Once it’s been established that there is a requirement to work at height, the right work methods need to be developed and suitable fall protection equipment selected for the job at hand. The most crucial element of someone’s personal protective equipment is the full-body harness, which connects the worker to the fall protection system. Of everything that workers at height use, they will interact most frequently with the harness, whether donning, adjusting or inspecting it. However, harnesses can be extremely uncomfortable if they are:
- Not appropriately selected for the task
- Not worn correctly, or
- Not adjusted properly
These factors can put the fall arrest effectiveness at risk for the user. In addition, users of industrial fall protection harnesses need training in its use, care, inspection and maintenance. A full-body harness is the single most important equipment choice you can make for you or your workers. In the event of a fall, the full-body harness distributes the fall arrest forces evenly across the body.
Only a properly fitted harness will ensure the correct distribution of fall arrest forces to the appropriate regions of the body. In the event of a fall, if the harness is too loose, the uneven distribution of forces throughout the body could exert dangerous pressure on certain areas. Movement of the sub-pelvic strap can lead to serious injury for male workers, and if the chest strap is loose, it can cause the shoulder straps to fall off the shoulders.
A harness that is not correctly adjusted can cause a choking hazard in the event of a fall. Any loose straps could also prove hazardous if caught on moving or heavy equipment. Harnesses that are too tight also lead to the improper distribution of fall arrest forces in the event of a fall, as well as extreme discomfort and loss of circulation.
Top 5 Most Important Full-Body Harness Features
1. Comfort
It’s all very well for a harness to meet Australian Standards and have every certification mark going. However, these safety components are useless if the harness is worn incorrectly, or doesn't get worn at all. Some harnesses have to be worn for up to 12 hours per day, so comfort is paramount. Webbing and edging should be soft to avoid chafing the skin, and in moist environments, anti-absorbant and water-repellant webbing can help to keep the worker cool and dry. Padding around the shoulder straps and leg areas is essential.
2. Adjustability
The harness will not be comfortable if it doesn’t fit properly. There should be multiple points of adjustment, in order to ensure the worker can properly fit the harness to their own body. Adjustment points should be maintained and secure. This is less easy to find in a full-body harness, as often adjustments are required throughout the day. However, today harnesses are available with adjusters and quick-connect buckles that lock without loosening, even when worn for extended periods.
3. Ease of donning and use
Features to look for to maximise ease of donning and use include quick-connect buckles and stand-up dorsal D-rings. It’s also easier to put on harnesses that maintain their shape so they don’t get tangled.
4. Durability
A good quality harness will stand up to any environment that it’s being used in, making the investment in premium harnesses worthwhile. Features such as pads over high-wear areas like shoulder straps help to reduce them from wearing out. Other durability features include rigid belt loops, corrosion-resistant hardware and abrasion-resistant webbing.
5. Customisation
Different harnesses suit different work situations, so it’s critical to select the right harness to complement the task at hand. If the harness is treated like a vital tool of the trade rather than a hindrance, then the worker will be far more inclined to wear it. There are several customised features available on the market, such as areas to attach a tool pouch, suspension trauma straps and seat slings.
As well as ensuring the right harness selection and fit, the equipment needs to be inspected before and after each use to ensure it is in good working order. If there is ever any sign of an unsafe condition or if the harness shows signs that it has arrested a fall it should be immediately withdrawn from service & destroyed. An inspection program should be developed by a competent and trained person at least every 6 months, often less depending on the working conditions during use. Each separate inspection should incorporate five distinct elements: hardware, webbing, labels, subsystem components and record keeping. Also keep in mind that harnesses usually have at max a 10 year lifespan.
Here at Taylor Safety Equipment, we offer a high-quality height safety inspection service for just about anything you need. Contact us and let us make sure you'll stay safe next time you have to use your harness.
For further information, view the 3M story on full-body harnesses.
