How to Inspect a Safety Harness Before Using It

Equipment inspection is a critical procedure while using safety harnesses and working at heights. At Dutest, we strive to make working conditions as safe as possible by supplying high-quality equipment like full-body harnesses, lanyards, and multi-purpose life-line systems to protect workers who perform various tasks at risky heights.

Let us look at the various ways of inspecting a safety harness before using it.

Follow manual instructions

Inspect the instructions of your harness and understand product specifications so you use the right type of harness and wear it correctly. Visual and tactile inspections are pre-use checks that should be carried out before every use to make sure nothing is faulty. Some of the hardware components that can be checked include:

Webbing – Check for signs of damage such as worn or strained webbing, cracks, loose stitching, or fabric fading which may indicate a poorly made structure.
D-Rings – Check for signs of rust or damage and make sure the ring pivots freely.
Buckles – Ensure all rivets are tight and no sharp edges are sticking out. The buckles should not be bent, and stitching should be intact.
Straps and rope – Look out for broken fibers in the ropes and loose stitching while inspecting the clips on the straps.
Plastic loops – Check for damaged or broken loops.

Check for sun damage

Exposure to ultraviolet rays causes the harness to degrade over time. The harness should be stored away from direct sunlight and harsh chemicals to avoid flaking of the fibers and weakening of the webbing. Fibers that have a glazed appearance may indicate low strength of the webbing.

Check for equipment contamination

In work areas where harnesses are exposed to dirt and grime, the material of the harness may result in excessive internal or external abrasion. When dirt and debris get caught under the dorsal D-ring it can lead to acute problems for workers at heights. Cleaning the safety equipment regularly will help maintain its components that operate together to support workers safety.

Fasten the harness

Your fall protection harness should be fastened by a qualified individual to fit the wearer appropriately. Tighten or loosen the webbing through the harness buckles so that the person can move around well and have a functional range of motion.

As one of the premium safety harness suppliers in UAE, we select a combination of harnesses that suit your proposed work and anchorage point.

Visit our website for more information.

Certified Crane Inspection by Dutest

Dutest undertakes inspection, testing and certification on all kinds of lifting equipment. For example, Cranes. Crane inspection is necessary as they are one of the widely used lifting equipment in many sectors including construction, marine, oil & gas.

Crane load testing is a mandatory practice for guaranteed safety and smooth functioning of the crane. We have successfully provided 500 Tons Luffing Boom Crane Testing and Certified Third party Inspection Services to Bee'ah Company located at Sharjah, one of our exclusive clients. Contact us today to know more about our services. — Inspection Companies In Dubai

In addition we undertake inspection and testing on safety equipment, machinery, passenger lifts, escalators, cherry pickers, lifting beams etc. Dutest can provide proof load and initial testing if needed.

Our inspection, testing and certification services are recognized by government throughout the UAE. We can provide third party inspection services at location which is convenient for clients including our premises or remote location selected by client.

Visit our website for more details.

Explaining Lifting Magnet

What is a lifting magnet? It is a magnet at work for handling pig iron, castings, billets, rails and many other magnetic things when there is a lifting equipment being used for lifting or shifting heavy loads. It stands to reason that a lifting magnet should work properly at all times. Else, the lifting equipment can be rendered useless for the time it doesn’t. There are some points that can help understand the working of a lifting magnet.

These magnets find use in machining and mould processing industry.
The maximum magnetic force is about 3.5 times the rated lifting capacity. This is a safety factor here.
The magnets handle switches with safety buttons and that makes it easy to operate with a single hand. It makes for safety and convenience.
The magnetic force is permanent, there is more safety in using the lifting magnets, as they can be used without electricity.

Companies in industries like construction, shipping, logistics and marine find a lot of use for lifting equipment. As they deal with heavy loads all the time. These loads are difficult to be lifted manually. High-quality lifting equipment is required. These also should be operated as per the standard operating procedures and then under supervision. The lifting equipment like forklifts, escalators, shackles, passenger lifts and escalators, cranes, web slings, lanyards, wire ropes etc. help in moving loads with precision and efficiency. Lifting magnets play a crucial role in the efficient functioning of the equipment.

Lifting magnets should be regularly inspected by a third party and adequate maintenance should be carried out. Dutest is one such company that not only supplies lifting magnets of the best quality but also can perform equipment and machinery inspection. It is committed to following globally accepted best practices.

Different kinds of safety equipment

What are safety equipment? Why are they important? These are equipment meant to support workers who need to work from heights for construction or moving heavy loads. They are important because if the workers are not safely harnessed, they can fall. This can cause harm to people and property, sometimes even proving to be fatal.

Dutest is an ISO certified company andspecializes in manufacture, supplyof lifting equipment, safety equipment, third party inspection services and repair & maintenance services.

Dutest offers below range of safety equipment in the UAE:

Horizontal lifeline system

These can be installed on walls, floors, ceilings or roof tops to ensure workers are safe while they go on with their jobs. Mostly made with stainless steel ropes, they are strong structures. More than one person can also use these system.

Vertical lifeline system

They are used when workers need to climb. Ropes, cables or tracks are used as vertical lifelines. These are attached to the worker with a full body harness or lanyard. With a rope grab like anchor point, these systems make climbing up and down safe. They are not as expensive and can be installed fairly quickly. They can be configured to accommodate 4 workers at the same time.

Full body harness

These hold the worker in place when at a height. They are of two kinds – one supports the feet of the worker on a surface and the other helps the worker hang mid-air. This is fabricated in compliance with EN 361:2002. They exhibit technically sound features, the finest ergonomics and the safety requirements.

Fall arrestor block

When the anchorage is very high to access and the clearance distance is very small, it is a task to ensure that the worker does not fall. There are fall arrestor blocks conforming to EN 360:2002-KARAM Brand. They protect workers from falling and keeps them safe.

Lanyard

Lanyards connect a system and the fall arrest lanyards control the force, with shock absorbers, that might be felt on the body of the worker on a fall. Kinds of Lanyards are

Work positioning lanyards
Restraint lanyards
Fall arrest lanyards
Forked lanyards

Dutest has a wide range of KARAM brand lanyards.

Dutest products are in great demand in various sectors considering the range of the products and reliability based on international certifications for its products.

The products by Dutest are used extensively considering that it meets global standards for product quality and services. Dutest promises the best of the team and excellent customer service.

Certified full body harness at Dutest

In construction, manufacturing sectors, many times workers need to be at a height to either fabricate something or move a heavy load. In all such scenarios there is a risk of a fall and thus leading risk of life of people. The solution to this serious problem is that the workers should be provided with safety gear called fixed lifeline systems and workers should be trained well to use this product.

Dutest is one of the leading safety equipment provides in the UAE and has a varied range of safety equipment from KARAM brand as below:

Vertical lifeline systems
Horizontal lifeline systems
Fall protection systems includingFull body harness
Fall arrestor blocks
Lanyards

Details on full body harness:

A full body harness is supposed to hold the worker well and prevent a fall. It works to protect falls and give support to the worker (with feet on a support or hanging mid-air).

Dutest has on offer a range of KARAM brand’s safety harnesses for a wide range of applications and sectors. They are made considering technically sound features, finest ergonomics, and the comfort of the workers as well as the requirements of their safety. The company also supplies work positioning belts that support a worker so well that he / she can work at heights, be well supported and keep both hands free. This is fabricated in compliance to EN 361:2002.

It has to be kept in mind that these safety equipment are of paramount importance wherever workers work from heights. The equipment needs to fabricated with care following global best practices and international norms for quality and service should be stringently followed. They should be regularly inspected, and periodic maintenance is key here too. If that is not done, then the equipment can get damaged and cause accidents.

The people who use the full body harness and other safety equipment should be trained in the standard operating procedures for use of these equipment. Though they should not attempt repairs, they should be able to identify if there is a problem. They should also regularly check the full body harness after each use and store it properly (as per the company’s instructions). They can help identify a potential problem and prevent much damage and loss.

Dutest is an ISO certified company and one of the most experienced third party inspection service provider in the UAE. The company manufactures and supplies best quality lifting equipment and safety equipment in the UAE.

Why is it important to get a third party inspection?

It is important that the plant, machinery and lifting equipment used in heavy industries like construction, manufacturing, mining, shipping etc. are regularly inspected by a reliable and competent third party. An audit plays a crucial role in helping to maintain and improve the efficiency of the equipment and machinery. Let us see some reasons why this is important.

An inspection audit is essential to reaffirm that the equipment conforms the required norms and specifications and the company is following all necessary steps to ensure its optimal functioning. Because, as essential as it is to purchase equipment according to the quality norms set by authorities, it is also critical to follow all norms while operating them.

Regular inspection helps

To enhance the life of the equipment. The inspection is done within the purview of the necessary requirements and that helps in establishing the adherence to processes, working condition of the equipment and machinery, safety processes for workers and premises etc. It is important to take stock of these issues regularly as it affects the safety of people and property.
To enhance the reliability of the company. Gives a clear picture and assurance to the workers and customers that the working conditions are optimal and safe. That there will be no untoward accidents happening because of badly maintained equipment.
To maintain the equipment, identify any problem (even if small) and take care of it. It prevents the escalation of a problem. The equipment is kept in running condition. Any possible problems can be contained early on,helping save time, effort and money. This goes a long way in avoiding re-inspection.

It is important to get the inspection done only by accredited companies. They have the necessary expertise and technical know-how to give a clear picture and cover all relevant points.

Dutest is one of the leading inspection companies in Dubai. It has a very strong and technically qualified team to undertake third party inspections.It undertakes inspection, testing and certification on lifting equipment, plants and machinery, cranes, passenger / goods lifts, fork lift trucks etc. Dutest verifies load monitoring equipment. It can provide proof load and initial testing, bolt torque checks if needed. These can be undertaken at the client’s premises, at Dutest premises or even remotely.

Dutest provides the most reliable and certified third party inspection services in UAE.

The Hazards Associated With Lifting Equipment

Lifting Equipment and Gears are mechanized devices used for lifting heavy materials in the construction and manufacturing industries. There are many benefits of using Lifting Equipment.

Time is saved vis-à-vis when a task is performed physically.
There is a safeguard against injuries to workers.
Man-hours are saved. Thereby, increasing the productivity and efficiencies of the workers and ensuring timely deliveries of products.
The project completion time can be reduced and managed well.

There are different kinds of Lifting Equipment like Hand-operated/ power-operated cranes, winches / hoists, different kinds of Slings, wire ropes, shackles, eyebolts, gin wheels, pulley blocks, goods lifts, elevators, lifting rigs, forklift trucks etc.

Possible hazards associated with Lifting Equipment

These equipment are heavy machinery. The companies should be well aware of the maximum capacity of lifting loads of each of the equipment they have. They should ensure that the equipment is manufactured and tested as per internationally accepted norms. If these precautions are not taken, there can be possibilities of serious damage to property and life.

Therefore, procuring Lifting Equipment from the best manufacturers and suppliers, giving an assurance of testing of the equipment and adherence to quality standards, assumes paramount importance.

Dutest is a leading name among the lifting equipment manufacturers in the UAE. It supplies a broad range of world-class quality Lifting Equipment made with the best quality raw materials. Dutest runs inspections on its own equipment and also provides third-party testing on the equipment with its clients. It is recognized as the leading third-party inspection organization.

The main priority of Dutest is the assurance of quality and safety of its Lifting Equipment. The Dutest team works 24×7 to ensure that their products meet the most stringent quality and safety standards, their clients get the best customer service, timely deliveries and that they can connect with the company any time.

Working Safely with Fall Protection Systems

Fall protection systems provides protection to people working at great heights. It is important to consult with an experienced personnel regarding the fall protection equipment needs. Knowledgeable personnel can identify the best possible safety solution for a potential hazard. Fall protection systems are the most effective and safest forms of protection to eliminate the hazards altogether. There are different kinds of fall protection systems available in the market for various purposes. For example, a fall arrest product will stop a fall that is already happening. It requires diligent training and rescue planning before using fall arrest systems as they can be dangerous for the employees if not used properly.

Falls often lead to occupational fatalities in construction with majority of them occur as a result of falls to lower level, slips, and falls on the same level. The standard set for fall protection systems deals with both the human and equipment related issues to safeguard the employees from fall hazards. It is crucial to assess the workplace and train the workers under careful and competent supervision before using the fall protection systems. The safety system should be selected only after a careful analysis of which one would be the most suitable one for the workplace. Proper training helps the workers in having an accurate understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the fall protection systems.

Steps involved in the safe use of fall protection systems:

Selection of appropriate anchor points.
Proper inspection and maintenance of the equipment.
Selection of right equipment for different industrial applications.
Accurate determination of free fall distances.
Following a working knowledge of all the applicable standards and regulations.

Dutest is one of the authorized suppliers of lifting equipment in UAE with a commitment to provide total satisfaction to their clients by delivering products and services safely and on time. The Company supplies innovative and successful lifting equipment across the UAE. Products supplied by Dutest meets the highest standards of quality in an environmentally sound manner.

Different types of safety harnesses

Safety harness is an essential part of any safety kit, especially if you are working within an industry or job that requires you to work at dangerous heights. A safety harness provides workers with security while they work and reduce the chances of a fall. The type of harness you require mainly depends on the type of work you do and the injury rate would dramatically reduce if the safety harnesses are used properly. Safety harness needs to be fitted properly in order to be perfectly safe and secured. There are 2 main types of safety harnesses to choose from depending on the type of work. Recognized Safety Equipment In UAE distributes a variety of safety equipment to ensure the workplace safety.

Full body harness: These types of harnesses are the safest and are designed to provide the user with maximum comfort and confidence. The multiple loops available on full body harness allows users to hang from various points on the harness and hang tools also. The belt and pad on full body harness provides additional back lumbar support, facilitating tool carrying options. The extra attachment points which allow the workers to work in a variety of situations.

Vest-type harness: They provide added comfort, increased productivity and improved safety for everyone. They are extremely durable and lightweight. The torso adjusters are locked into place to eliminate all the loose ends and prevent slippage. These type of harnesses are easy to put on and won’t tangle.

Dutest Industries is one of the most experienced safety harness suppliers in the UAE. They give utmost importance to occupational safety and provide quality safety equipment and services at competitive price, throughout the Middle East.

Everything about lifting equipment and the frequencies of their inspection.

Safe and successful operations of the lifting equipment depend on the safety of the equipment and its accessories. It is important to follow proper maintenance instructions to keep the lifting equipment safe for use. A proper inspection by the inspection companies in Dubai is mandatory to verify that the lifting equipment can be safely used. Systematic and detailed examination of the lifting equipment and safety-critical parts should be carried out at specified intervals by a competent person. In order to ensure the safety of lifting equipment and to detect any remedy or deterioration in good time, frequent inspections are required throughout the lifetime of the equipment.

Lifting equipment inspection frequencies:

Before first time use: If the lifting equipment is assembled on-site, it must be examined by a competent person before putting in to use. It is mandatory to ensure that the parts were assembled properly and safely.

After assembly: Proper inspection should be carried out for equipment that requires assembling or installation at each location.

Regular inspection: When lifting equipment is used in extreme warehouse conditions, they are exposed to dangerous situations that cause equipment deterioration. Most lifting equipment will be subjected to wear and tear after frequent uses and will need regular inspections. Exposure to significant conditions will further deterioration.

Exceptional inspections: Certain situations like damage or failure of the equipment, being put out of use for longer periods, or any major changes that will affect the integrity of the equipment etc. demands some exceptional inspections to be carried out.

Six months is the specified time interval for regular inspection of lifting equipment and its associated accessories used to lift people. Most lifting equipment do not need routine inspections as overloaded tests can sometimes cause damage to the lifting equipment. Proper maintenance of the lifting equipment will ensure that it remains safe to use for a longer time. The nature, frequency and need for lifting equipment inspection should be determined through proper risk assessments after taking manufacturers instruction into consideration.

Dutest is one of the most experienced third party inspection companies in the UAE. They provide extended and certified services to their exhaustive list of prestigious clients. They have a team of dedicated and experienced employees to deliver services safely and on time.