Printable harness and rope inspection log (free PDF)

What safety inspectors expect

• Inspect fall protection before first use each workshift for mildew, wear, damage and deterioration, and remove defective components. Construction requires inspection before each use (1926.502(d)(21)).

  Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.140(c)(18)

• Equipment that has taken an impact load must be removed from service immediately. It cannot be reused until a competent person inspects it and finds it undamaged and safe.

  Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.140(c)(17); 1926.502(d)(19)

• OSHA: replacing before-use checks with annual inspections violates 1926.502(d)(21). The pre-use check can be done by an employee trained by a competent person.

  Source: OSHA interpretation letter, December 18, 2003

• Manufacturer instructions call for a check by the user before each use, plus an annual inspection by an OSHA/ANSI-defined competent person other than the user. ANSI/ASSP Z359 is voluntary.

  Source: 3M Technical Bulletin, Inspection and Product Life for Fall Protection Products (2019)

• Give each item a unique ID linked to its records. HSE recommends recorded detailed inspections at least every 6 months (3 for heavy use); withdraw items not inspected within 6.

  Source: UK HSE INDG367, Inspecting fall arrest equipment made from webbing or rope

Not affiliated with OSHA, ANSI/ASSP or any manufacturer. Your employer's fall protection program and the manufacturer's instructions set the actual inspection requirements.

Filling it in

1. Give every harness, rope, lanyard and connector its own line and use the manufacturer's serial number as its ID.
2. Write the manufacture date from the label; many manufacturers set a maximum service life from that date.
3. Mark anything that fails or has taken a fall as removed from service, and tag the item itself, not only the sheet.
4. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for what to check; they take priority over a generic list.