Does Fall Protection Expire?

Understanding the Lifespan of Safety Measures

One question that individuals tasked with protecting workers at height might find themselves asking is whether or not fall protection systems and products have a limited usable lifespan, or in other words, does fall protection "expire"?

While the concept of "expiration" is most commonly associated with food or medicine, it applies just as significantly to safety systems. Over time, fall protection equipment degrades, training becomes outdated, and certifications lose validity. Understanding the lifespan of each element within your fall protection program is key to maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.

The Lifespan of Fall Protection Equipment

Fall protection equipment includes harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, anchors, and connectors. These items are built to save lives, but unfortunately they can't last forever. Over time, sun exposure, dirt, moisture, and general wear can break down materials and compromise the integrity of the gear.

Most manufacturers list a general lifespan for their products. That lifespan can vary depending on use, storage conditions, and how well the equipment is maintained. But here's the catch: even if a system hasn't hit any sort of “official” retirement age, it still needs to be taken out of service if it shows any signs of damage. Frayed webbing, faded labels, broken stitching, and corrosion are all red flags.

In order to ensure that fall protection systems are always in good working order, OSHA mandates that a regular inspection be performed by a Competent Person, and that a system be recertified by a Qualified Person every 5 or 10 years, depending on the system.

Any piece of equipment that has been involved in a fall must be removed from service immediately. Even if it looks fine on the outside, the internal structure may have been compromised, and it may not arrest a fall correctly the next time it's needed for use.

Do Harnesses Expire?

Technically, most harnesses don’t come with a set expiration date. But that doesn’t mean you should keep using one indefinitely. Just like any personal protective equipment, harnesses wear out. Whether it’s from sweat, sunlight, abrasion, or repeated use, materials break down over time.

Some companies take a proactive approach and automatically retire harnesses after five years, even if no visible damage is present. Others follow the manufacturer’s inspection criteria more strictly, relying on regular checks by a Competent Person to determine when a harness should be retired. PPE should be inspected by the user prior to every single use to be safe. We have a free guide to PPE inspection that can help users understand what to keep an eye out for. The message is clear: don’t assume a harness is safe just because it “looks okay.”

What About Training?

Training is another critical part of any fall protection program, and yes—it can expire too.

Workers who use fall protection gear are typically classified as Authorized Users. OSHA requires that these workers receive training to understand how to properly use their equipment and avoid hazards. While there’s no fixed timeframe for retraining, it is required whenever equipment changes, jobsite conditions change, or if a worker demonstrates unsafe behavior or a lack of understanding.

Most safety professionals recommend refresher training every year. This keeps knowledge fresh and ensures that workers stay familiar with proper procedures and rescue plans.

Then there’s the Competent Person—someone who has the knowledge and authority to identify hazards and correct them on the spot. This person is usually responsible for inspecting equipment and overseeing fall protection programs. Certification for this role typically needs to be renewed every two years, with something like a Competent Person Refresher Course.

So, Does Fall Protection Expire?

In practice, yes. Fall protection equipment has a limited lifespan, and so does training. Even the best gear becomes unreliable if it’s damaged, too old, or used incorrectly. And even the most experienced workers can develop bad habits if their training isn’t refreshed.

If it’s been a while since you reviewed your fall protection gear or training program, now’s the time. Check your inventory, schedule inspections, retire aging equipment, and make sure your team’s training is current. A little bit of preventative effort goes a long way toward avoiding accidents, injuries, and liability.

Final Thoughts

Fall protection isn’t just a set of gear or a training manual. It’s an ongoing system that only works when every part is up to date and functioning properly. If you’re not sure whether your equipment or certifications are current, take the time to find out. Replace what’s worn out. Refresh the training. Recommit to the basics. Diversified Fall Protection offers services to provide peace of mind knowing your system is current, including fall protection system inspection and recertification, PPE inspection, and training and re-training.