Your safety is priceless. That's why taking good care of your equipment is a matter of course. By inspecting, cleaning and storing it properly, you can ensure that it always works properly. Check out our simple tips for cleaning in the best possible way.
Some people mistakenly think that regular maintenance is a waste of time, and therefore choose to skip cleaning to get on with the job quickly. This is easy to do, but remember that your equipment may be the only thing standing between you and a life-threatening situation. It only takes a few minutes to clean properly, and regular maintenance will also extend the life of your equipment and ensure it works properly.
After use in salty environments, it is important to rinse the harness thoroughly. Use running water to remove salt that can otherwise cause corrosion and weaken the material over time. Please note that pressure washing should never be used as it can damage the structure and material of the harness.
For a more thorough cleaning, you should use lukewarm water (max 30 degrees) and a pH-neutral soap. These have a pH value of between 5 and 9, and ordinary hand soap usually works well. Then rinse thoroughly with clean tap water to remove any soap residue. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can impair the function and durability of the harness.
A soap that works great for both ropes and harnesses is Beal™ detergent.
Use a slightly dampened sponge with warm water only to wipe buckles and straps. This is particularly important for leather items and metal buckles that can be sensitive to harsh detergents. Using only water will minimise the risk of damaging the material.
The most effective cleaning technique for harness ropes is to use a rope brush. You can also use two scrubbing brushes and rub the bristles against each other with the rope in between. These methods help to loosen and remove ingrained dirt without damaging the fibres of the rope.
After cleaning, it is important to let the harness dry properly. Hang it in a well-ventilated area, but avoid direct sunlight or heat sources that could damage the material. Make sure that all parts of the harness, including straps and buckles, have good air circulation to prevent mould and bad odours.
It is important to clean harnesses and other equipment regularly to ensure that they are in good condition and free of substances that can weaken the material. Remember to use only household soap when cleaning the harness, as harsh chemicals such as chlorine and stain removers can damage the material and shorten the life of the equipment. If you notice any changes to your equipment after cleaning, we can carry out a detailed inspection to identify any safety risks.
In addition to proper cleaning, it is important to store equipment effectively to avoid unnecessary damage. For example, leaving your harness outdoors can damage the material if it is exposed to heat, rain, cold or dangerous UV radiation. It is also a good idea to store your harness in a separate bag to avoid external influences. Read more about this in our storage guide.
In addition to having functioning equipment, it's important that those working at height are certified and skilled enough to rescue their colleagues in an emergency. That's why we also offer fall protection training where you will learn how to work safely in a fall risk environment. Contact us if you have any questions or need to book an inspection of your fall protection.
