How Long Does A Fall Protection Harness Last?

How long does a fall protection harness last? That is one of the most commonly asked questions about fall protection that we receive. Not only is it a common question, it is one with an answer that can be a little different for everyone. In this article we will go over how to assess the life span of your fall protection harness, what conditions affect its lifespan, and how to tell if it needs to be replaced.

How Long Does A Fall Protection Harness Last?

The first thing we must acknowledge is that there is no industry-wide mandate on fall protection expiration dates. Most manufacturers, ourselves included, don’t include life expectancies on our harness labels. Harnesses are not perishable items, and if cared for properly, they can last a long time. Instead, companies should develop their own policies on when to safely retire harnesses based on the wear and tear of their activities.

The total life expectancy for a full body harness will depend on how it is used, stored, and cared for. Any number of factors will reduce the time a harness is safe to use. The following section will break down some of the most common factors that reduces the life expectancy of full body harnesses.

What Factors Affect Harness Lifespan?

Frequency Of Use

It goes to say that the more a harness is used, the shorter its lifespan will be. A harness that is left in proper storage and only used a handful of times could last years. This of course is a scenario that zipline and ropes course operators don’t see. Harnesses in these applications are used for hours a day, nearly everyday for the entire season.

Intensity Of Use

When it comes to ziplines and ropes courses, users rarely enter free fall, instead putting the gear through steady, controlled descents. While not nearly as destructive, every fall puts stress on the harness, and over time, it will show. Keep an eye on the points of the harness where webbing is sewn together. Be vigilant of any stretching and wear.

One of the fastest ways to end the lifespan of a harness is to expose it to fall arrest forces and heavy impacts. Fall arrest forces are the combination of deceleration and compression forces applied to a harness when the user is stopped from a free fall. It is important to clarify that fall arrest forces originate from uncontrolled falls. These are unplanned risks to both staff and users, the type of falls that full body harnesses were originally designed to protect from.

An important thing to note is that if a harness experiences fall arrest forces, it must be retired immediately. The sudden impacts created by fall arrest forces are far beyond what standard rope course guests are intended to experience. Once a harness is exposed to these forces, it can never be used again. No matter what brand, how much it costs, or what it is made of, that harness has done its job and must be disposed of.

Environmental Factors

Some environments can influence how long a harness lasts. Saltwater, sand, extreme heat, and sun exposure can cause some materials to deteriorate faster than others. Make sure to research what materials harnesses are made from and ensure that they can withstand the conditions that might be unique to your courses.

The polyester used in our harnesses is a strong material and holds up in countless environments and industrial settings.

Storage conditions

Proper storage is a good way to help preserve the lifespan of your harnesses. Keeping a harness hung in a dry, well-ventilated space will prevent deterioration. Keeping harnesses off the floor and away from objects that may fray, cut, or otherwise damage the webbing will ensure that no accidental wear goes unnoticed.

Inspecting A Fall Protection Harness

Knowing What To Look For

It is important to do daily inspections of your fall protection equipment. Before taking any harness out into the field, do a complete check of every part of the harness.

-Are there any broken stitches?

-If the harness has a safety indicator, has it been broken?

-Is there any fraying, cuts, or breaks on the webbing?

-Are the buckles and fasteners not connecting, missing, or otherwise damaged?

If any of these is a yes during your inspection, you should not use the harness. Seek to replace it immediately and to ensure it is not used, dispose of it to prevent an accident.

Summary

Now that we’ve gone over some common factors, here are some things for you to remember.

The Lifespan Of Your Fall Protection Harness Depends On How It Is Used, Stored, & Inspected.
Any Damage To A Harness Should Be Enough Reason For You To Replace It.
If A Harness Experiences Fall Arrest Forces, Retire It Immediately.

The life expectancy for fall protection equipment can vary greatly. Some of the best ways to ensure it performs well are to inspect it daily, take care of your equipment, and not leave it exposed to the elements when not in use.