Every harness should be inspected by the user before each use and periodically by a competent person. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific model; the checklist below is a general guide.
Webbing
- No cuts, fraying, burns, chemical damage or hardened areas
- No excessive UV fading or stiffness
- Wear indicators not exposed
Stitching
- All safety stitching intact, with no broken or pulled threads
Metal parts and buckles
- Attachment points free from cracks, deformation, sharp edges and corrosion
- Buckles close and lock correctly – check double-locking quick buckles on both legs and shoulders
Fit
- Leg loops and waist belt adjusted snugly, with webbing ends secured
- Fall-arrest points (often marked “A”) at the sternum or back, used only with fall-arrest systems
Retire the harness if…
- It has arrested a fall
- Any of the above checks fail, or its history is unknown
Adventure park operators benefit from colour-coded designs such as the CAQHA02, which make fitting and visual checks faster for staff.