If hardware is bent on a harness, what action should a Qualified Electrical Worker take?

When hardware on a harness is bent, the appropriate action is to discard the harness. This is crucial for maintaining safety standards and ensuring the integrity of the harness. The harness is designed to provide protection and support, and any bending or deformation can compromise its functionality, leading to increased risk during use. A qualified electrical worker recognizes that a compromised harness could fail under load, potentially resulting in serious injury or accidents.

Giving in to the urge to repair or realign the hardware, or using a damaged harness temporarily, may seem like practical solutions, but they endanger the worker's safety. Discarding the harness ensures that only equipment in good working condition is used on the job site, thereby adhering to the highest safety protocols. Ensuring each component is fully operational and intact is fundamental in the electrical profession, where risks are inherently high.