I have had this exact debate with myself on following the purchase of restraint kits which were accompanied by a 'Report of Thorough Examination of Personal Protective Equipment carried out in accordance with BS 8437' (Code of practice for selection, use and maintenance of personal fall protection systems and equipment for use in the workplace) which stated that the next inspection was due in 12 months. However, having looked at BS 8437 it states "Formal inspection procedures should be put in place by employers to ensure that personal fall protection equipment is given a detailed inspection ... by a competent person before first use and at intervals not exceeding six months (or three months where the equipment is used in arduous conditions), and after circumstances liable to jeopardize safety have occurred". I've also looked at BS EN 365 (Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. General requirements for instructions for use, maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking and packaging) and it states "Instructions for periodic examination shall include recommendation in regard to the frequency of periodic examinations, taking account of such factors as legislation, equipment type, frequency of use, and environmental conditions. The recommendation shall include a statement to the effect that the periodic examination frequency shall be at least every 12 months". Personally, I go with the 6 monthly just to be on the safe side but when you get 2 different standards conflicting with each other it's easy to see why there is confusion. It would be so much easier if their was some sort of legal stipulation for harnesses in the same way as there is for lifting equipment.

Before and after every use. If fall arrest only, not LOLER, and can be every 12 months depending on usage and conditions. If work positioning or work restraint the certificate of thorough examination from competent LOLER inspector. All of the above comes down to an assessment from a competent person, and should take into account atmospheres or chemicals that can damage the harness etc. Cheers Phil