The Importance of Harness Inspections in the UK:
Working at height remains one of the leading causes of fatality and major injuries in the workplace. In the UK, stringent regulations are in place to ensure the safety of workers operating in such environments. Among the more crucial pieces of equipment for fall protection are safety harnesses which must be regularly inspected to comply with UK laws and regulations.
Legal Requirements for Harness Inspections:
Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulation 1992 (Amended PPER 2022), employers are required to maintain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - including safety harnesses, in good condition. Additionally, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 mandates that any safety equipment prone to deterioration must be inspected at suitable intervals.
Inspection Frequency and Process:
Safety harnesses should be examined by a competent person before first use and at intervals not exceeding six months, or three months if used in demanding conditions. Pre-use checks are also necessary before each use ensuring that visual and tactile inspections are carried out by the user.
Key Inspections Points:
During an inspection, several key points must be assessed:
- Stitching – Check for any signs of burning, broken, or pulled stitches.
- Webbing – Look for cuts, fraying, or damage due to UV degradation.
- Metal Components – Ensure there is no corrosion or deformation.
- Identification Tags – Verify the legibility of the tag, which should include the harness model, date of manufacture, manufactures name, limitations, and warnings. If the tag is missing or unreadable, or any of the above identified the harness must be removed from service.
Record Keeping:
It is crucial to maintain records of all inspections, detailing frequency, type of inspection, the competent person responsible, actions taken upon finding defects, and the unique identification numbers of the harnesses and lanyards.
Harness inspections are not just a legal requirement but a fundamental aspect of ensuring worker safety. With adequate training and adhering to regulations and conducting thorough inspections, employers can significantly reduce the risks associated with working at height.
What can Arion do for you?
We can provide comprehensive harness inspections to ensure that yours are safe and comply with industry regulations and standards. We can assess the condition of the harness, including webbing, buckles and stitching, and identify any defects or damage that may compromise their safety. We can also review the use and storage of harnesses to ensure that they are being used correctly and stored in a way that maintains their integrity and reliability.
Based on the results of the inspection, we can provide the customer with a report that includes recommendations for repair or replacement of the harness, as well as any other measures that should be taken to improve the safety of the harness. We can work with you to develop a harness safety program that meets your specific needs and helps prevent accidents and injuries while working at height.
Elevate your safety standards with our Working at Height Training,available from just £69 per person. Our expert-led courses are tailored to provide you with the essential knowledge and skills for safe operations at various heights. Plus, we offer the convenience of arranging closed courses directly at your premises, ensuring a personalised training experience that meets your specific requirements.
Get in touch and speak to one of our professionals. Contact us today!