Do Safety Harnesses Expire?
Yes, safety harnesses expire or can become unsafe for use over time. You should always check the manufacturer guidelines, if the harness has no expiration date stamped on it.
Remember, even if your harness has not technically expired, if you have any doubts about its safety you should stop using it immediately and contact the manufacturer.
In order to check your Tractel harness please contact us to request the specific harness inspection file.
How Long Can You Hang in a Safety Harness?
How long you can use a safety harness each day isn't strictly determined by the number of hours.
You need to consider comfort or fatigue, environmental conditions, manufacturer guidelines and usage.
If any wear or damage occurs to your harness during use you should stop using it right away and contact the manufacturer.
How long do Safety Harnesses Last?
The lifespan of a safety harness can vary based on factors such as the type of harness, the conditions in which it's used, and how often it's used.
The key points to consider include:
- Manufacturers recommendations
- Signs of wear, damage, fray or defect
- Exposure to harmful or extreme elements
- Frequency of use and storage.
Here at Tractel, safety harnesses are considered ‘textile height safety equipment or systems’.
This equipment, mainly composed of perishable elements, has a maximum lifespan of 20 years from the date of manufacture.
Please remember, if a harness has been exposed to a fall it should be removed from service immediately, even if damage is not apparent.
How Often Do Safety Harnesses Need to be Inspected?
The frequency of safety harness inspections can vary based on regulations, manufacturers' recommendations and the specific conditions in which the harness is used.
However, the general guidelines accepted in many industries include:
- Before each use
- A periodic, more detailed inspection
- According to manufacturer's recommendations
- Inline with company record keeping
European regulations impose a minimum inspection every 12 months, maximum.
In accordance with these guidelines, here at Tractel all of our safety harnesses must be subject to a mandatory annual inspection.
This examination must be carried out at least once a year by an authorized and competent technician. At the end of this periodic examination, the product must be declared in writing fit for use.
Always remember to ensure that your inspection schedule and methods are inline with any regulations specific to your industry.
How Often Should a Safety Harness be Replaced?
The replacement of a safety harness is influenced by several factors:
- According to manufacturer's recommendations
- After a fall
- If the harness shows visible damage or wear
- Exposure to harmful elements such as harsh chemicals, prolonged UV exposure or other conditions which may compromise its integrity
- General wear and tear
- Upon expiration date specified in the instruction manual
- Here at Tractel, safety harnesses are considered ‘textile height safety equipment or systems’. This gives your harness a maximum lifespan of 20 years from the date of manufacture.
Remember to proactively ensure your safety harness is always in the best possible condition. If you have any doubts, you should replace your harness.