The leading liability risk in the Occupational Health and Safety Industry is fall protection. Harness strength and construction can affect how they hold up when put to the test which can make a big difference in the safety of your employees. Here are 5 tips to consider when choosing what harness equipment is right for your workers.
- Ask for certifications and product testing documentation. Full-body harnesses are only as safe as the safety standards that the manufacturer follows. Request written proof of the standards/certifications instead of just reading product labels because not all ANSI-labeled harnesses meet ANSI Z359.1 and ANSI A10.14. A manufacturer should have no problem sharing the test results and documentation if a product was properly tested and passed.
- Check the materials. Materials used in the products can vary greatly from brand to brand. It is important to look for harnesses with tightly-woven, sturdy webbing that slides through the hardware without catching or snagging. Keep an eye out for cuts, burns, fraying, or any damage to the webbing and stop using them once damage occurs. Choose harnesses that meet ANSI standards in strength for the webbing and choose materials that will stand up to the harsh environments and/or chemicals of your workplace.
- Does it fit? It is easy for workers to lose sight of the importance of proper fit and sizing of a safety harness and many tend to wear harnesses far too loose. However, proper fit and sizing is critical for safety and workplace compliance. Some manufacturers use universal sizing where the harness needs to be adjusted to fit each individual, while others have different styles and designs to accommodate different body sizes and shapes. Get to know the differences between these different types and designs and make sure you purchase harnesses that best fit your workforce.
- Harness position is for comfort and safety. With the proper fit and sizing in the last tip, check the chest strap and D-ring placements as these can greatly affect the fitment and safety of the harness. Chest straps should be positioned in the mid-chest area while the D-rings should lay in the middle of the back between the shoulder blades. Chest straps should be easy to adjust and should be tightened to a snug fit. If worn loosely or not properly tightened, it can slide up around the neck in a fall.
- Keep the instructions. Something that is often overlooked or discarded is the instructions. Instructions should come with every harness and will include important information regarding usage, maintenance, and inspection. These guidelines should be followed to prolong the life of the harness and to ensure the safety of the wearer.
Want to learn more? For more tips and information on choosing the right safety harnesses, read Honeywell's article:
Harness Safety Includes Proper Selection, Fit and Use
