Scout's Toolbox Talks

Your harness is only as good as its condition.

Don’t assume it’s safe — inspect it every time before use.

Why It Matters

One torn strap. One rusted buckle. One cracked D-ring.

That’s all it takes for your fall protection system to completely fail under load.

A quick inspection and proper care can be the difference between walking away or not walking at all.

Key Points

• Inspect daily for:
  • Frays, cuts, or burn marks
  • Mold, mildew, or excessive dirt
  • Missing or unreadable labels
• Check the D-ring for:
  • Cracks, bends, or corrosion
  • Secure attachment to the harness
• Test all buckles and adjusters:
  • Make sure they lock securely and tighten smoothly
• Clean using mild soap and water only
• Never use bleach, solvents, or abrasive scrubbing
• Store your harness properly:
  • Dry, shaded, and hung up — not thrown in a bin or truck bed

✅ When in doubt, tag it out. Get a replacement.

Harness Maintenance Essentials

✅ Inspect — Before every shift

✅ Clean — After dirty work or sweat exposure

✅ Store — Cool, dry, and away from sunlight or chemicals

✅ Replace — If damaged, expired, or questionable

✅ Report — Tag out bad gear and notify your supervisor

Ask the Crew

• What are the most common signs of harness damage you’ve seen?
• Where is our designated fall protection storage area?
• Have you ever had to reject or replace faulty harness gear — and how was it handled?

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