Presented by Mark Solano, CHST. and the Laborers Training School
Life Expectancy of Miller Brand Harnesses and Lanyards
ANSI A10.32-2012, which replaced A10.32-2004, does not reference a 5 year service
life for synthetic fiber products. The standard states that fall protection equipment shall
be removed from service upon evidence of defects, damage or deterioration; once it has
been subjected to impact loading; or upon expiration of the manufacturer’s specified
service life, whichever comes first.
Miller Fall Protection previously acknowledged the ANSI A10.32-2004 standard and the
5 year life as a general guideline that was not to be used in lieu of the inspection and
maintenance criteria outlined in the instructions that accompany each unit.
Each harness and lanyard shipped by Miller is accompanied by specific instructions for
use, inspection, and cleaning that must be understood and followed. Miller requires all
fall protection products, including harnesses and lanyards be visually inspected prior to
use and regularly inspected by a Competent Person, such as defined by OSHA
(Occupational Health & Safety Administration) or CSA (Canadian Standards
Association). When not in use, products should be stored at room temperature away
from chemicals, moisture and ultra-violet light.
Following these instructions may still necessitate removing the harness or lanyard from
service prior to any life expectancy guideline, due to the normal wear and tear of
everyday use. Likewise, proper adherence to the inspection and maintenance criteria
may extend the useful life. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the end-user to determine
when a harness or lanyard is unfit for use and should be removed from service.
Products removed from service should be disposed of in a manner that prevents
inadvertent further use.
I entered the construction industry in the summer of 1979, faced with a choice from my father, who was president of Local 652 at the time: go to college or join the Laborers. I chose the Laborers.
I attended the Laborers Training School in Anza during the summer of 1980. Throughout my career, I worked with several respected companies, including Granite, Silverado, and Full Traffic Maintenance.
My passion for safety ignited during my time at Granite and I later assumed the role of Safety Manager at Griffith Company. This journey led me to serve on the subcommittee for Laborers Local 652 in Santa Ana in a management capacity.
It was there that I first learned of the position of Safety Officer at the Laborers Training School. Recognizing it as my calling, I embraced the opportunity to be part of a program that imparts knowledge ,experience, and safety values to young apprentices. It's both an honor and privilege to serve Laborer Local unions and contractors across Southern California.
"The path of safety and service is a rewarding one, built on sharing knowledge, experiences, and shaping a safer tomorrow."
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