🧰 Equipment & PPE Corner
When Should You Replace Your Harness or Helmet?
Keeping your team safe at height isn’t just about having the right gear — it’s about making sure that gear is still performing as it should. Over time, even the highest-quality harnesses and helmets lose their protective strength through everyday wear, UV exposure, contaminants, or simply age.
Here’s how to know when it’s time to replace your equipment:
🔍 Harness Replacement Checklist
Replace your harness immediately if you notice:
- Fraying, cuts, or pulled stitching
- UV fading or brittle webbing
- Damaged or distorted D-rings or buckles
- Chemical contamination (fuel, acids, solvents)
- Missing labels or unreadable inspection tags
- A fall event — any harness involved in a fall must be retired
General lifespan guide:
When used in accordance with AS/NZS1891 design standards, harnesses are generally serviceable for up to 10 years. However, if any of the issues mentioned above are observed, the harness must be removed from service before reaching 10 years
🪖 Helmet Replacement Checklist
Replace your safety helmet if:
- It has been dropped from height
- The shell shows cracks, dents, or soft spots
- The internal cradle or padding is worn, loose, or missing
- It has been exposed to high heat, UV degradation, or chemicals
- Straps or buckles are damaged
- The expiry date has passed
General lifespan guide:
Most helmets should be replaced at regular intervals following manufacturer recommendations.
🛠 Need Help Deciding? We Can Fit Test & Review
As part of our partnership with Zero Heights Safety, our qualified team can:
- Inspect your current equipment
- Recommend replacements
- Help you choose the right harness or helmet for your work
- Provide on-site fit testing and product demonstrations
💬 Want Us to Check Your Gear?
Simply contact us to book an on-site equipment review or fit test.
📞 0800 489 5669 | ✉️ itw@itw.org.nz
Work safe. Stay safe. Be equipped.