Falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the construction industry worldwide, and the UAE is no exception. A properly inspected and maintained fall protection harness is the last line of defence between a worker and a fatal fall. This checklist outlines the critical inspection points that should be completed before every use.
Pre-Use Inspection Checklist
Webbing: Check all straps for cuts, fraying, chemical damage, heat damage, or UV degradation. Look for pulled or broken stitching. Any visible damage means the harness must be removed from service immediately.
Hardware: Inspect D-rings, buckles, and keepers for cracks, corrosion, distortion, or rough edges. Ensure buckles latch and release properly. Gate springs on snap hooks should close firmly without sticking.
Labels: Verify the manufacturer label is legible and shows the manufacture date, model number, and applicable standards (EN 361 or ANSI Z359.11). If the label is unreadable, the harness cannot be verified as compliant and should be retired.
Fall Indicators: Many modern harnesses include fall indicators — small tags or deployable webbing sections that show whether the harness has arrested a fall. If the indicator has deployed, the harness must be removed from service even if no visible damage is present.
Storage and Care
Store harnesses in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, chemicals, and sharp objects. In the UAE climate, never leave harnesses in vehicle boots or on scaffolding where they are exposed to prolonged UV radiation and extreme temperatures that can degrade synthetic webbing.
TexiExp Technologies supplies EN 361 certified fall protection harnesses, lanyards, and self-retracting lifelines for UAE construction projects.