Many workers have a false sense of security when using their safety gear. This can lead to dangerous behaviors, such as not checking equipment thoroughly before use.
A good way to avoid this is to create a regular inspection schedule with a competent person. A thorough pre-use check should include inspecting the webbing, buckles, and hardware for signs of wear or damage.
Check the Harness
A safety harness is one of the most important pieces of equipment on a work site. This is because it offers protection from falling or becoming injured. However, safety equipment must be inspected regularly to ensure proper fit and security.
A comprehensive inspection should include a physical check of the harness, checking for signs of wear and tear. Inspecting the straps is especially important – look for cuts and fraying, discoloration, heat damage or amateur attempts at re-stitching. Checking the D-rings and other hardware is also crucial. These should not be visibly distorted, cracked or missing components and should be free of deep rust, pitting, sharp edges or any other issues that could compromise the integrity of the harness.
Next, check the tag to see when the last formal inspection was completed by a competent person and make sure it falls within the agreed interval period. All harnesses will also have a manufacturer date and a maximum life expectancy, so it is important to check these dates as well. Lastly, check the buckles to make sure that they fasten as expected and are not showing signs of wear or distortion.
When the safety harness has been inspected, it is ready to be worn for the day. It is recommended that the end-user does a hand-over-hand inspection of the harness before wearing, as this can identify any potential problems with the harness and provide additional peace of mind.
The first thing to do is examine the leg loops of the harness by inserting a flat hand between the webbing and the thigh. If the webbing is too loose, it can cause chafing or reduce comfort while at work. Similarly, the chest and waist straps should be adjusted so they are snug across the shoulders and torso. This is important because a harness that is too loose can result in a fall or a significant injury, which can be fatal. It is also worth checking the d-rings to ensure they are in the correct position, that they are free of rust and that they pivot freely.
Check the Connections
A safety harness can only be used safely if it is attached to an immovable object that can support the weight of a fall. It must also be secured so that it does not snag or catch on anything that could cause a hazardous situation.
In addition to the safety harness, there is a range of equipment that is commonly used alongside it such as lanyards and connectors. These include D-ring lanyards, which have a metal ring on one end and a hook on the other, and L-hooks that are similar but feature two loops.
Check the Length
A safety harness is a system of straps that prevent a person from falling when they lose their balance at a dangerous height. These pieces of equipment are an important part of working at certain jobs, such as window cleaning at height or construction on a building. However, if the wrong harness is used, it could put the worker at risk of serious injury or even death. That’s why it’s essential to know how to choose the right one for your specific job environment and to make sure that you are using it properly.
When choosing a safety harness, you need to consider several factors including its industry compliance and OSHA compliance. You also need to consider the types of tasks and hazards you will be facing so that you can select a harness with the best features for your specific application. For example, some safety harnesses are designed with different attachment points depending on the work you’re doing. For example, a positioning body wear safety harness typically has two D-rings in addition to the dorsal D-ring for increased securement.
The weight capacity and size of a safety harness will also play a role in its suitability for your jobsite. Some models can support up to 200 pounds, which is enough for most people but you should always check the product specifications to ensure that it will be sufficient for your needs. A safety harness should also be able to withstand the impact force of a fall and any jerking action that may occur.
Another factor to consider when selecting a safety harness is how comfortable it will be to wear. Many workers will refuse to use gear that is uncomfortable or limits movement, which can increase their risk of injury. That’s why it’s important to choose a model that is lightweight, fits well and provides plenty of padding to minimize discomfort.
Some safety harnesses are designed for specialized applications, such as rescue or suspension. These harnesses can be used as independent work supports, to suspend a rescuer or as work seats. It is important to note, however, that these harnesses are not intended for long periods of suspension, as this can lead to suspension trauma, which includes the loss of blood circulation.
Check the Weight
Safety harnesses are an essential piece of equipment for workers who regularly perform tasks at elevated heights. They protect against fall-related injuries and deaths by preventing the worker from falling from open-sided floors or through floor openings.
However, if a harness isn’t properly fitted or adjusted, it can do more harm than good. The harness may not be able to support the weight of the worker, and it can also do additional damage in the event of a fall by adding pressure to the body or jerking the worker during suspension.
In order to ensure that your safety harness is a reliable and effective safety tool, make sure that it meets industry standards and OSHA compliance. Choosing a quality full body harness is the first step, but ensuring that it fits the user correctly is equally important.
To begin, check that the chest strap is secure across the front of the torso and the shoulder straps are tight around the upper back. Next, check that the leg loops are closed and that they are snug around the legs. Finally, tighten the buckles on each arm strap. Make sure that a flat hand can fit between the arm strap and the hips. Once all of the adjustments are made, tuck the excess straps into the waist belt and buckle the chest strap closed.
Another key factor in determining how comfortable your safety harness is to wear is the material and design. Some safety harnesses are designed with padding, different types of buckles, and other features that can make them more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to wear. These additions can also hide potential defects or damage from the viewer, which is why it’s important to select a high-quality harness that is well-maintained and in good condition.
Once you’ve selected a harness for your team, it’s essential to inspect it for any issues before and after each use. A safety harness should always be inspected by holding it by the dorsal D-ring in the center of the back and looking for any signs that it’s damaged or needs to be replaced. You should also make sure that all the buckles are loose and not twisted before storing a safety harness for later use.
