Is there a requirement in law to change safety harnesses and shock absorbing lanyards every year?
The law gives no arbitrary time limits for changing such equipment. However, the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 (as amended) require employers to maintain fall arrest equipment in good repair, including appropriate replacement. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that equipment which is exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous situations should be inspected at suitable intervals, and each time that exceptional circumstances, which are liable to jeopardise the safety of the work equipment, have occurred. This is to ensure that health and safety conditions are maintained and that any deterioration can be detected and remedied in good time. Your risk assessment should take working conditions into consideration when drawing up your safe system of work and your safe system of work must include an inspection regime to check the condition of your equipment. Advice from the manufacturer should be followed regarding any shelf liv
