If a harness shows signs of minimal fraying, it should be discarded.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Only if it worsens

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how to judge when a harness should be retired based on wear. A little fraying on a harness does not automatically mean it must be discarded.

Safety gear is retired when its structural integrity is compromised, not merely because wear exists. If fraying is only superficial, confined to non-load-bearing areas, and there’s no exposed core, no distortion of the webbing, no torn stitching, and the harness still passes your routine inspection for the critical load-bearing parts, it may still be safe to use. The key is to watch for signs that wear is affecting strength: deeper fraying, exposed fibers, cuts, ripped or loose stitching, significant stretching, glazing, or damage around buckles and attachment points. If any of these appear or if the wear worsens, retirement is necessary.

So, minimal fraying alone is not a guaranteed reason to discard; decisions should be based on whether the wear compromises the harness’s ability to safely bear loads, in line with manufacturer guidelines and your organization’s safety policy.