Work at Height equipment guide

Harness & Lanyard Inspection

Recorded harness and lanyard inspections across Scotland for fall arrest, restraint and work-positioning equipment.

Inspection basis

What duty holders need to know.

Personal fall-protection equipment depends on textile webbing, stitching, connectors, energy absorbers and legible identification. Damage can be subtle, which is why pre-use checks and a planned recorded-inspection regime both matter.

Employers should select suitable equipment, maintain traceability and set inspection intervals based on risk, use, environment and manufacturer guidance. Items without reliable identity or history may need to be withdrawn.

Check the relevant HSE guidance ↗
Examination scope

What we examine on harnesses and lanyards.

The final scope depends on design, use and condition. These are the components and records commonly considered.

  • Webbing, rope and stitching
  • Buckles and adjustment points
  • Karabiners and connectors
  • Energy absorbers and fall indicators
  • Attachment points and D-rings
  • Labels, serial numbers and dates
  • Compatibility of connected components
  • Contamination, heat and UV damage
Typical findings

Problems the examination may identify.

  • Cut or abraded webbing
  • Failed or loose stitching
  • Activated energy absorber
  • Corroded or sticking connectors
  • Illegible identity label
  • Chemical, paint or heat contamination

Book a harnesses and lanyards inspection

Tell us what equipment you operate, where it is and when it is due. We will confirm the right inspection scope and arrange a practical site date.

FAQs

Harnesses and lanyards inspection FAQs

How often should harnesses be inspected?
The interval should follow risk assessment and manufacturer guidance. A common detailed-inspection interval is six months, shortened for high-risk or arduous use, alongside checks before every use.
Can a harness with no label remain in service?
If it cannot be reliably identified and traced to its inspection history and specification, it should normally be quarantined pending a competent decision.
Does a recorded inspection replace pre-use checks?
No. The user should still inspect the equipment before each use and report anything suspect.