Take the Safety Harness Inspection Quiz
Ready to master webbing damage detection and D-ring checks?
Use this Safety Harness Inspection Quiz to practice spotting webbing damage (bend the webbing to reveal cuts), confirm D-ring placement, and assess lanyard and buckle condition. You'll sharpen field checks and catch gaps before a shift or audit; if you need a quick refresher, review fall protection basics and then play.
Study Outcomes
- Understand why bending the webbing is a good way to notice damages -
Learn how flexing the harness webbing reveals hidden cuts, abrasions, and UV degradation for a thorough safety check.
- Apply a structured harness inspection checklist -
Follow a step-by-step harness inspection checklist covering buckles, straps, and attachment points to ensure full compliance and safety.
- Analyze D-ring position and condition -
Inspect D-ring alignment, secure attachment, and absence of deformation to confirm proper functionality before use.
- Evaluate lanyard condition for wear or defects -
Detect fraying, corrosion, and missing components in the lanyard to prevent potential failures during climbing activities.
- Demonstrate recognition of common webbing damage types -
Identify signs of abrasion, heat exposure, chemical damage, and cuts during inspections to maintain harness integrity.
- Utilize safety harness inspection quiz techniques to build confidence -
Reinforce your inspection skills and accuracy through our safety harness inspection quiz before heading on your next climb.
Cheat Sheet
- Webbing Damage Detection with Bending -
The technique known as bending the webbing is a good way to notice damages because folds reveal hidden cuts or UV damage that remain invisible under straight tension. For example, bending a 6-inch segment between your fingers can highlight frayed fibers or subtle discoloration under good lighting. OSHA 1926.502(d)(15) recommends this quick pre-use check to catch early wear.
- Harness Inspection Checklist Mastery -
A structured harness inspection checklist ensures every buckle, strap, D-ring and lanyard is examined from top to toe without skipping steps. After memorizing the "HEAD-TO-TOE" mnemonic, test your recall with a brief safety harness inspection quiz to solidify knowledge. ANSI Z359.11 guidelines stress the importance of consistent documentation after each inspection.
- Buckles and Stitching Integrity -
Examine buckles by applying moderate torque and looking for gaps, cracks or corrosion; any deformation could compromise engagement. Inspect stitching for pulled or missing threads - ANSI Z359.1 requires a minimum three rows of lockstitch, which you can remember as "3x3 keeps you debris-free." A single irregular stitch flag should prompt immediate equipment removal.
- D-ring Position Inspection -
Proper D-ring position inspection means ensuring the dorsal D-ring sits between your shoulder blades and the sternal D-ring rests at mid-chest for optimal load distribution (ANSI Z359.11). Look for ring distortion, weld cracks or surface pitting by running a gloved finger along edges. Mnemonic: "Back and Chest, D's in their Nest."
- Lanyard Condition Check -
Conduct a lanyard condition check by examining energy absorbers for deployed or torn shock packs, frays or chemical damage, and verify that connectors latch smoothly. Use the 5-second squeeze test on connector gates to ensure proper spring tension and alignment without warping. Manufacturer manuals like those from DBI-Sala recommend this test before every ascent.