Harness Expiration: Active Fall Protection Complications

Do harnesses have an expiration date?

The expiration of a harness is determined by regular inspections and adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions, considering factors like usage, storage, and exposure conditions.

How do you know if your harness is still usable and safe?

Harness inspections should be performed before every use and at least every six months by a trained inspector, following detailed guidelines from OSHA.

Guardrails, in contrast, are simple to install and maintain, requiring no user training or ongoing maintenance, making them an ideal passive fall-protection system.

Avoid the complexities of harnesses by opting for a straightforward guardrail system that provides peace of mind and safety.

Learn more about the inspection guidelines and the advantages of guardrail systems here.

3 Worker Advantages of a Guardrail Safety Solution

Harnesses or guardrails — which fall-protection strategy is safer and more productive?

While harnesses may seem simpler and cheaper, guardrails offer significant organizational and safety benefits, such as minimal inspections and maintenance, no rescue plan requirements, and lower ongoing costs. Guardrails also provide simplicity and safety for workers, allowing them to perform their duties without interaction with the system.

Guardrails Require No User Adoption

Guardrails need no adoption by personnel, ensuring safety and compliance without any action required by the employee.

Increased Efficiency and Productivity

Guardrails do not restrict workers’ mobility like harness lifelines do, which increases efficiency and productivity.

Guardrails Provide Universal Protection

Guardrails offer protection to everyone on the roof, unlike harness systems that have capacity limits.

Guardrails are a simpler, safer, and more effective long-term solution for rooftop safety. Fall protection is critical, and proactive measures can prevent violations and ensure a safe workplace.

Find out more about the benefits of guardrails and get help building a safety system from SRC here.