacturers like Petzl.

NOTE: you should always refer to your manufacturer’s inspection instructions. Materials used, attachment points, straps, buckles, clamps and stitching may vary by brand.

Preparation

Before starting the inspection, ensure you have the following:

• Manufacturer's Instructions: Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's guidelines for inspection.
• Competent Inspector: The inspection should be conducted by a competent person trained in inspecting PPE.
• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of inspections, including any defects found and actions taken.

Step-by-Step Inspection Guide

1. Known Product History 

• Gather information about the harness's usage conditions and any exceptional events, such as falls, exposure to extreme temperatures, or modifications outside the manufacturer's facilities.

2. Preliminary Observations 

• Serial Number and CE Mark: Check for the presence and legibility of the serial number and the CE mark on the harness.
• Product Lifespan: Check that the product's lifespan has not been exceeded.
• Comparison with New Product: Compare the harness with a newer one of this exact style to ensure there are no modifications or missing parts.

3. Detailed Visual Inspections

a) Checking the Condition of the Straps

• Damage and Wear: Look for cuts, swelling, damage, and wear on the waistbelt straps, leg loops, and shoulder straps and all webbing. Check areas hidden by buckles.
• Safety Stitching: Check the condition of safety stitching on both sides. Look for loose, worn, or cut threads, which are typically of a different colour than the webbing.
• Hems: Ensure hems are present on the strap ends.

b) Checking the Fall Arrest Indicators

• Look for the fall arrest indicators, which, depending on the brand and style, could be found on spots like the dorsal/yoke or ladder climb strap attachment points.

c) Checking the Attachment Points

• Metal Attachment Points: Look for deformation, cracks, marks, wear, or corrosion.
• Plastic Attachment Points: Look for cuts, wear, or tears.
• Textile Attachment Points: Look for cuts, wear, or tears.

d) Checking the Adjustment Buckles

• FAST and DOUBLEBACK Buckles: Ensure there is no deformation, cracks, marks, wear, or corrosion. Check that straps are correctly threaded with no twists and that buckles operate properly.

e) Checking the Condition of Comfort Parts

• Foams: Inspect the condition of waist, leg, and shoulder foams for cuts, wear, or tears.
• Elastic and Plastic Keepers: Check for cuts, wear, or tears.
• Leg Loop Elastic Bands: Verify for cuts, wear, or tears.
• Equipment Loops: Inspect for cuts, wear, or tears.

f) Checking the Chest/Sit Harness Connector (if any)

• Refer to the inspection form for your connector model at the manufacturer's website.
• Ensure the connector is present, correctly attached, and the right model for the harness.

g) Checking the Chest Ascender (if any)

• Refer to the inspection form for your rope clamp model at the manufacturer's website.
• Inspect the condition of the rope clamp and ensure it is properly attached.

4. Functional Test

• Adjustability: Test the harness by adjusting all straps to make sure they work smoothly. Make sure the harness remains secure after adjustments.
• Security of Fastenings: Attach the harness to a test anchor point or structure (such as a beam or rope) and ensure all buckles, straps, and attachment points remain securely fastened and functional.
• Harness Fit: Put the harness on and ensure it fits properly. Make sure all parts are adjusted to fit your body size and that the harness feels comfortable but secure.

5. Record Keeping

• Record Findings: Document any defects found and actions taken.

• Verdict: Determine if the harness is fit to remain in service or should be retired.
• Inspection Details: Include the inspector's name, company, and date of inspection.

Regular inspections are vital to ensure the safety and reliability of safety harnesses. By following these steps, you maintain the integrity of your equipment, ensuring a safe working environment for all users.