Posted By Will Hill Hello All, A 'casual' employee (non contracted) wants to provide his own fall arrest harness for use in the workplace. Is this permissible / advisable? What is the guidance for this situation? If their is guidance would it apply equally to a freelance worker? Thanks

Posted By Miss B I would be looking for evidence that he has undergone training in it's use, as well as the above. Perhaps demonstrate some knowledge on suspension trauma. There are already too many harness wearers that have never been trained in the use of such equipment and their components, ie lanyard!

Posted By Derek Holt If you can be satisfied that: The harness complies with BS EN 361 (fall arrest harnesses), is in date and servicable by way of having been inspected by a competent person, it has not been subjected to any impact loads (falls), Is compatable with other height safety equipments to which it will be connected, he is competent to don, adjust and use it as designed and he knows where and when to use it (training), Then there is no reason I can see why he can't wear it.As you point out it is common for freelancers to request to use or are rightly/wrongly expected to provide their own equipment. In the entertainment industry the above points are generally applied.

Posted By Richard Hinckley Tani - As a general guide OEM's of Fall Protection Soft Products (Harness & Lanyards etc..) quote a maximum lifespan of 5 years, this can of course be effected significantly by useage and working conditions so an appropriate recorded inspection regime should always be adopted and conducted by trained persons. If you leave a reply to this email with the details of the Harness & Lanyard manufacturer I will let you know what their maximum life recomendations are. Richard

Posted By Derek Holt Tani, As Richard indicates the usual is a recommended life span of 3-5 years dependent upon manufacturer and materials of construction. If you talk to the manaufacturer they may agree to take one of each item (worst looking one) and test it for you. The test will be to destruction but the results may conclude that the other items are OK to use. Usually this would be for another 12 months, but is subjective by way of the item could get damaged the next day rendering it unservicable. If you do not have a competent person to inspect the equipment the manufacturer may also offer this service. It is usual practice in this situation for them not to return items that are deemed to be unservicable to ensure they are not used any further. This raises issue pertaining to ownership of property but the philosophy is sound and I for one support it.

Posted By tani Thank you all for your advice. The manufacturer is SALA. The trainer told our personnel that they must inspect there harnesses as they have their own. Do i need them to sign anything to confirm that they are responsible for inspecting their own harness. Also would anyone have an inspection checklist for harnesses.