Fall prevention systems are necessary for many different industries. These systems are utilized to protect workers from falls, which ultimately saves lives. However, not all harnesses are created equal. Some are uncomfortable, while some aren’t the best for specific industries. There are a few things that you should always look for when it comes to a full-body harness. Continue reading to find out what those things are.
Dorsal Connection
The dorsal connection is the fall arrest point on the back of your full-body harness, located between your shoulder blades. Think of a dorsal fin on a dolphin. That’s where the dorsal connection is on the harness.
Webbing
Webbing is critical when it comes to the durability and safety of your full-body harness. First of all, it should be strong enough to endure your work use. In addition to that, it should also be sunlight resistant, UV protected, and fray resistant. In industries that work around fire, fire-resistant webbing is also an option.
Adjustment
The adjustment is more for comfort than anything else. Be sure your full-body harness fits you properly, so it’s comfortable enough to wear for long periods. It’s also a good idea to adjust it so that nothing is in your way while you work. Adjustment points are typically found on the legs, waist, chest, and torso.
Leg Straps
There are a few different types of leg straps. It mainly comes down to personal preference. Some leg straps include a tongue buckle, a pass-thru buckle, and a quick connect buckle.
Pelvic Support
A sub-pelvic strap on the harness usually aids the support, security, and comfort of a wearer. Its main function is to distribute the force of the fall.
Lanyard Keeper
The lanyard keeper is where your lanyard is stored when not in use. The most important thing for a lanyard keeper is that it’s out of your way.
Padding
Padding is necessary for two main reasons. The first reason is to provide comfort while wearing the full-body harness. The pressure of the full-body harness can be eased by a cushioned shoulder, leg, and hip. The second reason for padding is that it will help absorb the shock and distribute the wearer’s weight in the case of a fall. The best padding is typically built-in, which keeps the padding from moving.
Ask the Experts
At Silver State Wire Rope and Rigging, we know a thing or two about fall protection equipment. We take pride in knowing every aspect of our industry. Contact us to connect to an expert in the field.