How to Clean and Store Your Fall Protection Equipment

How to Clean and Store Your Fall Protection Equipment

Regular care for your fall protection safety equipment will prolong the life of the equipment and contribute toward the performance of its vital safety function. Proper storage and maintenance are as critical as removing dirt, corrosives, or contaminants after each use. The storage area should be clean, dry, and free of exposure to fumes or corrosive elements such as dirt, oils, paint, and debris that can compromise the safety rating of the equipment.

Equipment Cleaning Tips 

Cleaning your fall protection equipment—like harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines—doesn’t have to be a complicated process. It’ll be easier if it becomes a regular part of your end-of-day inspections or checklists of the equipment. Follow these tips for keeping your fall protection equipment clean:

  • Always follow any manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning.
  • Don’t use harsh or abrasive chemicals like sanitizers, rubbing alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, naphtha, turpentine, acetone, or industrial cleaning supplies, as these can damage the integrity of your equipment.
  • Use a sponge and warm water to wipe away any residue on your straps and buckles.
  • Use a sponge, water, and commercial soap like mild dish soap or laundry detergent to wash nylon and polyester straps. Create a thick lather with a vigorous back and forth motion rather than soaking or submerging. Don’t use water hotter than 130 degrees Fahrenheit as this can also affect the integrity of the equipment. 
  • Rinse the straps using a sponge, clean water, and again, do not soak the harness or lanyard. 
  • Hang freely to dry but away from excessive heat. Allow it to air dry in a ventilated area, and don’t machine dry it, as this could also cause damage and decrease the integrity of the equipment. Harness, belts, and other equipment should be dried thoroughly without exposure to heat, steam, or long periods of sunlight.
  • Everyone should possess and maintain their fall protection equipment, as well as other safety apparel and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). If employees must share PPE, then cleaning between each use is a must.

Safety is our priority at Safe Keeper | Safe Climber. We have an extensive inventory of fall protection equipment like harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, anchorage systems, and ladder systems to keep workers safe when working at heights.

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