If hardware is bent on a harness, the Qualified Electrical Worker should

• A. discard harness
• B. repair the harness
• C. use with caution
• D. replace hardware only

Answer: (A)

Bent hardware on a harness signals that the load-bearing parts may be compromised. In fall protection PPE, any deformation can create weak points and the risk of failure under load is real. Because safety depends on the equipment performing exactly as designed, damaged PPE should be removed from service. Discarding it ensures you won’t unknowingly rely on weakened gear. Repairing is not appropriate here because you can’t guarantee strength after bending, and manufacturers typically require retirement of deformed equipment. Using with caution isn’t sufficient when the integrity of critical components is in question. Replacing only the hardware might seem like a fix, but previous use could have stressed other parts too, making the entire harness unreliable. The safest approach is to replace the damaged harness with a new, certified one.