This example risk assessment has been prepared using the
F-HS20 General Risk Assessment form template.
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Use of Safety Harness and Fall Arrest Equipment Risk Assessment
This fully completed safety harness and fall arrest equipment risk assessment example has been prepared by a qualified health and safety professional. It covers selection, inspection, fitting and use of full-body safety harnesses, lanyards, inertia reels and fall arrest systems for working at height, and can be used as a starting point when developing your own risk assessment documentation.
What Does This Safety Harness Risk Assessment Cover?
This risk assessment identifies the key hazards associated with the use of safety harnesses and fall arrest equipment including;
- Fall arrest system failure — safety harness, lanyard or anchor point failing during a fall causing the operative to fall the full height resulting in fatal or serious injury
- Incorrect harness fitting causing suspension trauma — poorly fitted harness failing to arrest a fall correctly or causing harness hang syndrome following arrest
- Shock loading of anchor point from fall — dynamic load from an arrested fall exceeding anchor point capacity and causing structural failure
- Unsuitable PPE for the environment — harness and lanyard system not rated for the specific environment causing degradation and unexpected failure
Each hazard includes an inherent risk rating ranging from Moderate to Substantial, and a comprehensive listing of applicable control measures covering areas such as;
- Fall arrest equipment inspected by the user before each use and by a competent person every 6 months
- Anchor points rated for at least 15kN for a single person with fall clearance distance confirmed below the operative
- All harness users trained in correct fitting, inspection and use of the specific harness type
- Emergency rescue plan in place with suspension trauma first aid training and retrieval within 20 minutes
- Energy-absorbing lanyards used to reduce peak arrest force with lanyard length minimised
- Harness replaced after any arrest event or when any doubt exists over its integrity
A residual risk rating is then assigned to each hazard, demonstrating how effective risk management reduces overall risk to a tolerable level.
A Professional, Easy-to-Use Risk Assessment Template
This document uses colour-coded header styles matched to risk ratings, making it quick to read and easy to communicate during toolbox talks and worker training. A built-in risk rating matrix supports consistent evaluation of likelihood and consequence, and hazard pictograms using internationally recognised ISO warning symbols are included alongside relevant hazard entries.
The result is a completed risk assessment that looks professional, reads clearly, and demonstrates a structured and effective approach to risk management.
Who Is This Risk Assessment Template Suitable For?
This safety harness risk assessment template is suitable for health and safety advisers, roofing contractors, steeplejacks, construction managers and any employer with a duty to assess risks associated with fall arrest equipment under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022. It can be implemented as a standalone document or as part of a broader occupational health and safety management system aligned with ISO 45001.
Note: This example risk assessment is supplied for use as guidance only and should be reviewed and completed by a competent person.