Page 66 - HIL Operatives Training Manual V4 16022024_Neat

O P E R A T I V E S T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 4

18.4 Safety Belts, Harnesses and Lanyards
A safety belt or harness conforming to current British Standards, as appropriate, is to be worn by all
persons working at heights, and in other situations where assessment indicates that risk cannot be
reduced by other means. (Elimination, substitution, engineering controls and/or safe systems of
work.) Safety belts are for use where the task does not require mobility. The lanyard length and
anchorage point position should ensure that the limit of drop does not exceed 60 cm. In locations
where mobility is required, a safety harness fitted with a lanyard to limit the drop to a maximum of 2
meters must be used.

Maintenance and Examination. Maintenance instructions supplied with belts and harnesses must be
complied with. The users’ Manager, Engineer or Foreman is to ensure that the date of first taking
the item into use is entered on the item's history record card and indelibly marked on the item's white
tab. Maintenance and examination requirements must be included in the safety instructions.

Before each occasion of use, the user must carefully examine the item, paying particular attention
to the following:

✓ Suspension lanyard is not exposed at the ends of the sheath and sheath undamaged.
✓ Webbing is not worn or damaged, all stitching is intact and metal fittings are free from
corrosion, fracture or other damage.
✓ The equipment is free from any sign of contamination by deleterious substances (e.g., acids,
alkalis, fuel oil etc). Contamination of man-made fibres or webbing may be indicated by local
weakening and softening of the materials (surface fibres may rub off as a powder).
✓ The history record card should be initialled and dated monthly by the site supervisor.
✓ A competent person should survey all equipment in use every 4 months. Minor stitching of
the webbing may be carried out by a competent person if found necessary. The date of
survey, relevant comments and signature are to be entered on the history record card.
✓ Self reeling safety cables and self-locking anchorage are to be inspected in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions and BS EN standards, as appropriate.
✓ Storage. All items when not in use are to be kept in the bags provided, together with the
history record card, and stored in a cool dry place away from the sunlight.
✓ Unserviceable and Life Expired Equipment. Harnesses will have a maximum life of 4 years
after introduction into use and are to be disposed of if found unserviceable at the 4-monthly
inspection or if they have deteriorated, been damaged or suffered a possible strain through
preventing a user’s fall.

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