Safety harnesses are a crucial part of personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers who perform tasks at heights. Whether in construction, roofing, or industrial maintenance, using a safety harness properly can be the difference between a serious accident and a safe work environment.
Despite their importance, improper use or lack of awareness can render a harness ineffective. To ensure maximum protection, it’s essential to understand the correct way to use and maintain a safety harness.
In this article, we’ll explore five tips for proper safety harness usage to enhance your safety and compliance with industry standards.
1. Choose the Right Harness for the Job
Not all safety harnesses are created equal. One of the most critical factors in ensuring proper safety is selecting the right harness for the specific job at hand. Different industries and tasks require specific types of harnesses, so it’s important to match the harness to the work environment.
Types of Safety Harnesses
Full-Body Harness
Provides support across the shoulders, chest, waist, and legs, ensuring an even distribution of force in the event of a fall. It is ideal for tasks where the worker may be suspended for long periods, such as in construction, high-rise building work, or window cleaning.
Sit Harness
Primarily used in rescue operations, caving, or climbing, this harness supports the body from the waist down but does not provide upper body support.
Chest Harness
These harnesses are usually used in combination with sit harnesses to provide upper body support, primarily for workers in environments with low clearance risks.
Environment Considerations
Consider the conditions in which the harness will be used. For instance, a harness used in a corrosive or high-temperature environment must be made from materials that can withstand such conditions. Some harnesses also come with built-in shock absorbers to minimize injury from a fall.
2. Inspect the Harness Before Each Use
Before putting on a safety harness, it’s essential to inspect it thoroughly. Regular inspections can prevent accidents caused by faulty equipment. Even minor wear and tear can lead to equipment failure, especially in critical moments. Here’s a checklist for a pre-use inspection
Check the Webbing
Examine all straps for cuts, tears, fraying, or excessive wear. Pay attention to areas where the webbing passes through buckles or D-rings, as these areas tend to experience the most friction and wear.
Inspect the Stitching
Look for broken or loose stitches, as they can compromise the harness’s structural integrity.
Evaluate the Hardware
Examine buckles, D-rings, and fasteners for signs of rust, cracks, or deformation. Ensure that all moving parts work smoothly.
Inspect Labels
Check the harness’s labels and tags to confirm that it’s within its serviceable life span, as harnesses typically have a designated expiry date.
Test the Lanyard and Shock Absorber
If your harness has a built-in lanyard or shock absorber, ensure it’s in good condition and has not been deployed (a used shock absorber cannot be reused and must be replaced). A thorough pre-use inspection ensures the harness is safe and ready for use. If any damage is found, the harness should be taken out of service and replaced immediately.
3. Ensure Proper Fit and Adjustment
A safety harness that doesn’t fit properly can be uncomfortable and, more importantly, dangerous. If the harness is too loose, it won’t provide adequate support during a fall. If it’s too tight, it can restrict movement and cause discomfort during use. To ensure a proper fit
Put on the Harness Correctly
Start by holding the harness by the D-ring (usually located between the shoulder blades) and untangle the straps. Step into the leg loops and pull the harness over your shoulders like a vest.
Adjust the Leg Straps
The leg straps should be snug but not overly tight. You should be able to slide two fingers between the strap and your leg comfortably. If it’s too tight, it could restrict circulation during use.
Check the Chest Strap
The chest strap should be adjusted across the middle of your chest. If it’s too high, it could choke you in the event of a fall. Too low, and you risk falling out of the harness.
Ensure Shoulder Strap Adjustment
Adjust the shoulder straps so they are snug and even. There should be no slack in the straps, but they should not dig into your shoulders.
Conduct the “Pinch Test
Once adjusted, try pinching the webbing between two fingers. If you can easily pinch a fold in the webbing, it means the harness is too loose and requires further adjustment. Proper fit ensures that the force of a fall is distributed evenly across your body, reducing the risk of injury.
4. Use a Proper Anchor Point
An anchor point is a secure location where the harness’s lanyard or lifeline is attached to prevent falls. Choosing a strong and reliable anchor point is vital to the effectiveness of the safety harness. Key considerations for anchor points include:
Strength of the Anchor Point
According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards, an anchor point must be able to support at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per attached worker.
Placement of the Anchor Point
The anchor point should ideally be positioned above the worker’s head. If the anchor point is below the worker, the risk of injury increases due to a longer fall distance.
Approved Anchor Devices
Use only anchor points that are specifically rated for fall protection, such as fixed beams, roof anchors, or tripod systems. Avoid attaching lanyards to unsuitable structures like pipes, handrails, or scaffolding, which are not designed to bear the weight of a fall. Selecting a proper anchor point ensures the harness can perform its role effectively in preventing a fall from becoming a serious injury.
5. Understand Fall Clearance and Swing Fall Hazards
While safety harnesses are designed to prevent falls, understanding fall clearance and swing fall hazards is essential to minimize injury during a fall.
Fall Clearance
This refers to the minimum distance required between the worker and the lower surface (such as the ground) to avoid impact after a fall. You need to account for the total fall distance, which includes the length of the lanyard, any stretch in the harness, and the deployment of the shock absorber.
– A common rule is to ensure at least 17.5 to 18.5 feet of clearance between the worker and the lower surface when using a typical 6-foot lanyard with a shock absorber.
Swing Fall
Swing fall occurs when the anchor point is not directly above the worker, causing the worker to swing horizontally during a fall. This increases the risk of injury from colliding with structures or surfaces below.
To minimize the swing fall hazard, the anchor point should always be positioned as close as possible to being directly overhead. Avoid working far away from your anchor point, as this increases the pendulum effect during a fall.
By understanding these hazards, workers can take steps to minimize risk and maximize the effectiveness of their safety harness systems.
Conclusion
Proper safety harness usage is vital for protecting workers at heights. By selecting the right harness, inspecting it before each use, ensuring a proper fit, using an appropriate anchor point, and understanding fall hazards, you can greatly reduce the risk of accidents.
Workers and employers must prioritize these best practices to create a safer work environment. Safety at heights is non-negotiable, and following these essential tips ensures that personal protective equipment functions as it should, safeguarding lives.