Harass unsafe safety harnesses – Employees working at heights cannot assume that the structure they are standing on or working from is safe. If the structure collapses, a safety harness could make a huge difference.
A risk assessment should rule out the use of defect harnesses even if a small part is damaged as no chances should be taken with employees' safety. Safety harnesses have various elements that have to be inspected when a risk assessment is conducted. As the metal loops determine the safety of an employee, they should be inspected to determine if they are of sound quality and if they do not show signs of metal fatigue. Companies should make sure that damaged loops are replaced before the next use of the harness.
Chains that connect the harness should be inspected too. Damaged chains are a deadly hazard for an employee if they were to break when an employee is at a height. The inspector should check the links of the chains thoroughly.
Clips play a vital role in ensuring that the lanyard does not slip away from the hook. A risk assessment should see to it that only metal clips are used as they able to uphold the weight of a person and it must be established if they are in a good condition. Default clips could contribute to the whole harness proving to be useless, as an employee could fall and get injured.
Couplings should be inspected to ensure that they are not damaged in any way. Lanyards, lifeline and shackles also play a vital part in a safety harness thus, it is essential that an inspection is done on these components. They should be checked if they are in good and acceptable working condition. Distortions and damages could result in employees falling of a height when a safety harness gives away.
During an inspection, the condition of hooks and fittings should also be checked. These parts play an important role of holding different components together. Any hooks that show signs of cracking, deforming or bending should be replaced immediately to avoid accidents from happening in the future.
For hygienic reasons, webbing should be kept clean and safe for the next person to use. Employers are advised to clean webbings as basic care could also prolong the life of a unit. Therefore, the inspector should check if safety harnesses are stored in a clean and safe place.
Besides cleanliness, webbing should be inspected for cuts and chafing which is usually a result of prolonged use under strain. Cuts and chafing simple means a harness either needs attention or is too old and needs to be disposed. Webbing that have been exposed to excess heat to an extent that they shrunk should be replaced immediately. These pose a safety hazard as they can break any minute during use.
Anyone can see a safety harness and deem it safe but it takes professional inspection to actually declare if a harness is indeed safe and is compliant with the required standards. Don't determine the safety of a safety harness by trial and error. Make sure they work when they are needed to be.
Leave a comment