Moisture resistant technology is applied to LINQ harnesses during manufacturing to provide increased protection against sweat, moisture and associated odours as well as oil, grease and dirt.

According to LINQ Height Safety Gear, National Category Manager, Paul Bozkurt, the webbing on all LINQ harnesses (except the H101 Essential Harness) is dipped twice in a water resistant solution called ‘Liqui-Pel’, giving the harness an invisible protective barrier.

Bozkurt said that the most noticeable benefit to users is a cleaner, odour-free harness that will be serviceable longer.

“If harnesses are exposed to grease, oil and dirt then they are often decommissioned during inspections as they are seen as too dirty,” Bozkurt said.

The same applies to harnesses that get wet, either from rain, sweat or other moisture exposure.

“The main issue with a harness that is kept wet is the resulting smell. When harnesses start to smell they are generally discarded. This is the same for harnesses that absorb sweat in hot and humid environments.” Bozkurt said.

“Where a single harness is being used by multiple workers, this can also pose a hygiene problem with cross contamination.”

“Moisture is not absorbed by harnesses treated with Liqui-Pel. It will simply bead off,” Bozkurt said.

He added that the Liqui-Pel coating will also make cleaning LINQ harnesses easier and that a clean and odour-free harness will increase the likelihood of workers wearing it.

How to clean your height safety gear:

Harnesses and other height safety gear should be cleaned regularly to minimise odour build-up, increase service life and remove any potentially degrading materials.

Bozkurt warned against soaking a harness or using any strong chemicals such as bleach during cleaning.

“Gentle dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent mixed with warm water is best. Wipe it down with a sponge, dry it off and hang it up to dry.”

“The Liqui-Pel coating means the harness will clean more easily, and dry more quickly,” Bozkurt said.

He added that the harness should always be inspected before use and must be inspected by a height safety equipment inspector every six months or as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Storing height safety gear:

Harnesses and other height safety gear are often incorrectly stored which can reduce their serviceability and potentially their ability to save your life in the event of a fall.

Bozkurt said that when not in use, height safety gear must be hung in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area free from chemicals, high temperatures, sunlight and other forms of UV. He also suggested keeping it in a location where others will not use it and it will not be crushed or damaged by sharp objects.

He added that any harness or other webbing product should be dry before it is stored.

“Because harnesses are often stored undercover and out of the sun, this can hinder them from drying out completely,” he said, adding that this is what leads to the harness smelling.

“With the Liqui-Pel coating, harnesses do not absorb moisture so they can be stored immediately,” he said.

When in transit between jobs, Bozkurt recommended storing harnesses and other height safety gear in a quality storage bag – also available from LINQ.

For more information on height safety equipment, read LINQ’s free Height Safety Guide.