How often should fall protection equipment (e.g. harnesses) be inspected?

There are sector-specific legislative provisions concerning fall protection equipment. In all sectors, the employer must ensure that fall protection equipment is in proper working order. Therefore such equipment must be periodically inspected.

The inspection interval is determined by the equipment manufacturer and is stated in the operating instructions. The inspection interval is commonly one year, but in demanding circumstances the inspection interval may be shorter. Only qualified persons may perform inspections. In order for an employee to be qualified for this task, he/she must be familiar with the structure and use of the equipment in question.