Rank: New forum user 
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Hi all, first post here so please go easy on me! We've just had our fall arrest system on the roof inspected and part of the inspection includes the harness. I've been advised that I need to replace the harness as it is now too old (over 5 years). Can anyone confirm whether this is correct or not? I have found this article http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg367.pdf on the HSE website which details what checks should be made when inspecting harnesses but it makes no reference to an age limit. Other than the age the harness is perfect. In fact it's probably only been used a handful of times in the previous 5 years. Any advice would be much appreciated.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I have the exact same question :)
Mine = very low use good nick but over 5 years old.
The HSE guidance does say they should be scrapped if made under the 1979 standard and hence have no CE mark.
I am aware best practice is to scrap after 5 years (it's what I used to do on chemical plants) but i can't find anything to back this up.
I just decided to scrap them all anyway based on my own risk assessment :)
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Rank: Super forum user 
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There was a similar post that came up a few weeks ago. It's 10 years of age or 5 years of use whichever is sooner (subject to condition)
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi As previously stated you will need to check the product information but harness will have a shelf life and a working life for example our rigger harness has 10 year shelf life, harness made in 2000 would be passed its shelf life (even if not used ) this year, the Working life is 5 years (subject to wear and tear ) so harness made in 2005 would passed its working life (even if it is still serviceable) this year.
The harness must be inspected by the user before every use for serviceability etc. and we say by a competent person every 6 months (this is recorded).Our insurers require statutory inspections annually.
Regards Dave
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Rank: New forum user
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Hello
Our manufacturers literature for a full body harness provides a recommendadtion of replacement after a five-year period.
Annualy the harness is should be subject to a through examination for damage etc by a competent person.
The manufacturers literature should provide an inpsection checklist. In addition to this users are required to inspect their own harness prior to use.
The serviceability of the harness is the issue. I would assess the condition of the harness and rationale as to whether or not to scrap and replace the items based on serviceability and the amount of use.
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Rank: Forum user
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We operate five years shelf life five years usage depending on use.
Example if you purchase the harness in 2008 new and it was manufactured in 2007 we would record the first date of use and then us it for five years and i repeat dependant on usage it may wear out sooner rather than later, is the serial number visible, is it worn if in doubt throw it out
Regards
Gary
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Rank: Super forum user 
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We can offer a good solution for your pre-use inspections. A checklist which provides a duplicate copy of findings for your management records. Drop me a line if you want any info.
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Rank: Super forum user
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common sense should still apply as the law allows for risk assessment to take place
Look at all angles as a perfectly good piece of kit [all parameters considered] is a perfectly good piece of kit irrespective of its age
Rememder there are many interested parties behind the 'shelf life' idea and whilst I mention 'shelf life' it does not mean that in many cases such arguements are not good, fair and proper we should also note the shelf life case of 'salt'! But I say again use common sense as I am sure that a judge would look at a case on its merits and still account for the condition and serviceability of a piece of kit along with its histoy irrespective of its age and if we get into a court the only person you will need to convince is a judge
My point here is that if a piece of kit is 'suitable and sufficient' noting the parameters of its working environment use it; as companies are facing a hard enought time as it is without throwing away good kit needlessly
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Rank: Super forum user
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Bob,
Valid points but as this is life critical kit the manufacturers would have to put a storage and usage life on it of some set period. I still have my kit and would be happy to use outside of a working environment even though it's 7 years old. If I was still controlling kit for others I would put it beyond further use at the manufacturers recommended intervals. I wouldn't want to try and defend any other course of action.
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Rank: Forum user
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Having worked in the fall arrest industry for a number of years, we always worked on the 5years and out rule when inspecting harnesses. I really would not want to use an 8or9year old harness as a piece of life saving equipment.
I personally change my own harness at 2year maximums, but that is just my own choice!
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