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what things should I include in a digital harness inspection form

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Published by SALUS

A digital safety harness inspection form for fall protection equipment should capture equipment identification, inspection type, checklist results, defect findings, disposition, corrective actions, and inspection records. At minimum, include examiner name, date, equipment type, model, and serial number. The source checklist specifically starts with "Examiner," "Date," "Type of Equipment," "Model," and "Serial Number," which are core record fields for traceability. [1]

Recommended form sections:

  • Inspection record details: inspector name, competent person name if applicable, date/time, location, employer, crew, inspection type (pre-use or periodic), equipment category, manufacturer, model, serial/asset number, date manufactured, date placed in service, user assigned to equipment
  • Equipment classification: full-body harness, lanyard, shock-absorbing lanyard, self-retracting lifeline, rope grab, vertical lifeline, anchorage connector, carabiner/snaphook, positioning device, travel restraint equipment
  • Manufacturer information: manufacturer instructions reviewed, label present and legible, rated capacity/weight range, standards marking, service life limits, special environmental restrictions
  • Inspection outcome: pass, fail, remove from service, send to manufacturer/authorized service center, destroy/discard, repaired and recertified, returned to service
  • Defect documentation: component, defect type, severity, exact location, photo upload, whether impact indicator deployed, whether equipment arrested a fall, whether unauthorized modification is present
  • Corrective actions and approvals: immediate action taken, replacement issued, supervisor notified, competent person review, manufacturer consultation, final disposition, closeout date
  • Recordkeeping: periodic inspection due date, next pre-use reminder, digital signature, retention period, audit trail, revision history

[13] [7] For pre-use inspections, the form should require the user to confirm that all PFAS, PFRS, and positioning device components were inspected before each use according to manufacturer instructions, and that defective components were removed from service if function or strength may be affected. This should be a required yes/no certification field on the form. [2] [5]

Pre-use checklist items for the harness:

  • Webbing free of cuts, nicks, tears, cracks, burns, abrasion, fraying, stretching, mold, chemical damage, hard or shiny spots, broken fibers, pulled stitches, and overall deterioration
  • Stitching intact at seams and attachment points; no broken, missing, cut, pulled, or discolored stitching
  • D-rings present, correctly located, and free of cracks, breaks, bends, nicks, gouges, corrosion, rust, pitting, rough or sharp edges; D-ring pivots freely
  • Buckles and fasteners operate correctly and are not bent, cracked, nicked, distorted, or deformed; tongue buckles firmly attached; grommets secure and not rotating, loose, bent, broken, or damaged
  • No knots, tangles, unauthorized holes, user modifications, additions, or punched holes not made by the manufacturer
  • Padding and straps not torn, frayed, cracked, or excessively worn
  • Impact/fall arrest indicators not deployed; if red warning indicator is visible or shock pack has deployed, remove from service
  • Harness properly fitted to the user: chest strap centered mid-chest, leg straps snug, dorsal D-ring between shoulder blades, harness size appropriate, all closures functional

[1] [4] [3] Pre-use checklist items for lanyards, connectors, lifelines, rope grabs, and anchorages:

  • Lanyard rope/web free of cuts, holes, burns, fraying, broken strands, cracked webbing, discoloration, kinks, wear, deterioration, and damaged load-bearing stitches
  • Shock absorber/shock pack intact with no evidence of deployment; warning label not exposed; impact indicator not activated
  • Snap hooks and carabiners self-closing/self-locking, spring back properly, no binding, no cracks, gouges, deformation, rust, corrosion, sharp edges, or excessive wear
  • Rope grabs and retractable lifelines operate smoothly; braking/locking action functions correctly
  • Anchorages and anchorage connectors installed per manufacturer instructions and free of unusual wear, abrasion, damaged threads, damaged swages, cuts, cracks, frayed stitching, excessive kinks, or damaged steel fibers
  • Verify compatibility of connectors and that prohibited connections are not being used

[8] [6] [2] For periodic inspections, the digital form should distinguish them from pre-use checks and require a more detailed documented review by a competent person or other qualified inspector designated by the employer or manufacturer. The form should include inspection interval, due date, findings by component, and documented disposition. [8] [13] [12]

Inspection frequency fields the form should support:

  • Pre-use inspection before each use by the user
  • Periodic documented inspection at the interval required by the manufacturer or employer program
  • At least annual competent-person inspection as a common best-practice minimum for harness systems unless manufacturer requires more frequent intervals
  • More frequent periodic inspection for harsh service, frequent use, chemical exposure, heat, welding, outdoor weathering, or dirty environments
  • Immediate inspection after any event that could affect integrity, including a fall arrest, dropped equipment, chemical splash, heat exposure, or suspected damage
  • Weekly inspections only where applicable to safety nets, not harnesses, unless site procedures impose additional frequency

[2] [8] [2] The form should include clear defect identification and damage criteria so inspectors can classify equipment as acceptable, questionable, or failed. Any significant defect should trigger immediate removal from service. Defects include cuts, tears, abrasions, mold, stretching, deterioration, fire or chemical damage, distorted hooks, faulty springs, loose mountings, non-functioning parts, and rope deterioration. [12] [14]

Suggested defect categories in the digital form:

  • Webbing/textile damage: cuts, tears, frays, abrasion, burns, cracks, pulled fibers, broken fibers, hardening, glazing, mold, chemical staining, discoloration, UV/weathering, stretching, knots, foreign material
  • Stitching damage: broken, loose, missing, cut, pulled, unraveling, heat-damaged, chemically discolored
  • Metal hardware damage: cracks, bends, twists, deformation, gouges, nicks, sharp edges, corrosion, rust, pitting, seized movement, faulty springs, loose rivets, damaged mountings
  • Connector issues: non-locking or binding gate, incompatible connection, double-hooking not manufacturer approved, hook-to-hook connection, connection to unsuitable object, direct connection to webbing/rope/wire rope unless designed for it
  • Shock absorber/indicator issues: deployed pack, torn cover, exposed warning label, visible red indicator, evidence of prior fall arrest
  • Label/documentation issues: missing or illegible manufacturer label, missing model/serial/date manufactured, unreadable warnings, missing inspection tag where required
  • Fit/function issues: wrong size, chest strap mispositioned, dorsal D-ring not between shoulder blades, leg straps too loose/tight, inability to secure all buckles, signs user could slip through harness under load

[1] [9] [10] The form should also capture compliance requirements tied to OSHA and ANSI. For OSHA-aligned content, include verification that the PFAS consists of a body harness, anchorage, and connector; that connectors are corrosion-resistant and smooth-edged; that lanyards and vertical lifelines meet minimum strength requirements; that D-rings, snaphooks, and carabiners meet required tensile/proof loads; that snaphooks/carabiners are automatic-locking; and that anchorages are independent and properly rated. For ANSI, the form should record the applicable equipment standard shown on the label, especially for full-body harnesses under ANSI Z359\.11\. [10] [10] [3]

OSHA/ANSI compliance fields to include:

  • Applicable standard on label: OSHA 29 CFR 1910/1926 as applicable, ANSI Z359\.11 for harnesses, and other manufacturer-listed standards
  • Connector type verified as automatic-locking snaphook/carabiner
  • Connector and anchorage compatibility verified
  • Anchor point rating verified: 5,000 lb per attached worker or engineered equivalent
  • Lanyard/vertical lifeline minimum strength verified from manufacturer data
  • D-ring/carabiner/snaphook strength verified from manufacturer data
  • Manufacturer label present and legible with model, serial, date manufactured, size/classification, warnings, and inspection criteria
  • Equipment used only for employee protection, not material hoisting

[11] [2] [7] For equipment condition and disposition, the form should force a decision: acceptable for use, monitor, remove from service pending evaluation, repair by authorized service center only, return to manufacturer, or destroy. Equipment that has arrested a fall, has deployed indicators, or shows significant defects should not remain in service until the manufacturer or authorized entity confirms safe reuse, if reuse is permitted at all. [8] [15] [1]

Corrective action fields to include:

  • Removed from service immediately
  • Tagged/marked unusable
  • Supervisor and competent person notified
  • Manufacturer or authorized service center contacted
  • Replacement equipment issued
  • Incident/fall event report initiated if applicable
  • Destroyed/cut up to prevent reuse when required by company policy or manufacturer guidance
  • Root cause noted, such as wear, misuse, chemical exposure, heat exposure, improper storage, or expired service life

[12] [1] The form should also include cleaning, storage, and maintenance checks, because poor care can hide defects or accelerate deterioration. A good digital form asks whether the equipment is clean enough to inspect, whether labels remain legible, whether it has been stored in a clean, dry area away from heat, sunlight, moisture, oil, fumes, and corrosives, and whether maintenance followed manufacturer instructions. [4] [5] [1]

A strong digital form should also support fit and functional checks under realistic conditions. In addition to visual inspection, the checklist can include confirmation that the harness fits the wearer, all buckles close, straps are snug, and the user cannot slip through the harness. Where permitted by the employer's procedure and manufacturer guidance, a fit/load simulation field can document that seams and adjustments remained intact under body weight. [1] [3]

For recordkeeping documentation, the digital form should preserve a complete inspection history for each asset. Record who inspected it, when, what was inspected, defects found, actions taken, whether the equipment was removed from service, and when the next inspection is due. Attach photos, manufacturer correspondence, repair certificates, and proof of recertification where applicable. If your program uses inspection tags, the digital record should mirror the tag date and status. [13] [8]

A practical digital form workflow is:

  1. Identify the equipment and user
  2. Select inspection type: pre-use or periodic
  3. Complete component-by-component checklist
  4. Record defects with photos and severity
  5. Select disposition: pass, fail, remove from service, manufacturer review, destroy
  6. Assign corrective action and responsible person
  7. Capture inspector and supervisor signatures
  8. Set next inspection due date and retain the record in the asset history

In short, the best digital harness inspection form is one that is asset-specific, component-based, defect-driven, standards-aware, and auditable. It should document pre-use and periodic inspections, verify OSHA/ANSI-related compliance points, define reject criteria clearly, require immediate corrective action for defects, and maintain permanent records that support traceability and regulatory compliance. [12] [2]

15 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment

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# Full body harnesses (cont.) ## Webbing Look for frayed, cracked, cut, burned, or damaged webbing, and loose or broken stitching. ## D-rings Look for bent, cracked, nicked, or gouged rings. ## Manufacturer's label Inspect the manufacturer's label on the harness. The manufacturer's label on a CSA-approved full body harness will contain the following information: - Manufacturer or vendor identification • Size of the harness • Date the harness was manufactured • Model number Some harnesses are designed to serve more than one purpose. Check the manufacturer's label for the harness's classification. Group A - Fall arresting Group D Controlled descent Group E-Confined entry (raising and lowering) Group L - Ladder climbing Group P - Work positioning Note: A full body harness that meets CSA Standard Z259.10 is acceptable to WorkSafeBC. ## Putting on a full body harness Adjust all hardware and straps so the harness fits snugly, but still lets you move freely. Tuck in all loose straps so they don't snag or cause you to trip. Hook on to the harness D-ring (marked "A") designed to arrest falls. ## Lanyards and anchors A lanyard is a flexible line of webbing or a synthetic or wire rope used to secure a safety belt or full body harness to a lifeline or anchor. ## Using the right lanyard A lanyard that meets the requirements of CSA Z259.1 is acceptable to WorkSafeBC. Keep lanyards as short as possible to reduce the distance you could fall. Try to arrange the lanyard to limit a free fall to no more than 1.2 m (4 ft.) in a fall arrest situation. When using a wire rope lanyard for fall arrest, a personal shock absorber must be incorporated as part of your personal fall protection system in order to keep the arrest force at a safe level. An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment -6-

[2] An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment

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# Full body harnesses (cont.) ## Using the right full body harness A full body harness designed to arrest falls should have • A back-mounted D-ring located between the shoulder blades • The letter "A" stenciled on each shoulder strap below the D-ring • An arrow stenciled above each letter "A" pointing up at the D-ring The arrows on the shoulder straps point to the only D-ring on the harness designed to safely arrest a fall. This is a full body harness worn to arrest falls. Note that the D-ring is located between the shoulder blades. ## Inspecting your full body harness Inspect your harness before each use. Check the buckles, the webbing, the D-rings, and the manufacturer's label for additional user information. If the harness is damaged or worn, do not wear it. ## Buckles Many full body harnesses have interlocking buckles called friction buckles. Look for bent, cracked, or nicked buckles. Test the buckles to make sure the coupling is secure. An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment -5-

[3] Program Directive: Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems), Final Rule; and Other Related Provisions

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# Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems), Final Rule; and Other Related Provisions (cont.) ## Subpart -[Amended] (cont.) [redacted postal code] Federal Register/Vol. 81, No. 223/Friday, November 18, 2016/Rules and Regulations lifeline), or for connection to anchorages at both ends so as to stretch horizontally (horizontal lifeline), and serves as a means for connecting other components of the system to the anchorage. Personal fall arrest system means a system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a walking-working surface. It consists of a body harness, anchorage, and connector. The means of connection may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a suitable combination of these. Personal fall protection system means a system (including all components) an employer uses to provide protection from falling or to safely arrest an employee's fall if one occurs. Examples of personal fall protection systems include personal fall arrest systems, positioning systems, and travel restraint systems. Positioning system (work-positioning system) means a system of equipment and connectors that, when used with a body harness or body belt, allows an employee to be supported on an elevated vertical surface, such as a wall or window sill, and work with both hands free. Positioning systems also are called "positioning system devices" and "work-positioning equipment." Qualified describes a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project. Rope grab means a deceleration device that travels on a lifeline and automatically, by friction, engages the lifeline and locks so as to arrest the fall of an employee. A rope grab usually employs the principle of inertial locking, cam/lever locking, or both. Safety

[4] Cal/OSHA Regulations | Chapter 4 | Subchapter 7: General Industry Safety Orders | §3284. Window Cleaner's Belts, Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Personal Fall Restraint Systems and Positioning Devices

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# §3284. Window Cleaner's Belts, Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Personal Fall Restraint Systems and Positioning Devices. (cont.) the lanyard is attached to a verified anchorage in such a manner that will develop its full strength. Lanyards with knots, hitches, or bends shall not be used. (A) Lanyards consisting of wire rope or rope covered wire shall not be used in window cleaning operations while standing on sills. (B) Chest harnesses shall not be used in window cleaning operations. (C) Body belts and their associated lanyards when subjected to a fall shall produce a stopping force of not more than 5 times gravity. (D) Body harness and its associated lanyards when subjected to a fall shall produce a stopping force of not more than 8 times gravity. (E) Belts and harnesses and their lanyards which have been subjected to impact loading shall be removed from service and destroyed. (F) Belts and harnesses and their lanyard assemblies shall be visually inspected for defects prior to each use. They shall be inspected according to the manufacturer's recommendations by the employer at least twice each year. The date of the most current semi-annual inspection shall be recorded on an inspection tag which shall be attached to the belt. In addition, records shall be kept and maintained showing date of purchase, dates when attachments were renewed, and dates when the entire belt assembly was inspected and by whom. (G) The free ends of the lanyards of synthetic materials shall be lightly seared and, in the case of round rope, shall also be seized (whipped). (H) Belts having single pass, fixed or sliding bar, friction buckles shall not be used for window cleaning operations. (I) Safety lines shall be capable of supporting a dead weight of 5000 pounds. (J) Double-acting Snap hooks shall be provided on all lanyards to minimize the possibility of accidental disengagement. The snap keeper shall be restrained by the snap nose to absorb side loads. (K) Rope lanyards shall be

[5] IHSA Safety Tool Box talks

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# Fall protection-Approvals and inspections List fall hazards on site. ## Explain dangers When you're using a travel restraint or fall arrest system, your life depends on your equipment. If it is not certified by a recognized authority or is not properly inspected and maintained, you risk injury and death. ## Identify controls ## APPROVALS Safety harnesses must be approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Look for the CSA logo on your harness. SP Also look for the CSA logo on lanyards, energy absorbers, lifelines and rope grabs. The logo means that the equipment has been manufactured to meet the requirements of a national standard. CSA Logo ## INSPECTIONS Inspect your fall protection equipment before each use and remove any components from service if their integrity is in doubt. Store your fall protection equipment so that it's well protected from the weather. A worker who is competent in inspection should perform an annual inspection of the fall protection equipment and document the results. If any part of a fall protection system has been used to arrest a fall, it must be discarded or removed from service until the manufacturer certifies that all components are safe for reuse. ## Demonstrate With your crew, inspect the components of a fall arrest system used on your site. ## HARNESS • Inspect hardware and straps to ensure that they are intact and undamaged. - Check that moving parts work freely through their full range of motion. • Check that webbing is free of burns, cuts, loose or broken stitching, frayed material, and signs of heat or chemical damage. - Make sure that the fall arrest indicator has not deployed. ## LANYARD • Make sure the lanyard fastens securely to the D-ring on the harness. • Inspect the lanyard for fraying, kinking, and loose or broken stitching. • Look for rust, cracks, and damage to the lanyard hardware. . Inspect energy-absorbing lanyards regularly. Look for stress or tearing on the cover jacket of th

[6] Safety Harness Inspection Checklist

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Examiner: _______________________________ Date: _______________________________ Type of Equipment: __________ Model: __________ Serial Number: __________ # Body Harness Inspection Perform following examination of one body harness and lanyard by asking the questions listed below. NOTE: Body harnesses and lanyards are to be periodically washed free of grease, grime and other chemicals so it will be easier to identify signs of wear and/or reasons for discarding the harness and/or lanyard. NEVER discard a harness without first cutting it into small parts that prevent using it at HOME. <table><tr><th>Item #</th><th>Examination</th><th>YES</th><th>NO</th></tr><tr><td>1.</td><td>ALL STITCHING at seams and points of attachment are "intact" and NOT broken?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2.</td><td>All attachment points, such as "D" rings, buckles, "bullrings" and nylon loops, are "intact" with NO rust, metal pitting, grease, oil, chemical discoloration, tears or frayed material?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3.</td><td>"Hand" or "feel" of nylon harness material is soft and supple? NOT stiff due to age or chemical exposure?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4.</td><td>Any knots tied in Harness or lanyard? (Remove any and ALL knots.)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5.</td><td>Waist and/or leg padding torn, frayed or cracked?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>6.</td><td>ANY BURN marks in webbing from chemicals or other sources of heat?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>7.</td><td>Lanyard attachment points are intact with NO tears, frays, rust, broken or loose clips?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>8.</td><td>ANY corrosion on dorsal D-Ring, UNDER webbing?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>9.</td><td>On "tongue and buckle" type leg strap, do ANY grommets rotate in webbing? (If yes, discard harness NOW!)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>10.</td><td>Around grommets, are there ANY cuts or tears in webbing? (If yes, discard harness NOW!)</td><td></td><td>

[7] Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (OSHA 29 CFR 1926) - 1926 Subpart M App C - Personal Fall Arrest Systems - Non-Mandatory Guidelines for Complying with 1926.502(d)

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# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## Appendix C to Subpart M of Part 1926 - Personal Fall Arrest Systems (cont.) (6) Proper hook-up, anchoring and tie-off techniques, including the proper dee-ring or other attachment point to use on the body belt and harness for fall arrest; (7) Proper climbing techniques; (8) Methods of inspection, use, cleaning, and storage; and (9) Specific lifelines which may be used. - This information should be provided to employees during training. (f) Rescue considerations. As required by $ 1926.502(d)(20), when personal fall arrest systems are used, the employer must assure that employees can be promptly rescued or can rescue themselves should a fall occur. The availability of rescue personnel, ladders or other rescue equipment should be evaluated. In some situations, equipment which allows employees to rescue themselves after the fall has been arrested may be desirable, such as devices which have descent capability. (g) Inspection considerations. As required by $ 1926.502(d)(21), personal fall arrest systems must be regularly inspected. Any component with any significant defect, such as cuts, tears, abrasions, mold, or undue stretching; alterations or additions which might affect its efficiency; damage due to deterioration; contact with fire, acids, or other corrosives; distorted hooks or faulty hook springs; tongues unfitted to the shoulder of buckles; loose or damaged mountings; non- functioning parts; or wearing or internal deterioration in the ropes must be withdrawn from service immediately, and should be tagged or marked as unusable, or destroyed. (h) Tie-off considerations. (1) One of the most important aspects of personal fall protection systems is fully planning the system before it is put into use. Probably the most overlooked component is planning for suitable anchorage points. Such planning should ideally be done before the structure or building is constructed so that anchorage points can be inco

[8] Program Directive: Personal Protective Equipment, Parts 1910, 1915, 1917, and 1926

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# Personal Protective Equipment; Amendments (cont.) ## $1910.132 General requirements. (cont.) [redacted postal code] Federal Register/Vol. 81, No. 223/Friday, November 18, 2016/Rules and Regulations lifeline), or for connection to anchorages at both ends so as to stretch horizontally (horizontal lifeline), and serves as a means for connecting other components of the system to the anchorage. Personal fall arrest system means a system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a walking-working surface. It consists of a body harness, anchorage, and connector. The means of connection may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or a suitable combination of these. Personal fall protection system means a system (including all components) an employer uses to provide protection from falling or to safely arrest an employee's fall if one occurs. Examples of personal fall protection systems include personal fall arrest systems, positioning systems, and travel restraint systems. Positioning system (work-positioning system) means a system of equipment and connectors that, when used with a body harness or body belt, allows an employee to be supported on an elevated vertical surface, such as a wall or window sill, and work with both hands free. Positioning systems also are called "positioning system devices" and "work-positioning equipment." Qualified describes a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project. Rope grab means a deceleration device that travels on a lifeline and automatically, by friction, engages the lifeline and locks so as to arrest the fall of an employee. A rope grab usually employs the principle of inertial locking, cam/lever locking, or both. Safety factor means the ratio of the design load and the ultimate strength of th

[9] Toolbox Talk: Inspection of Fall Protection Equipment

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# INSPECTION OF FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT Date Posted: 09/07/2016 It is vital to inspect your Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS), Personal Fall Restraint System (PFRS), or Positioning Device System (PDS) in order to ensure that it not defective. is All components of Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS), Personal Fall Restraint Systems (PFRS) and Positioning Device Systems (PDS) shall be inspected prior to each use according to manufacturer's specifications for mildew, wear, damage, and other deterioration. Defective components shall be removed from service if their function or strength has been adversely affected. Safety nets shall be inspected at least once a week according to manufacturer's specifications for wear, damage, and other deterioration. Safety nets shall also inspected after any occurrence which could affect the integrity of the safety net system. Defective components shall be removed from service. Defective nets shall not be used. be PFAS, PFRS, PDS, and their components shall be used only for employee protection and not to hoist materials. The following is a summary of what to look for when inspecting your gear: ## ANCHORAGES • Ensure that the proper number and correct size of nails or screws are used. • Installation: follow manufacturer's specifications • Make sure that the ring swing freely • Inspect for any unusual shape or wear ## LANYARDS AND ROPE GRABS • No cuts or tears in the fabric or stitching - Snap hooks spring back when released • No deformation or gouges in fittings • Shock pack intact and no evidence of deployment • Ensure that there is no damage to the wear, or other characteristics that will affect the product's performance ## HARNESS • No cuts or tears in the fabric or stitching • No abrasion, fraying, stretching, mold, or chemical damage to fabric or stitching - Back "D" ring should be between the shoulder blades • If you see red, take the equipment out of service. Red tags are seen in shock packs and in the

[10] PFAS Safety: Personal Fall Arrest Systems for Residential Construction Contractors

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# Keep Your Workers Safe Any Fall Can Be Fatal or Debilitating! (cont.) ## The ABC's of PFAS A PFAS must meet specific requirements. Some of these are described below. *** ## A - Anchor Point The anchor point (tie-off point) is a secure point of attachment for the fall arrest system's lanyard or lifeline. • Anchor point locations should be planned out before work begins. • The anchor point should be attached to a substantial structural member, such as a beam, girder, roof truss or rafter. • The anchor point must support either 5,000 pounds per worker (the weight of two small cars) or twice the intended load. • When installing anchor points, follow the manufacturer's instructions. A Never use a pipe or vent as an anchor point. Never use sheetrock screws to install an anchor point. ## B - Body Harness A full-body harness is required for a PFAS. The body harness distributes the force of a fall to reduce the chance of bodily injury. It includes shoulder and thigh straps, and a D-ring. A Body belts should never be part of a PFAS. A Make sure that D-rings are larger than the snap hook. Note: The connecting D-ring in a properly fitted harness should be located in the center of the upper back. Locking snap hook Harness Rope D-ring grab Lanyard with shock absorber Lifeline Not all PFAS components are interchangeable. ## C - Connecting Device A retractable lifeline or shock-absorbing lanyard and its connectors are used to link a full-body harness to the anchor system. Never hook lanyards together unless manufacturer approved. ! Shock-absorbing lanyards and retractable lifelines are rarely compatible-do not connect. Different types of connectors include carabiners, snap hooks, D-rings, and rope grabs. Connectors must have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds. ## D - Descent & Rescue You must have a plan for rescuing a worker whose fall has been arrested. • The plan should be designed to raise or lower a worker to safety without any p

[11] Toolbox Talk: Fall Protection Full Body Harness

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# FALL PROTECTION FULL BODY HARNESS Date Posted: 02/17/2024 Full-body harnesses are critical elements. f adequate fall protection systems. Workers must understand how to wear and use full-body harnesses when operating at height properly. When used correctly on the job, a properly fitted and properly worn full-body harness can help prevent serious injury or death. According to WAC 296-880-[redacted postal code], a full-body harness is required as part of a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), standard Z359.11 defines a full-body harness as "a body support designed to contain the torso and distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the upper thighs, pelvis, chest and shoulders." ## CHECKING THE FULL-BODY HARNESS BEFORE WEAR Before each use, you must inspect the safety harness. Check your harness for broken, burned, or pulled stitching and stitching or rivets where the hardware is attached. Also, carefully check the webbing, belt ends, and side and back D-rings. Spending a few minutes performing the following steps could save your life: buckles, • Pick up the harness by its back D-ring. - Gently shake the harness to let the straps fall into place. • Make sure the buckles are unfastened. • Look for damage, such as worn, frayed, or missing threads, cracked webbing, or foreign material on the fall harness. • Check the metal strap fasteners and side and back d-rings to ensure they aren't cracked or deformed. • If your fall harness uses grommets, ensure they are firmly attached and not deformed or otherwise damaged. • Make sure tongue buckles are firmly attached and not bent. ## FULL BODY HARNESS WEAR CHECK A poorly fitted harness doesn't just lower the protection level of the harness. It can do additional harm in the event of a fall. When a harness is poorly fitted for the worker or uncomfortable, they are more likely not to use it or use it incorrectly. The items below should be checked to

[12] Unified Fall Protection Requirements for Construction – Module 5 (Part 2) | Personal Fall Arrest Systems (Continued)

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# Personal Fall Arrest Systems Personal Fall Protection Inspection and Maintenance Guidelines - Inspect all components of your personal fall protection system. Look for the following signs of wear and damage: (continued...) • Bending webbing into an inverted "U" will show: - Damaged fibers: cuts, tears, abrasions, frays • Deformations: stretching - Damage from chemicals, acids, heat, corrosion, or mold • Kinked material • Check D rings for: • Cracks, and breaks Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 18

[13] An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment

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# Full body harnesses (cont.) ## Inspecting your lanyard Inspect the lanyard before each use. Check the rope or webbing, the snap hooks, and the manufacturer's label for additional user information. ## Rope or webbing Inspect along the length of the lanyard and the eye splices. If you have a three-strand rope lanyard, carefully twist the rope open to look for worn, broken, or cut fibres. Do not overtwist, or you could permanently deform the rope. Web lanyards should be discarded if the webbing has cuts or holes, is worn or frayed, or if the load-bearing stitches are damaged. If you find any signs of deterioration, burns, or broken or damaged strands, or if you have any reason to suspect the lanyard, do not use it. An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment -7-

[14] Fall protection for construction activities

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# Part eight – Maintaining equipment (cont.) ## Cleaning equipment • Wash synthetic rope and body harnesses in soapy water to remove dirt; rinse them with clean water. Air-dry at room temperature. Don't use cleaning solvents; they can damage synthetic material. • Don't lubricate moving parts unless the manufacturer requires it; lubricants attract dirt. • Don't remove information labels and warnings; make sure they are still legible after cleaning. • Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions. ## Storing equipment ● Follow manufacturer's instructions for storing equipment. • Store equipment in an area that is clean, dry, and moisture-free; avoid excessive heat, light, oil, and corrosive chemicals. Equipment inspections are critical. Do you see the small fracture in this picture? This should not be used. <table><tr><th colspan="2">Table 8: Inspecting harness, lifeline, and anchorage</th></tr><tr><td>Component</td><td>What to look for</td></tr><tr><td>Harness webbing</td><td>Frayed edges, broken fibers, pulled stitches, cuts, burns, and chemical damage</td></tr><tr><td>Harness D-rings</td><td>Cracks, breaks, and rough or sharp edges; the D-ring should pivot easily</td></tr><tr><td>Harness buckles</td><td>Excessive wear, frayed or cut fibers, broken stitching</td></tr><tr><td>Harness grommets</td><td>Loose, bent, or broken grommets, and punched holes not made by the manufacturer</td></tr><tr><td>Lifelines</td><td>Wear or deterioration</td></tr><tr><td>Anchorages and anchorage connectors</td><td>Look for abrasion and damaged threads or swages. Inspect stitching and loops on synthetic slings for cuts, cracks, or frayed and broken stitching. Look for excessive kinks or damaged steel fibers.</td></tr></table> <table><tr><th colspan="2">Table 9: Inspecting lanyards</th></tr><tr><td>Type of lanyard</td><td>What to look for</td></tr><tr><td>Wire rope lanyard</td><td>Cuts, frayed strands, or excessive wear</td></tr><tr><td>Web lanyard</t

[15] Toolbox Talk: Harness Inspection

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# HARNESS INSPECTION ## Date Posted: 04/21/2020 Safety harnesses are crucial part of equipment. Harnesses keep workers safe from fall related injuries, which are the number one cause of jobsite accidents. Keeping your equipment inspected and in working order is the single most important factor for safety. Here are some tips which will help. ## INSPECTING YOUR HARNESS You must inspect all components (including hardware, lanyards, and positioning harnesses or full body harnesses depending on which system is used) of personal fall arrest systems, personal fall restraint systems and positioning device systems prior to each use according to manufacturer's specifications for mildew, wear, damage, and other deterioration. You must remove defective components from service if their function or strength has been adversely affected. (WAC inspection criteria) Webbing: Look for: • Cuts, nicks and tears • Broken fibers or cracks • - Overall deterioration • Fraying and abrasions • Hard or shiny spots ## Stitching: Look for: • Pulled stitches - Missing stitching - Cut stitches • Discoloration of stitches ## Hardware: Look for: • Distortion (twists, bends) • Rough or sharp edges • Rust or corrosion • Broken/distorted grommets • Modifications by users ## 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, away from excessive heat, steam or sunlight. • Storage areas should be clean, dry and free of exposure to fumes, heat, direct ultra-violet light, sunlight and corrosive elements. ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION: • What are some things you do to keep your harness safe and in working order? • Do you routinely inspect your harness before using? • Do you use a checklist when inspecting your harness? • Have you ever iden

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