Detail the step-by-step procedure for conducting a thorough pre-use inspection of a full-body harness, emphasizing the critical areas that require meticulous examination and potential reasons for rejection.

A thorough pre-use inspection of a full-body harness is critical to ensure its functionality and the safety of the user. This inspection should be performed before each use, and it is important to be methodical and detailed in your approach. Here is a step-by-step procedure for conducting this inspection, emphasizing the crucial areas and potential reasons for rejection:

Step 1: Check the Labeling and Documentation. Before physically inspecting the harness, verify the harness has a legible manufacturer's label. This label should include crucial information like the model number, manufacturer name, manufacture date, and the relevant standards it meets (e.g., ANSI, CSA). Check if the harness has exceeded its expiration date, as indicated by the manufacturer, and verify that the harness is correctly matched to its documentation. A missing, unreadable, or expired label, or lack of relevant documentation are grounds for immediate rejection.

Step 2: Inspect the Webbing. Carefully inspect all the webbing of the harness, which includes shoulder straps, leg straps, and chest straps. Run your hands along the entire length of each strap, feeling for any signs of damage. Look for cuts, frays, tears, abrasions, chemical damage, heat damage, UV degradation (fading or brittleness), burns, or excessive wear. Pay special attention to the areas around the attachment points and adjustment hardware. Any of these forms of damage compromises the integrity of the webbing and would mean that the harness should be rejected. For example, a frayed edge might seem minor, but could progressively fail under the load of a fall.

Step 3: Examine the Stitching. Check the stitching on all the straps and connection points. Look for loose, broken, pulled, or damaged stitches. Stitches that are discolored or show signs of abrasion or heat damage are also suspect. The stitching is a critical structural element; any compromise in the stitching will compromise the integrity of the harness. A loose or broken stitch around a D-ring attachment point can severely weaken the system, necessitating immediate rejection.

Step 4: Inspect the Hardware. Examine all hardware including buckles, D-rings, adjusters, and any other metal components. Look for any deformation, cracks, rust, corrosion, pitting, sharp edges, bending, or evidence of excessive wear. Make sure the D-rings are not distorted and are free to move. Ensure buckles and adjusters operate correctly. All hardware should move freely and lock into place securely. If any hardware is damaged, corroded, or not functioning smoothly, the harness should be rejected immediately. For example, a bent D-ring may not properly engage with a connector, and a corroded buckle might fail under tension.

Step 5: Check the Leg and Shoulder Strap Connections. Examine where the straps connect to the buckles, D-rings, or adjusters, looking for any signs of wear, fraying, or looseness. Verify that the buckles are properly connected and securely locked. Pay extra attention to the areas around the shoulder, chest and leg connections, ensuring that all elements fit firmly. Any indication that these crucial connections are loose or damaged is cause for rejection of the harness.

Step 6: Inspect the Back Pad and Sub-Pelvic Strap. If the harness has a back pad, inspect it for tears, damage, or any signs of detachment. Check the sub-pelvic strap for cuts, wear, or damage, ensuring it is properly connected to the harness and not frayed, worn, or broken. These parts help distribute force during a fall and must be intact. Any compromise in their construction is cause for rejection.

Step 7: Check the Lanyard Keepers and Attachment Points. Ensure any lanyard keepers or attachment points are in good condition and firmly attached to the harness. These attachment points are crucial for connecting additional fall protection gear. Damage or detachment means that these would be unreliable, mandating rejection.

Step 8: Functional Test of Hardware. After visually inspecting, engage each buckle and adjuster and make sure they move smoothly and lock correctly. Adjust the harness to see how easy the adjustments are. The harness should be easy to adjust without binding or excessive resistance. Failure to operate correctly is grounds for rejection.

Step 9: Record the Inspection. After the inspection is complete, note the date and results of the inspection. If there are any issues, document them. Proper documentation will help track the condition of the equipment over time. Any rejected harness must be tagged and removed from service.

This detailed and systematic approach to inspecting a full body harness is critical. It is essential not to cut corners on the process. Any harness not meeting the safety standards during inspection should be removed from service, reported appropriately, and tagged as unusable. The safety of the worker relies on the integrity of this equipment, making thorough pre-use inspections non-negotiable.