Fall Protection

Fall protection safety should be a top priority when working on tasks that require harnesses. Performing regular worksite and safety harness inspections can help prevent fatal falls and accidents. Site safety inspections should ensure permits, installation, training and overall equipment are in place. Harnesses and lanyards should always be inspected before use to determine if the equipment is in safe condition.

This article covers:

1. General safety tips when inspecting safety harnesses.
2. A list of common safety harness connection types and usages
3. Free digital safety harness inspection checklists you can use on your handheld device

Download Free Construction Site Safety Checklists

5 Harness Inspection Safety Tips

1. Inspect labels and tags

   Always check to ensure product labelling and tagging is legible and attached to the lanyard

2. Webbings and stitching

   Webbing should be free from cuts, broken fibers and other damage. Visually check for damage across the entire length of equipment

3. Inspect all D-rings and metal parts

   D-rings, buckles, rivets and grommets should be free from cracks and deformities. Visually and physically check for sharp edges and distortions.

4. Inspect snap hook ends

   Snap Hooks should have no hook and eye distortions. Check for evidence of corrosion or other damage.

5. Check lanyards

   Lanyards should be able to carry standard body weight. Inspect rope lanyards for broken strands. Discard lanyards with broken strands.

Types of Safety Harnesses

Below is a list of common safety harness connection types and their usage.

1. Fall Arrest

A fall arrest gives freedom of movement for personnel to do their duties. It allows them to reach a point where a fall can occur where it safely stops a person from hitting the ground.

2. Work Positioning

This allows a worker to have both of their hands free to work while they remain connected to the work area.

3. Travel Restraint

A tracel restraint allows workers to access the work surface and prevents them from reaching a location from which a fall may occur.

4. Descent and Ascent

This allows workers to be raised or lowered into a work area

5. Evacuation

This is used when assisting a rescue via raising or lowering the rescue subject onto a safe working level. This is slightly different from a harness that can be used for ascent or descent because it is meant for very brief periods of use.