Deutsch
A fall arrest harness is only effective if it is in perfect condition. Before you climb, spend two minutes on a systematic check. This guide follows the recommendations of EN 361 and the manufacturers' instructions.
Before every use: the visual inspection
- Webbing: run the straps through your hands. Look for cuts, fraying, burns, chemical damage, stiffness or discolouration.
- Stitching: check all seams, especially load-bearing ones, for broken, pulled or cut threads.
- Buckles and D-rings: look for cracks, corrosion, deformation and sharp edges. Buckles must close and lock smoothly.
- Labels: the label must be legible and show the manufacturing date and serial number.
- Fall indicators: many harnesses have load indicators in the stitching. If they have activated, the harness has arrested a fall and must be taken out of service.
Fitting the harness correctly
Hold the harness by the dorsal D-ring, step into the leg loops, pull the shoulder straps over your arms and close the chest and leg buckles. The dorsal D-ring should sit between your shoulder blades. Tighten the straps so that you can fit only a flat hand between the harness and your body. A harness that is too loose can cause serious injury during a fall.
Periodic inspection by a competent person
In addition to the pre-use check, fall protection equipment must be inspected by a competent person at least every 12 months, and more often in harsh environments. The result must be documented. If in doubt about the condition, take the harness out of service.
Storage and lifespan
Store your harness dry, out of direct sunlight and away from chemicals, sharp objects and heat. Do not use lubricants, solvents or aggressive detergents to clean it. Most textile equipment has a maximum service life of about ten years from manufacture, but the manufacturer's instructions have priority.
Remember: equipment that has arrested a fall must never be used again.