Harness Inspection Checklist (Free Excel Template)
A harness inspection checklist that tracks every full-body harness, lanyard, and self-retracting lifeline at your site, one row per item. Each row has 7 Pass / Fail checks, a result, and the reason and date if the item was taken out of service.
Excel (.xlsx) · 4 sheets · Updated 2026-10-21
Enter your company name, name, and business email, and we will email you the download link.
Who is this harness inspection checklist for?
- Safety managers at construction and steel companies whose crews work at height
- Companies that issue harnesses to workers and need to know who has which one
- Supervisors who decide when an old harness or lanyard should be replaced
When to use it
The worker looks over the harness, lanyard, or lifeline before each use. Use this register for a documented inspection by a competent person on a set schedule, such as monthly, and after any fall or damage. Keep one file per site and list each item on its own row.
What's included
The template includes the following. Delete anything you do not need.
- Header: site, responsible person, and month
- Equipment ID, type, make and model, assigned worker, manufacture month, and in-service month
- 7 checks with Pass / Fail / N/A: webbing, stitching, hardware, lanyard or rope, shock absorber, retractor, labels and impact indicator
- Result: OK to use, Watch, or Remove from service
- Reason for removal, removal date, and inspector
- A filled-in sample with six items and a print layout for US Letter
Preview the Excel file
This is the actual file. Use the tabs below to switch between the 4 sheets. How to mark each result is explained on the "Instructions" sheet.
| A | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Harness Inspection Checklist (Fall Arrest Equipment Register) |
| 2 | |
| 3 | ■ Source |
| 4 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/harness-inspection-checklist/ |
| 5 | Request a template or an extra item: https://worker-library.com/contact/ |
| 6 | |
| 7 | ■ Sheets in this workbook |
| 8 | "Entry Sheet" … The sheet you fill in on a computer. Landscape layout. |
| 9 | "Sample (Filled In)" … A filled-in example. Use it as a guide to how each column is written. |
| 10 | "Print (Letter)" … For printing and filling in by hand. Taller rows, and the column headings repeat at the top of every page. Set up for US Letter. |
| 11 | |
| 12 | ■ How to use |
| 13 | 1. List each harness, lanyard, and lifeline on its own row. Fill in the ID, type, model, worker, manufacture month, and in-service month once. |
| 14 | 2. On each inspection date, check the 7 points and mark Pass, Fail, or N/A. Use the retractor column only for self-retracting lifelines. |
| 15 | 3. If any check is Fail, set the result to Remove from service and write the reason and the date. Take the item out of use right away. |
| 16 | 4. Use the in-service month and the manufacturer's guideline to mark items that are getting old as Watch. |
| 17 | 5. Remove any item that has arrested a fall, even if it looks fine, unless the manufacturer says otherwise. |
| 18 | |
| 19 | ■ How to mark results, and what to do (read before you start) |
| 20 | Pass … OK to use. |
| 21 | Fail … Stop using it on the spot and tag it "Do Not Use" or barricade the area. Tell your supervisor and write the corrective action. |
| 22 | N/A … The item does not exist here or does not apply today. Do not leave it blank. A blank cell means "not checked". |
| 23 | The inspector may decide to stop. Nobody is blamed for stopping. If in doubt, mark Fail. |
| 24 | After the corrective action, do not return it to service until the verifier writes the re-check date and name. |
| 25 | |
| 26 | ■ Adapting it to your site |
| 27 | • Hard hats are in the type list so you can track them in the same file. Delete those rows if you track them elsewhere. |
| 28 | • If harnesses are shared rather than assigned, rename the Assigned to column to Checked out to. |
| 29 | • Add a column for anchorage connectors or beam clamps if your crews carry their own. |
| 30 | |
| 31 | ■ Things to watch |
| 32 | • This is a general register, not an official OSHA form. It does not replace the check the worker does before each use. |
| 33 | • Personal fall arrest systems must be inspected before each use for wear, damage, and other deterioration, and defective components removed from service (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21); in general industry, before initial use during each workshift under 29 CFR 1910.140(c)(18)). |
| 34 | • Service life is set by the manufacturer, not by this template. Check the instructions that came with each harness and lanyard. |
| 35 | • ANSI Z359 is commonly referenced for fall protection equipment. State plans and your company may add requirements. |
| 36 | |
| 37 | ■ About this template |
| 38 | A free inspection template from Worker Library. |
| 39 | You may copy, edit, and print it for use in your own organization. Add or delete items as you need. |
| 40 | Please do not redistribute or sell the template itself. |
| 41 | |
| 42 | ■ Important notice |
| 43 | This template organizes common inspection items for reference. It is not an official form issued by OSHA or any other authority, and using it does not by itself show compliance. |
| 44 | Which inspections are required, how often, and how long records must be kept depend on the equipment, industry, size of the operation, and location (federal, state, and local rules can all apply). |
| 45 | Check the regulations and standards that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified or competent person. |
| 46 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. |
| 47 | Regulations change. Check the source page above for the latest version. |
| 48 | |
| 49 | ■ Related regulations and standards (for reference) |
| 50 | OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21) (construction): personal fall arrest systems must be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage, and other deterioration, and defective components removed from service. 29 CFR 1910.140(c)(18) (general industry): personal fall protection systems must be inspected before initial use during each workshift for mildew, wear, damage, and other deterioration, and defective components removed from service. ANSI Z359 is commonly referenced for fall protection equipment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for inspection and service life. |
| 51 | |
| 52 | ■ Updated |
| 53 | 2026-10-21 (reviewed every 3 months) |
| 54 | |
| 55 | ■ About Worker Library |
| 56 | Worker Library publishes free Excel inspection checklists, logs, and forms for maintenance, safety, and quality teams. |
| 57 | All templates: https://worker-library.com/templates/ |
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harness Inspection Checklist (Fall Arrest Equipment Register) | |||||
| 2 | Site / project | Responsible person | ||||
| 3 | ||||||
| 4 | Equipment ID | Type | Make / model | Assigned to | Manufactured (month) | In service since |
| 5 | ||||||
| 6 | ||||||
| 7 | ||||||
| 8 | ||||||
| 9 | (17 more blank rows) | |||||
| 10 | Inspected by | |||||
| 11 | ||||||
| 12 | ||||||
| 13 | Notice: This is a general-purpose inspection record. It is not an official government form and does not by itself show compliance with OSHA or any other regulation or standard. | |||||
| 14 | Related regulations and standards (for reference): OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21) (construction): personal fall arrest systems must be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage, and other deterioration, and defective components removed from service. 29 CFR 1910.140(c)(18) (general industry): personal fall protection systems must be inspected before initial use during each workshift for mildew, wear, damage, and other deterioration, and defective components removed from service. ANSI Z359 is commonly referenced for fall protection equipment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for inspection and service life. | |||||
| 15 | Which inspections you need, how often, and how long to keep records depend on your equipment, industry, and location. Check the regulations that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified person. | |||||
| 16 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. Regulations change; check the source page for the latest version. | |||||
| 17 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/harness-inspection-checklist/ Updated 2026-10-21 | |||||
This preview shows the first 6 of 18 columns. The downloaded file contains everything.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harness Inspection Checklist (Fall Arrest Equipment Register) [SAMPLE] | |||||
| 2 | Site / project | Building C, 4-story office | Responsible person | M. Shah (safety) | ||
| 3 | ||||||
| 4 | Equipment ID | Type | Make / model | Assigned to | Manufactured (month) | In service since |
| 5 | FH-01 | Full-body harness | Acme FB-2 | J. Davis | 05/2024 | 06/2024 |
| 6 | FH-02 | Full-body harness | Acme FB-2 | T. Nguyen | 03/2022 | 04/2022 |
| 7 | SR-03 | Self-retracting lifeline | Acme SR-1 | J. Davis | 02/2025 | 03/2025 |
| 8 | LY-04 | Lanyard | Acme L-6 | R. Lopez | 08/2023 | 09/2023 |
| 9 | LY-05 | Lanyard | Acme L-6 | K. Brown | 11/2024 | 12/2024 |
| 10 | HH-06 | Hard hat | Acme Type I | Shared | 04/2023 | 05/2023 |
| 11 | ||||||
| 12 | ||||||
| 13 | ||||||
| 14 | ||||||
| 15 | (11 more blank rows) | |||||
| 16 | Inspected by | |||||
| 17 | ||||||
| 18 | ||||||
| 19 | Notice: This is a general-purpose inspection record. It is not an official government form and does not by itself show compliance with OSHA or any other regulation or standard. | |||||
| 20 | Related regulations and standards (for reference): OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21) (construction): personal fall arrest systems must be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage, and other deterioration, and defective components removed from service. 29 CFR 1910.140(c)(18) (general industry): personal fall protection systems must be inspected before initial use during each workshift for mildew, wear, damage, and other deterioration, and defective components removed from service. ANSI Z359 is commonly referenced for fall protection equipment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for inspection and service life. | |||||
| 21 | Which inspections you need, how often, and how long to keep records depend on your equipment, industry, and location. Check the regulations that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified person. | |||||
| 22 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. Regulations change; check the source page for the latest version. | |||||
| 23 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/harness-inspection-checklist/ Updated 2026-10-21 | |||||
This preview shows the first 6 of 18 columns. The downloaded file contains everything.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harness Inspection Checklist (Fall Arrest Equipment Register) | |||||
| 2 | Site / project | Responsible person | ||||
| 3 | ||||||
| 4 | Equipment ID | Type | Make / model | Assigned to | Manufactured (month) | In service since |
| 5 | ||||||
| 6 | ||||||
| 7 | ||||||
| 8 | ||||||
| 9 | (17 more blank rows) | |||||
| 10 | Inspected by | |||||
| 11 | ||||||
| 12 | ||||||
| 13 | Notice: This is a general-purpose inspection record. It is not an official government form and does not by itself show compliance with OSHA or any other regulation or standard. | |||||
| 14 | Related regulations and standards (for reference): OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21) (construction): personal fall arrest systems must be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage, and other deterioration, and defective components removed from service. 29 CFR 1910.140(c)(18) (general industry): personal fall protection systems must be inspected before initial use during each workshift for mildew, wear, damage, and other deterioration, and defective components removed from service. ANSI Z359 is commonly referenced for fall protection equipment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for inspection and service life. | |||||
| 15 | Which inspections you need, how often, and how long to keep records depend on your equipment, industry, and location. Check the regulations that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified person. | |||||
| 16 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. Regulations change; check the source page for the latest version. | |||||
| 17 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/harness-inspection-checklist/ Updated 2026-10-21 | |||||
This preview shows the first 6 of 18 columns. The downloaded file contains everything.
Cells marked ▼ have a drop-down list. Lightly shaded rows are where you write.
File details
| Format | Excel (.xlsx) |
|---|---|
| Works with | Microsoft Excel 2016 or later, Excel for Microsoft 365, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc |
| Paper | Print areas set for US Letter |
| Sheets | Instructions / Entry Sheet / Sample (Filled In) / Print (Letter) |
| Macros | None |
| File size | About 19 KB |
| Updated | 2026-10-21 |
How to use the harness inspection checklist
- List each harness, lanyard, and lifeline on its own row. Fill in the ID, type, model, worker, manufacture month, and in-service month once.
- On each inspection date, check the 7 points and mark Pass, Fail, or N/A. Use the retractor column only for self-retracting lifelines.
- If any check is Fail, set the result to Remove from service and write the reason and the date. Take the item out of use right away.
- Use the in-service month and the manufacturer's guideline to mark items that are getting old as Watch.
- Remove any item that has arrested a fall, even if it looks fine, unless the manufacturer says otherwise.
Adapting it to your site
- Hard hats are in the type list so you can track them in the same file. Delete those rows if you track them elsewhere.
- If harnesses are shared rather than assigned, rename the Assigned to column to Checked out to.
- Add a column for anchorage connectors or beam clamps if your crews carry their own.
Before you use it
Please read
- This is a general register, not an official OSHA form. It does not replace the check the worker does before each use.
- Personal fall arrest systems must be inspected before each use for wear, damage, and other deterioration, and defective components removed from service (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21); in general industry, before initial use during each workshift under 29 CFR 1910.140(c)(18)).
- Service life is set by the manufacturer, not by this template. Check the instructions that came with each harness and lanyard.
- ANSI Z359 is commonly referenced for fall protection equipment. State plans and your company may add requirements.
- This template is provided as-is for reference. Worker Library is not liable for any loss arising from its use. Regulations change, so check the update date on this page.
Harness Inspection Checklist FAQ
How often should a harness be inspected?
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21), a personal fall arrest system is inspected prior to each use. In general industry, 29 CFR 1910.140(c)(18) says before initial use during each workshift. Many companies also have a competent person do a documented inspection on a set schedule, often monthly or every few months, following the manufacturer's instructions.
How long is a safety harness good for?
The service life is set by the manufacturer, so check the instructions and label for your model. Whatever its age, a harness with frayed webbing, broken stitching, damaged hardware, or a deployed shock absorber is removed from service.
Can a harness be used again after a fall?
Equipment that has arrested a fall is normally removed from service. The shock absorber may have deployed and the webbing may have stretched even if it looks fine. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
What should I look for when inspecting a harness?
Common checks are cuts, burns, fraying, or mildew on the webbing; broken or pulled stitching; bent, cracked, or corroded buckles and D-rings; snap hook gates that close and lock; and labels and impact indicators. The manufacturer's instructions list the checks for that model.