Product Overview

Summary: This Harness Use and Inspection Safe Operating Procedure provides clear, step-by-step guidance for selecting, fitting, using and inspecting fall-arrest harnesses in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses control the critical risk of falls from height, while demonstrating due diligence and compliance with WHS obligations and relevant Australian Standards.

Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatality in Australian workplaces, and improperly used or poorly maintained harnesses are a common contributing factor. This Harness Use and Inspection SOP sets out a consistent, practical framework for how workers are to select the right harness and associated equipment, don and adjust it correctly, connect to suitable anchor points, and carry out pre-use and scheduled inspections. It is written in clear, operational language so that both frontline workers and supervisors can apply it confidently on site.

By implementing this procedure, your business can demonstrate a systematic approach to managing fall-arrest equipment in line with Australian WHS legislation and recognised standards. The SOP addresses the full lifecycle of a harness – from purchase, identification and recordkeeping through to inspection, quarantine and disposal – reducing the risk of equipment failure, misuse and non-compliance. It also supports more effective training and inductions, giving workers a consistent reference document that reinforces safe behaviours and provides clear guidance on what to do if defects, damage or incidents are identified.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of serious injury or fatality from falls by standardising safe harness use and connection practices.
• Ensure compliance with WHS legislation and relevant Australian Standards for fall-arrest systems and equipment inspection.
• Improve inspection quality and consistency through clear criteria, checklists and documentation requirements.
• Extend the service life of harnesses by defining correct storage, handling, cleaning and maintenance practices.
• Support effective worker training and competency assessment with a clear, step-by-step reference for harness use and inspection.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers
• Safety Advisors
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Roofers and Roofing Contractors
• Scaffolding Supervisors
• Telecommunications Technicians
• Electrical Linesworkers
• Warehouse and Logistics Managers
• Utilities and Infrastructure Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height due to incorrect harness fitting or connection
• Equipment failure from worn, damaged or contaminated harnesses and lanyards
• Incorrect attachment to unsuitable or overloaded anchor points
• Suspension trauma following a fall-arrest event
• Entanglement or snagging of harness components on structures or plant
• Inadequate inspection leading to continued use of unsafe equipment
• Manual handling and strain injuries when handling or adjusting harness systems
• Exposure to chemicals, UV or heat that degrade harness webbing and stitching

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Competency, Training and Authorisation Requirements
• 6.0 Harness Types, Components and Compatibility
• 7.0 Pre-Use Inspection Procedure and Criteria
• 8.0 Scheduled Detailed Inspection and Recordkeeping
• 9.0 Donning, Fitting and Adjustment of Harnesses
• 10.0 Connection to Anchor Points and Use with Lanyards, SRLs and Other Devices
• 11.0 Safe Operating Practices While Working in a Harness
• 12.0 Cleaning, Storage, Handling and Maintenance Requirements
• 13.0 Quarantine, Tag-Out and Disposal of Defective Equipment
• 14.0 Incident Response, Post-Fall Actions and Suspension Trauma Considerations
• 15.0 Audit, Review and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 Forms, Checklists and Inspection Records (Templates)

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations – Part 4.4: Falls
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 1891.1: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Harnesses and ancillary equipment
• AS/NZS 1891.2: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Horizontal lifeline and rail systems
• AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance
• AS/NZS 1891.5: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Lanyards and pole straps
• AS/NZS 5532: Manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor device used for harness-based work at height
• AS/NZS 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems (ISO 45001 as adopted in Australia)