A harness showing significant wear should be immediately discarded.

A harness showing significant wear should be immediately discarded.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only If Recommended
• D. Not Certain

Answer: (A)

Significant wear on a harness means its strength and reliability are compromised, and it must be removed from service right away. The webbing, stitching, and hardware bear the forces during a fall, so any fraying, cuts, excessive stretching, loose or broken stitching, bent buckles, or other damage can dramatically weaken it. Even if it still looks usable, its ability to hold a fall or load safely is not guaranteed, so the correct action is to retire the harness immediately and replace it. The other options would imply continuing to use or waiting for guidance, which isn’t appropriate when visible wear signals a clear safety risk. If there’s any doubt, err on the side of caution and replace the gear.

Significant wear on a harness means its strength and reliability are compromised, and it must be removed from service right away. The webbing, stitching, and hardware bear the forces during a fall, so any fraying, cuts, excessive stretching, loose or broken stitching, bent buckles, or other damage can dramatically weaken it. Even if it still looks usable, its ability to hold a fall or load safely is not guaranteed, so the correct action is to retire the harness immediately and replace it. The other options would imply continuing to use or waiting for guidance, which isn’t appropriate when visible wear signals a clear safety risk. If there’s any doubt, err on the side of caution and replace the gear.