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• Cuts of 1mm or more at the edges of webbing
• Surface abrasion across the face of the webbing, at webbing loops and around
the edges
• Damage to stitching
• Knots other than those intended by the manufacturer
• Chemical attack potentially resulting in local weakening and softening (often
indicated by flaking of the surface). Discolouration of the fibres may also be
present
• Heat or friction damage indicated by fibres with a glazed appearance which
may feel harder than surrounding fibres
• UV-light degradation which can be difficult to identify, particularly visually, but
there may be some loss of colour (if dyed) and a powdery surface
• Partially deployed energy absorber (e.g. short pull-out of tear webbing)
• Contamination (e.g. with dirt, grit, sand etc.) which may result in internal or
external abrasion
• Damaged, oxidised or deformed fittings (e.g. karabiners, screw link
connectors, scaffold hooks)
• Damage to the sheath and internal damage to the core of a rope
Note: See 'Service life and product obsolescence' if such damage or other
defects are detected during inspection.
Cleaning
Note: Correct cleaning is essential to ensure integrity of this equipment. Follow
the cleaning instructions below without deviation.
• Clean webbing straps and buckles in warm water (30 – 60°C) with a mild pH
neutral (pH7) household detergent. In the event of minor soiling, wipe with a
cotton cloth or carefully clean using a soft brush
• DO NOT under any circumstances use any abrasive materials, acids, basic
detergents or solvents
• Disinfect parts that come into contact with the operator's skin, using a
disinfectant suitable for the material of the equipment (see 'Specification').
Strictly follow the disinfectant manufacturer's recommendations and
procedures
• ALWAYS allow the equipment to dry naturally, and keep it away from open fire
or any other heat source
Note: This also applies to equipment that has become wet during use.
Transport
• ALWAYS transport this equipment inside a dedicated bag or suitable container
that protects it from mechanical damage and shields the equipment from
high temperatures, humidity, UV rays and chemicals.
Storage
• Store this tool carefully in a secure, dry place out of the reach of children
• Store at moderate temperature and humidity, away from direct sunlight or
chemicals, inside a dedicated, UV-proof bag or container
• Never place heavy objects on top of this equipment
Disposal
Service life and product obsolescence
WARNING: Fall arrest gear is designed to arrest a fall from height ONLY
ONCE! If subjected to an arrested fall, the gear must be withdrawn from service
and rendered unusable.
Note: The date on which the product is removed from the original packaging
for the first time becomes the 'date of first use' , which should be recorded on the
Inspection Record (see end of this manual). The specified working life begins
from this point.
• Due to the ingress of dirt and grit, chemical contamination, edge and surface
damage, UV-light degradation and general wear and tear, all fall arrest,
work positioning and restraint equipment manufactured from synthetic
fibres (webbing and/or rope) is subject to a manufacturer's statement of
obsolescence, which is a requirement of BS EN365:2004
• This equipment is subject to a maximum working life of 5 years from the
recorded date of first use, providing the product has been correctly stored,
Fall Arrest Harness
maintained and subjected to regular inspections by a trained and competent
person
• New equipment may be stored for a maximum of 5 years from the date of
manufacturing as indicated on the product, and will still give the potential
5-year working life – providing it remains in the original manufacturer's
packaging
Note: Other reasons why the product may be considered obsolete include, but
are not limited to, changes of applicable standard, regulations or legislation,
development of new techniques, or incompatibility with other equipment.
WARNING: Remove fall arrest equipment from service if:
• it has been used to arrest a fall
• any damage is present
• identification is not evident (permanent markings are not legible or have
been damaged/removed)
• it exceeds its specified service life
• its full service history is unknown
• you have any doubt as to its integrity
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