Daily Safety Harness Checklist: What to Inspect Before Use

Falls are a leading cause of serious injury and death in construction and various other industries. Personal fall protection equipment (PPE), such as safety harnesses, plays a crucial role in mitigating these risks. However, the effectiveness of a safety harness hinges on its condition and proper use. Regular inspections are essential to ensure harnesses remain in good working order and provide the necessary protection.

This comprehensive guide outlines a Daily Safety Harness Checklist to help construction workers, project managers, safety officers, and safety committees perform thorough inspections before each use.

Why Daily Inspections Matter?

Even with robust PPE, the safety of workers cannot be guaranteed without regular checks. Daily inspections help identify wear and tear, damage, or any other issues that could compromise the harness’s functionality. By conducting these inspections, employers and workers can foster a culture of safety, comply with regulations, and significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

What to Inspect: Key Components of Personal Fall Protection Equipment

Fall protection equipment encompasses more than just harnesses. A complete daily inspection should include:

Safety Harnesses: The primary component that anchors workers to prevent falls.
Lanyards: Connect the harness to a secure anchorage point.
D-Rings: Metal rings on the harness used for attaching lanyards and lifelines.
Carabiners: Snap hooks that connect lanyards to D-rings or other anchorage points.
Fall Arrestors: Devices that absorb impact forces in the event of a fall.

Daily Safety Harness Inspection Checklist

Conducting a daily inspection involves a systematic examination of each component of the harness and related equipment. Follow these seven steps to ensure a thorough check:

1. Verify Product Labeling and Documentation

Check Model and Documentation: Ensure the harness model matches the documentation and user manual.
Legible Labels: Confirm that labels display the manufacturer’s name, model number, date of manufacture, size, and capacity rating (weight limit). If labels are missing or illegible, retire the harness immediately.

2. Inspect the Harness Webbing and Stitching

Webbing Condition: Look for cuts, tears, fraying, discoloration, or any signs of excessive wear on the straps.
Stitching Integrity: Examine all stitching for loose threads, breaks, or deviations from the original pattern, especially around buckles and D-rings where stress is concentrated.
Damage Indicators: Remove the harness from service if any damage or compromised stitching is found.

3. Review Fall Indicators and Metal Parts

Fall Indicators: Check for red webbing or other indicators that a fall arrest has been activated. Harnesses that have arrested a fall must be retired.
Metal Components: Inspect D-rings, buckles, and connectors for cracks, deformation, rust, or other signs of wear. Ensure D-rings move freely and lock securely in place.
Functionality: Confirm that all metal parts are functioning properly without any defects.

4. Assess Buckles and Adjustments

Buckle Operation: Ensure that buckles function smoothly and lock securely.
Wear and Damage: Look for worn or damaged buckles that may not latch properly.
Strap Adjustments: Verify that all adjustment straps operate smoothly and hold the harness in place without slipping.

5. Check Lanyards and Connectors for Safety

Lanyard Condition: Inspect the lanyard for cuts, fraying, excessive wear, burns, or chemical damage that could compromise its strength.
Connector Functionality: Ensure all connectors, such as carabiners, operate smoothly and lock securely.
Damage Assessment: Retire any lanyard or connector that shows signs of damage.

6. Clean and Store Properly

Cleaning: Wipe the harness with mild soap and water to remove dirt, grime, or contaminants. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could degrade the material.
Drying: Allow the harness to dry completely in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Storage: Store the harness flat or hanging without folding or bunching the webbing to prevent deformation. Refer to the manufacturer’s specific cleaning and storage recommendations.

7. Document Findings and Make Decisions

Record Keeping: Document the inspection date, harness information, inspector’s name, and any identified defects.
Decision Making: Based on the inspection, decide whether the harness is safe for continued use, requires repairs, or needs to be retired. Maintain these records as part of your safety protocols.

Quick Reference: Harness Inspection Table

Component	Inspection Criteria	Action Required
Product Labeling	Verify labels are legible with required information (manufacturer’s name, model number, date of manufacture, size, capacity rating).	Retire if labels are missing or illegible.
Webbing and Stitching	Look for cuts, tears, fraying, discoloration, or loose threads, especially around buckles and D-rings.	Retire if webbing is damaged or stitching is compromised.
Fall Indicators	Check for red webbing or other indicators of fall arrest.	Retire if a fall arrest is indicated.
Metal Parts	Inspect D-rings, buckles, and connectors for cracks, deformation, rust, and ensure proper locking.	Retire if metal parts are damaged or malfunctioning.
Buckles and Adjustments	Ensure buckles function smoothly and straps hold securely.	Retire if buckles are damaged or straps are faulty.
Lanyards and Connectors	Inspect for cuts, fraying, wear, burns, or chemical damage; ensure connectors lock securely.	Retire if lanyard or connector is damaged.
General Condition	Look for any other signs of damage, wear, or malfunction.	Retire if any questionable conditions are found.

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and relevant safety standards for detailed inspection criteria.

Who Is Qualified to Perform Harness Inspections?

OSHA regulations mandate that a “competent person” conduct periodic harness inspections. A competent person is someone who is:

Qualified: Possesses the necessary knowledge, training, and experience.
Trained: Has undergone relevant training on harness inspection.
Authorized: Could be a safety manager, a manufacturer’s representative, or a third-party inspection service.

Premier Safety offers comprehensive fall protection training programs, including harness inspection, to empower your workforce.

OSHA Harness Inspection Requirements

OSHA requires employers to ensure that all PPE, including harnesses, undergo the following inspections:

Before First Use: Inspect a new harness to verify it is free of defects and has proper documentation.
Prior to Each Use: Conduct a quick visual check for any apparent damage.
Periodically: Perform a detailed inspection by a competent person at least every six months.

Note: These are minimum requirements. High-use environments may necessitate more frequent inspections.

Proper Use of a Safety Harness

Even the best-maintained harness can fail if not worn correctly. Follow these guidelines for safe use:

Proper Fit: Ensure the harness fits snugly but comfortably. A loose harness can increase the risk of injury during a fall.
Correct Positioning: Check that all straps are securely fastened and properly positioned.
Secure Attachment: Attach the lanyard to a designated D-ring on the harness back.

For detailed instructions, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and relevant safety training materials.

Additional Inspection Tips

After a Fall Arrest: Always inspect the harness for any signs of damage if it has been involved in a fall.
Exposure to Chemicals or Extreme Conditions: Inspect the harness if it has been exposed to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, or other environmental factors.
Signs of Wear or Damage: Conduct inspections whenever you notice signs of wear or damage, even if the inspection is not routine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Refer to the manufacturer’s user manual and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific inspection recommendations tailored to your harness model.

If the harness label is missing or illegible, retire the harness immediately. Without proper identification, it’s impossible to verify essential details like model, capacity rating, or date of manufacture.

While OSHA does not explicitly require written records, maintaining inspection documentation is considered best practice. Documentation demonstrates your commitment to worker safety and can be invaluable in the event of an incident.

Common reasons include cuts, tears, fraying in the webbing, damaged stitching, malfunctioning buckles, or compromised metal components. Harnesses that have arrested a fall should always be retired.

Focus on the integrity of the webbing, stitching, metal components, buckles, and lanyards. Look for any signs of damage, wear, or malfunction that could compromise the harness’s protective capabilities.

A safety harness should comply with all applicable safety standards, such as OSHA or ANSI. These standards ensure the harness meets minimum requirements for strength, durability, and functionality.

Wearing a safety harness provides:

Fall Protection: Prevents or mitigates the impact of falls.
Peace of Mind: Workers can perform tasks with reduced fear of falling.
Increased Comfort: Modern harnesses are designed for comfort during extended use.
Better Safety Awareness: Promotes a culture of safety and vigilance.

Conclusion

Daily inspections of safety harnesses are a critical component of workplace safety protocols. By following this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure that your harnesses remain in optimal condition, providing reliable protection for workers. Regular inspections, coupled with proper use and maintenance, contribute significantly to preventing fall-related accidents and fostering a safe working environment.