If you repair or operate an order picker or aerial lift, it’s important to remember to check not only your vehicle you are going to use before you use it, but the harness that may save your life.
Remember: Always keep your feet firmly on the platform you are standing on. Never climb mid- or top-rails, ladders, or step stools up in the air with you.
Some things to look for include:
Some things to look for include:
Webbing
Grasp the webbing with your hand 6 inches (152mm) to 8 inches (203mm) apart. Bend the webbing in an inverted “U”. The surface tension resulting makes damaged fibers or cuts easier to detect. Follow this procedure the entire length of the webbing, inspecting both sides of each strap. Look for frayed edges, broken fibers, pulled stitches, cuts, burns, or chemical damage.
D-Rings
Check D-Rings for distortion, cracks, breaks, or rough and sharp edges. The D-Ring should pivot freely. Inspect for any unusual wear, frayed or cut fibers, or broken stitching of the D-Ring attachments. Pads should also be inspected for cracks, excessive wear, or other signs of damage.
Buckles
Inspect for any unusual wear, frayed or cut fibers, or broken stitching of the buckle attachments.
Things to Remember
Remember, just because you are wearing a harness, doesn’t mean you can stand on mid-rails or top-rails of the equipment you are on, and your feet need to be planted firmly on the floor.
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