Inspecting your safety harness retractable lanyard is one thing you should definitely be doing to stay safe in the field. It?s important to remember that not all wear and tear can be attributed to use of the equipment. Some just appear over time. Here?s a list from the Occupational Safety & Hazard Administration or OSHA:
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Heat. Nylon has a bad tendency to become brittle when it?s exposed to excessive heat. It also starts to shrivel up and acquires a brownish coating. When you try flexing the material it?ll break. This is why you can?t use nylon in work environments that can reach temperatures above 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Chemical. Spotting any brownish smears and smudges could also point to signs of chemical damage. Loss of elasticity often accompanies these changes. Still not convinced? Try bending the belt. Cracks will readily appear when you do.
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Ultraviolet Rays. Remember to store your webbing as well as rope lanyards out of reach of the sun. Ultraviolet rays have a decidedly damaging effect on webbing, which reduces the strength of the material. That and because direct sunlight also works to dry out the material, leaving it susceptible to cracks.
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Open Flame or Molten Metal. Stay away from sources of intense heat. Flame can easily fuse together the webbing and rope strands. This can leave you in big trouble, especially if it happens in the field while you?re suspended several floors up. Always be extra aware of your surroundings.
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Solvents and Paints. Paints can seep into fibers, which can easily lead to drying out your safety harness retractable lanyard. This means the fibers in the material are less pliant and supple, making them less flexible. That?s going to be tough to deal with since you?ll need to be able to move around freely when you?re navigating through the air on nothing more than fall protection and suspension tools and gear. Make sure you keep your distance from solvents and paints to keep your fibers as elastic as possible.
Cleaning Tip: Make sure you dry your equipment thoroughly. Don?t expose the webbing or lanyard to heat, steam or too much sunlight. All of these conditions could reduce the material?s elasticity.
So before you get step out on the field and do your job, make sure you run through this quick lanyard inspection checklist?because your job isn?t just showing up for work and getting things done. Keeping yourself safe is a big part of it too.
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