Definition of the inspection criteria for personal protective equipment (for work at heights) on example of full body harnesses

Abstract

Works at heights can be unit in the separate sector of works which requires increased risk control and labor protection measures. According to the accident statistics this sector is one of the most hazardous and problematic. The problem of application of full body harnesses to protect workers against the risks of falling from heights is considered in this article. Herewith the importance of operational aspects revealed after purchase of applicable certified personal protection equipment for work at heights (further PPE) is particularly noted. Features of technical/detailed inspections of PPE and training of experts in this field in Russian Federation are presented. The analytical part of the article contains basic information about main damages and standard defects of full body harnesses which could become the basis of a normative document (further ND) for PPE inspection. ND in turn would help to form the general inspection criteria for PPE of various types, and would become normative «foundation» to train specialists. It is shown that GOST R EN 365 need to be reformed in accordance with priorities of domestic market.