What is the lifespan of the safety harness?

The longest life of PPE is defined by the manufacturer and depends on the intended use, as described in the specific instructions. For companies, the traceability of conditions of use justifies the monitoring of use, upkeep and maintenance of compliant equipment. If the device is used infrequently, the maximum life will not be extended. At the latest, it will be discarded after the expiry date indicated by the manufacturer and written on the product.

For example, even though a safety harness has a maximum lifespan of five years, actual use and the results of regular inspections determine whether it can be used until the end of life. expiration date that is originally intended for use under normal conditions.

Which INRS safety harness to choose for work at height?

The safety harness is PPE (Protective Equipment Individual) for work at height. It is also a body grab device designed to prevent tipping and ensure worker safety. Product selection can be complicated. You need to know the rules of use, the technical characteristics, the sector of activity, compliance with laws and standards.

The restraint system is used for a one-time activity. The latter is not really dangerous, but requires the use of protective equipment. The safety harness allows you to carry out all your professional or personal tasks in complete safety in areas at risk of falling.

There are also other protection systems for working at height, such as the work positioning system. The latter consists of keeping the worker in suspension or in support. He will therefore be able to accomplish his tasks without his hands being caught in the grip. A safety harness with a fall arrest system is also an excellent choice for directly arresting falls and staying suspended.

When should a safety harness be worn?

Working at height is the leading cause of death on construction sites with 40% of construction accidents, but also represents 17% of accidents in public works according to the source INRS (National Institute for Research and Safety) .

Working at height involves considerable risks and must be taken into account by any company. The worker must never be alone at height, because in the event of a fall, the suspended inert body can render him unconscious. It is therefore advisable to be accompanied so that others can intervene in the event of an accident.

Who can check the regulations of a protective harness?

Before using the protective harness, the worker must perform a visual inspection of the equipment. In addition, annual routine inspections may be carried out by accredited agency inspectors and employees trained in safety harness checks. Many PPE distributors carry out a check-up day once a year during which you can return your harnesses to them.

A fall arrest harness must always have a label with the CE marking and the EN 361 standard to be considered protective equipment. It must also have a belt with two or three attachment points to ensure the positioning lanyard. For added safety, it must also meet EN 358 and EN 813 safety standards.

How to check the validity of a fall arrest harness?

In general terms, periodic checks are mandatory and must be carried out at least once a year by qualified personnel appointed by the company. The results of this test should be recorded in the security log. If the device is non-compliant or no longer in good condition, it must be destroyed.

To check the validity of a fall arrest work harness, you must take into account the last verification of the equipment, its expiry date and the identification of its wearer.

How to check and put on a safety harness correctly?

For optimal safety and comfort when working at height, the user must carry out a visual check before using their protective harness. It must ensure its state of wear and master its operation.

There are safety harnesses that have fall indicators. These parts of the harness allow it to yield or change shape in the event of an impact, and ensure that the equipment has never suffered a fall before. These parts are often located near the harness anchor points. If it has already fallen off, you should not use it again.