Safety Harness - Ready-to-Use OHS Presentation for Training Sessions

As an Employer or OHS Specialist, Ask Yourself:

Are your employees adequately prepared to inspect Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) before and after use, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions?

PPE must be regularly and thoroughly inspected by a competent person, following the product's user manual provided by the manufacturer. A competent person is someone who:

• Fully understands the potential hazards associated with the work and equipment.

• Has both practical and theoretical knowledge, acquired through training conducted by the manufacturer or an authorized representative for specific PPE.

• Can identify significant damage, assess risks, and take necessary corrective actions.

PPE for Fall Protection: Inspection and Usage

Due to the nature of Personal Protective Equipment designed for fall protection (as defined in Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and the Council of March 9, 2016, on personal protective equipment), these devices are meant to be worn or held by an individual to safeguard against one or more health and safety hazards. To ensure user safety, inspections must be carried out before and after each use, along with periodic checks.

Equipment for working at heights should only be used by individuals trained in its safe operation. The frequency of inspections depends on the usage conditions, but periodic checks should be conducted at least once every 12 months. These inspections must be performed by a competent person in strict compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

In this article, we will explore the key aspects of safety harnesses—their construction, functions, usage period, common defects, and inspections. Most importantly, we will discuss how to train employees to ensure they have the necessary knowledge for inspections.

We have prepared ready-to-use educational materials, including a presentation and a poster, both containing essential information on safety harnesses.

Recommended Safety Harnesses

Safety harnesses that comply with EN 361, EN 358, and EN 813 standards can be purchased from Suski:

• Gravity Plus Harness

• Expert Pro 200 Harness

Manufacturer’s Responsibilities

Manufacturers must ensure that every PPE product placed on the market is labeled with its type, batch or serial number, or other information allowing identification. If the size or nature of the PPE prevents direct marking, this information should be included on the packaging or accompanying documentation.

PPE should be designed and manufactured to:

• Facilitate proper fitting and secure placement throughout the intended period of use, taking into account environmental conditions, user movements, and posture changes.

• Be adaptable to the user's body through appropriate adjustment and fastening mechanisms or a wide range of sizes.

PPE designed for fall prevention must include a harness and a connecting system that attaches to a reliable external anchor point. It should be engineered to minimize fall distance, prevent collisions with obstacles, and ensure that deceleration forces remain below injury-inducing levels. After arresting a fall, the PPE must keep the user in a safe position while awaiting rescue.

Manufacturer’s Instructions Should Include:

• Specifications for a reliable external anchor point and the minimum clearance required below the user.

• Proper procedures for fitting the harness and connecting the system to the anchor point.

• Product datasheet with technical specifications.

• Installation parameters and working conditions.

• Guidelines for storage, usage, and maintenance.

• Product lifespan information.

• Validity of certification markings.

PPE Inspections

Regular inspections are crucial to ensure the reliability and safety of safety harnesses. There are three types of PPE inspections:

1. Pre- and Post-Use Inspections

• Conducted before and after each use to verify that the equipment is in proper working condition.

2. Periodic Inspections

• Must be performed at least once a year (every 12 months).

• Carried out by a competent person with specialized knowledge and training.

• Depending on the working conditions, more frequent inspections may be necessary.

3. Special Inspections

• Required after each use for specialized equipment, such as rescue kits.

• Particular attention should be given to textile components, as they are more susceptible to wear and damage.

Service Life and Decommissioning

Safety harnesses should only be used within the manufacturer’s specified service life. They must be immediately removed from use and disposed of if:

• They have been involved in a fall arrest.

• Their reliability is in question due to visible damage or wear.

Harsh working conditions, such as exposure to water, sharp edges, corrosive substances, or extreme temperatures, can significantly shorten their lifespan—even to a single use.

Any PPE showing signs of damage should be isolated and thoroughly inspected. Users must report unusual events, such as falls, impact incidents, extreme temperature exposure, or unauthorized modifications.

Maintenance and Storage

To preserve their integrity, safety harnesses must be regularly cleaned and maintained according to manufacturer guidelines.

Storage conditions should ensure protection from:

• Moisture and humidity (store in a well-ventilated, dry area).

• Direct sunlight and UV exposure.

• Dust, sharp objects, and contaminants.

• Extreme temperatures and corrosive substances.

Safety Harness Inspection Guide

To simplify routine inspections, we have created a visual guide highlighting key elements to check. You can download a quick-reference checklist for daily inspections.

Additionally, we have prepared a presentation for training sessions. This PowerPoint presentation and poster serve as visual aids for pre-use checks but are not a substitute for periodic inspections.

Download the full presentation (in polish) (PDF) or access the PowerPoint version to fully utilize presenter tools and animations:

How to Train?

An Essential Tool for Conducting OHS Training

People learn through experience—employees should have the opportunity to inspect safety harnesses in the training room. The presentation can serve as a reminder, printed and displayed in the room where PPE is stored. However, is it sufficient as an educational tool? In response to the needs of OHS specialists, we have created innovative training using virtual reality technology. The knowledge delivered in training rooms has been incorporated into an application that has become an essential educational tool for specialists.

About the Application:

Work at Heights | EHS VR The Work at Heights application is a training program divided into four parts: Inspection and selection of equipment for working at heights Vertical and horizontal fall protection systems Fall from heights Rescue from heights (Read our previous post for a detailed evacuation procedure, available for download.) The evacuation procedure was developed by experts in safe height work and rescue operations. Employees should undergo this training regularly to improve their safety and refresh their knowledge.

There is no need to bring damaged or dirty harnesses into the training room—simply provide your workers with the VR application, which can be used for:

• On-the-job instruction

• Periodic OHS training

• Thematic OHS briefings

• Initial OHS training

With VR headsets and access to training scenarios, conducting training is easier than ever—anytime, anywhere, ideally before every height-related task. VR application testing is free. Sign up for a free trial and see how virtual reality technology can enhance safety training in your workplace.