Presented by Mark Solano, CHST. and the Laborers Training School
Personal fall protection systems, such as harnesses, can be a lifesaver for those who continually or occasionally work at heights. However, if your harness isn’t in good shape, you could be putting your life in a risky situation. It is important to inspect your fall protection gear prior to every use. ANSI and OSHA do not reference a maximum service life for synthetic fiber products, therefore inspection before use is extremely critical to ensure your harness is proper, usable condition. ANSI and OSHA standards require that the user remove the equipment from service if it has been subject to the forces of arresting a fall. It states that “fall protection equipment shall be removed from service upon evidence of defects, damage or deterioration; once it has been subjected to impact loading; or upon expiration of the manufacturer’s specified service life, whichever comes first.”
Pre-Use Inspection
Prior to use, each worker must inspect the fall arrest equipment they will use for defects or damage. The first step in the inspection process should always be to check the inspection tag if an annual inspection was completed less than 12 months prior to the current date. If not, the unit needs to be marked when the inspection is completed. Harness Inspection includes the following:
A. Labels
All labels must be present and fully legible with the last annual inspection less than 12 months prior to the current date documented on the inspection tag.
B. Stitching
If any stitches are pulled or broken, the harness must be removed from service. Closely inspect “critical stitching” which will be in a color that contrasts with the webbing.
C. Webbing
Inspect for cuts, tears, stretching of fibers, fraying, raveling of edges, excessive wear or abrasion, chemical damage, burns, UV degradation, and weld splatter. Hold hands six to eight inches apart and flex webbing into a “U” shape to reveal frayed or broken fiber. The presence of hardened or discolored spots on the webbing indicates chemical or excessive heat exposure.
D. Connectors
Inspect all metal components including “O-rings”, “D-Rings” leg grommets, chest strap connecting hardware, and adjustment components. Look for cracks, heat damage, distortion, corrosion, and excessive wear.
I entered the construction industry in the summer of 1979, faced with a choice from my father, who was president of Local 652 at the time: go to college or join the Laborers. I chose the Laborers.
I attended the Laborers Training School in Anza during the summer of 1980. Throughout my career, I worked with several respected companies, including Granite, Silverado, and Full Traffic Maintenance.
My passion for safety ignited during my time at Granite and I later assumed the role of Safety Manager at Griffith Company. This journey led me to serve on the subcommittee for Laborers Local 652 in Santa Ana in a management capacity.
It was there that I first learned of the position of Safety Officer at the Laborers Training School. Recognizing it as my calling, I embraced the opportunity to be part of a program that imparts knowledge ,experience, and safety values to young apprentices. It's both an honor and privilege to serve Laborer Local unions and contractors across Southern California.
"The path of safety and service is a rewarding one, built on sharing knowledge, experiences, and shaping a safer tomorrow."
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