Hard use would call for a shorter service life than would be acceptable for a rope that sees very little use. A rope that is shock loaded or otherwise damaged should be retired immediately. The guide stresses that the most significant contributing factor to the service life of a rope is the history of use. Through the ASTM consensus standards process, the rescue industry set 10 years as the maximum service life for a life safety rope (see ASTM Standard F1740-96 Guide for Inspection of Nylon, Polyester, or Nylon/Polyester Blend, or Both Kernmantle Rope). At this time, the rescue industry does not have a recommended service life for harnesses.

The Climbing Sports Group of the Outdoor Recreation Coalition of America states that a climbing harness should last about two years under normal weekend use. The military was using seven years as a service life for nylon products. They recommend seven years as the shelf life. The fall protection industry recommends two to three years as a service life for a harness or belt in use. On the other hand, harnesses rely on the stitching to hold them together, and due to its small diameter, the thread is more susceptible to abrasion, aging and chemical damage than web or rope. Since harnesses are worn on the body, they are generally better protected than ropes. The service life of a rescue harness is closely related to that of a life safety rope – both are used in the same environments, both are made from nylon or polyester and both receive similar levels of inspection and care.

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