How often should a harness be inspected?

By the worker before every use. A competent person also inspects it on a schedule your company and the maker's instructions set. Check the current rule, including OSHA 1926.501 for construction.

When should a harness be retired?

Remove it if it's damaged, if it's been used to arrest a fall or if you're in doubt. The maker's instructions also set a service life. Follow them.

Does this checklist meet OSHA requirements?

It's a starting point. The maker's manual, your fall protection plan and the current rules decide what must be checked. Add lines to match. A checklist records that a check happened. It doesn't prevent a fall.

Free template

A harness checklist for the worker, before every use.

Look at every inch of the harness and lanyard before you put it on. If you're in doubt about any part, don't use it. Print the sheet or save it as a PDF.

Also calledHarness inspection checklist, Safety harness inspection form, Fall arrest equipment inspection, Lanyard inspection checklist

See the sheet All free tools

Free to print, copy and change. It’s a starting point. Add the lines your equipment and your rules need.

Edit it in the builder

Fall protection harness inspection

Date

Site or location

Worker name

Harness ID or serial number

Lanyard ID or serial number

Competent person (if checked)

Harness

PassFailN/A

Webbing has no cuts, frays, burns or chemical damage
Webbing isn't stiff, glazed or discolored
Stitching is intact, with no pulled or broken threads
D-rings are not bent, cracked, rusted or worn
Buckles work and don't slip, and show no damage
Grommets and keepers are in place
Labels are present and legible
Inspection tag or record is current

Lanyard and connectors

PassFailN/A

Lanyard or lifeline has no cuts, frays or burns
Snap hooks and carabiners close and lock fully
Gates and latches work with no sticking
Shock absorber pack is intact and hasn't been deployed
Hardware shows no cracks, rust or bending
Equipment is rated and compatible with each other

Before you use it

PassFailN/A

Maker's instructions were followed for this equipment
Equipment has not been used in a fall
Anchor point is identified and suitable
Rescue plan is in place for this job
Fall protection need checked against OSHA 1926.501
Any equipment you're unsure about is removed from service

Defects found and action taken

Taken out of service? Yes NoReported to

Inspector signature

Date

Supervisor review

Date

A starting point. Adapt it to your equipment, your procedures and the rules that apply to you.Free template from portalbaseai.com

How to use it

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Step 1
Check it before every use
Run your hands along all the webbing and look at every stitch, ring and buckle. Don't just glance at it on the hook.
Step 2
Follow the maker's instructions
The manual says how to inspect, how long gear lasts and when to retire it. Keep it with the gear.
Step 3
When in doubt, take it out
Tag it, remove it from service and tell your supervisor. A damaged harness shouldn't go back on a hook.

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Run this check on a phone, with a photo on any failed step, no signal needed. A failed step opens a repair and the record is kept for you.

Book a walkthrough See Inspections

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Common questions

How often should a harness be inspected?: By the worker before every use. A competent person also inspects it on a schedule your company and the maker's instructions set. Check the current rule, including OSHA 1926.501 for construction.
When should a harness be retired?: Remove it if it's damaged, if it's been used to arrest a fall or if you're in doubt. The maker's instructions also set a service life. Follow them.
Does this checklist meet OSHA requirements?: It's a starting point. The maker's manual, your fall protection plan and the current rules decide what must be checked. Add lines to match. A checklist records that a check happened. It doesn't prevent a fall.

Related and more free tools

Free tool

A harness checklist for the worker, before every use.

Fall protection harness inspection

Harness

Lanyard and connectors

Before you use it

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Check it before every use

Follow the maker's instructions

When in doubt, take it out

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Get new free tools by email.

Common questions

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