This GBCA Safety Toolbox Talk provides checklists for daily inspections of common fall protection equipment: harnesses and lanyards. Click below to download the Toolbox Talk as a handout (includes Sign-In Sheet).

Daily Fall Protection Equipment Inspections

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is only effective if it is in good condition. You should inspect your Personal Fall Arrest equipment each day before you use it. This easy-to-follow guide provides a checklist of issues to examine during daily inspections of harnesses and lanyards. This simple inspection should only take about two to three minutes, but it could save your life.

If your equipment does not pass any part of this inspection, it should be tagged “Danger – Do Not Use” and be removed from service immediately. You should also remove from circulation any harnesses or lanyards that were involved/used in a fall incident.

HARNESS INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Load indicators

  • Still intact – no indication that the harness has sustained a fall

Dorsal “D” ring, buckles, and other hardware

  • Not broken, damaged, or distorted in shape
  • No corrosion, cracks, worn parts, or sharp edges
  • Works freely without effort

Webbing and stitching

  • No fraying or broken fibers
  • No abrasion, tearing, burns, mold, or discoloration of webbing
  • No dirt, paint, or other residue buildup that will degrade the integrity of the webbing
  • No cuts, pulled, or missing stitches

Labels

  • Still attached to the harness and still legible

LANYARD INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Locking snap links

  • Not broken, damaged or distorted in shape
  • No corrosion, cracks, worn parts, or sharp edges
  • In good working order and close properly and securely when released.

Lanyard material (webbing, rope or wire rope)

  • No fraying or broken fibers
  • No abrasion, tearing, burns, mold, discoloration, knots, or cuts
  • No cut, broken, or pulled stitches

Shock absorber – stretch type

  • The lanyard extends and contracts freely and fully
  • Cover is not torn
  • No load indicator is visible

Labels and tags

  • Still attached to the lanyard and legible

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