Safety is critical when working at heights, which makes a full body harness essential. The right equipment can protect workers from falls and allow them to work quickly, safely and confidently.
But not all harnesses are created equal. They must be suited to both the worker and the work environment to be effective. Choosing the wrong harness can be as dangerous as not using one at all.
In this guide, we’ll explore what to consider when selecting a full body harness. If you oversee or carry out work at height, this guide will help you make an informed decision on equipment for you and your team.
Understanding Full Body Harnesses
A full body harness is a vital piece of safety equipment designed to protect workers at height. It can be used with other equipment as part of a fall restraint or arrest system.
For fall restraint, workers can secure their harness to an anchor point using a lifeline. With a lifeline attached, the worker can’t reach the edge or area where a fall can happen.
A safety harness can also function as part of a fall arrest system. If a worker does fall, the harness distributes the force of the fall across the body, minimising the impact on any single area and reducing the risk of injury. A full body harness will also keep the worker suspended in an upright position until rescue is possible.
However, restraint is always the safest option. Any fall, even one where the worker is caught before they reach the ground, puts the worker at serious risk of injury. Others are then put at avoidable risk attempting a rescue. Meanwhile, work is delayed until everyone’s safe and the incident is resolved.
To be truly effective, a full body harness must be properly fitted to the individual worker and suitable for their work.
If harnesses make the job harder to do, workers are more likely to go without. And if they’re not a good fit, they won’t safely distribute weight across the body in the event of a fall.
So, before choosing a harness, there are several factors you must consider.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Full Body Harness
Selecting a full body harness is a critical decision that directly impacts worker safety. To make an informed choice, it’s essential to consider several important factors that ensure the harness is both safe and effective. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
1. Safety Standards and Compliance
The most crucial aspect of selecting a full body harness is ensuring it meets the necessary safety standards. In the UK, this means compliance with BS EN 361:2002, which specifies the requirements for full body harnesses used in fall arrest systems. Harnesses that meet these standards have been rigorously tested for durability, strength and safety.
2. Comfort and Fit
A harness must be comfortable for the worker to wear for extended periods. Comfort ensures that workers are more likely to wear the harness correctly, reducing the risk of accidents. Look for adjustable straps, breathable materials and padded shoulder and leg straps.
Proper fit is also essential – the harness should be adjustable to accommodate different body sizes and shapes, ensuring it fits snugly without restricting movement. Comfortable harnesses are vital to maintaining productivity and safety on the job.
3. Durability and Materials
Another critical factor is the harness’s durability. High-quality materials like nylon or polyester webbing are preferred for their strength and long life. Metal components, such as D-rings and buckles, should be made from corrosion-resistant materials to ensure longevity. Premium harnesses often use higher-grade materials, offering better durability and longer service life.
4. Features and Attachments
Different jobs may require different features in a harness. Some harnesses come with additional D-rings for positioning, tool attachments and quick-release buckles for ease of use.
Identify the specific needs of your work tasks and choose a harness that offers the appropriate features. Customisation is important to match the harness to the job’s requirements effectively.
5. Ease of Use
A harness that is easy to put on and adjust will encourage workers to use it correctly. Look for designs that are intuitive and user-friendly. Quick-release buckles, clear instructions and simple adjustment mechanisms make it more likely a harness is worn correctly every time.
6. Weight and Bulk
The weight and bulk of the harness can impact the worker’s comfort and ease of movement. A bulky harness can be cumbersome, especially if worn for long periods. So, it’s generally best to opt for lightweight designs that still meet safety standards. The right balance of weight and safety features can significantly improve the wearer’s experience.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Even the most durable harnesses will wear out over time, so regular checks of all in-service harnesses are necessary. There are two main types of checks: pre-use checks and detailed inspections.
Workers should conduct a pre-use check every time they put on a harness. These checks are relatively light, so they don’t require extensive knowledge. But workers must be trained to do them.
A competent person must also conduct regular inspections. These inspections are more detailed and must be recorded. They should spot less obvious faults and thoroughly assess the harness’s suitability.
Manufacturers should advise on inspection intervals for new harnesses. However, your competent person should create a custom inspection schedule. Harsh work conditions, weather and chemical exposure can all shorten a harness’s lifespan. These factors must all be considered when determining your inspection regime.
Safety Harness Inspection Course
Choosing the right full body harness is crucial for keeping your team safe, but it’s only the first step. Regular inspections are needed to make sure harnesses stay effective.
Our online Safety Harness Inspection Course can help you develop the competency needed to conduct your own detailed inspections.
Over two modules, the course covers why inspections are essential, the relevant regulations and standards, and what to check in harnesses and lanyards. It also includes a detailed walk-through of an inspection, letting you pause and rewind to catch every detail.
The course also provides two free e-Checklists. These digital checklists guide you through each step of the inspection process, ensuring inspections are done right and recorded for compliance.
About the author(s)
Jonathan Goby
