The maximum usage duration of personal protective equipment is regulated by law. However, this usage duration is dependent on the respective use and can expire significantly before the legal limit is reached in case of intensive use. As a realistic usage duration for regular use and the related wear, about 6-8 years apply for safety harnesses or 4-6 years for ropes. As a general rule of thumb: the more the item is used, the faster the usage duration is diminished – even with regular care and maintenance.
For many items of equipment, the year of production is marked on the item itself. Important for the maximum usage duration though is the year of first use (maximum storage duration 2 years). Keeping a test log or test sheets is recommended, because this offers a clear overview.
There are no defined maximum usage durations for guided fall arresters (fall catcher) or connecting elements made from metal (carabiner). As long as they are fully functional and meet the state-of-the-art, they can be used. For complex devices for rescuing people or fall protection (e.g. fall protection systems, passenger winches), Rosenbauer recommends having them checked as per the corresponding manufacturer's instructions in the operating manual.