Skip to main content

How to Properly Inspect and Use a Fall Protection Harness

Falls are a leading cause of injuries to employees that work at height, and the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry.  With increased height comes an increase in the risk of injury or death by falling.  Employers must ensure that their employees working at height not only have the proper fall protection equipment, but are correctly trained in how to use it.

Fall protection harnesses and fall arrest equipment is never foolproof, and misused or faulty equipment is just as risky and dangerous as having no protection at all.  Employees must be trained in how to inspect and wear a fall protection harness, in addition to receiving the proper certified training for their field.  Proper inspection of fall protection equipment is necessary before workers even consider ascending to their position.

fall arrest equipment

Fall Protection Harness Inspection

Employers must stress the importance of following a strict set of inspection procedures for all fall protection equipment.  Teaching employees how to properly inspect and wear a fall protection harness just might save their life.   Follow these steps for a thorough inspection before even putting your harness on:
  • Hold your harness up by the D ring and allow straps to fall down to inspect each one.  Make sure all straps are not worn, frayed or showing any signs of missing threads
  • Make sure there is no cracked webbing
  • Check all metal fasteners and D rings to make sure they are not deformed or cracked
  • If you harness has grommets, make sure they are not damaged
  • Inspect all buckle tongues to be sure they are not bent and are firmly attached
If you see any signs whatsoever of a faulty harness, do not use it!  If your harness passes your thorough inspection, you may proceed to putting the harness on correctly.
  • Make sure the buckle is in the proper place on your back before attaching the leg straps
  • Fasten the chest strap at about mid chest height
  • Shoulder straps and leg straps should be snug but still allow full range of motion
  • Eliminate any slack by tightening straps while standing straight
  • Loose ends should be tucked into the strap retainers
  • Do not attach fall arrest systems to guard rails or hoists
  • Harnesses subjected to fall impact should be removed from service immediately
These tips for inspecting and wearing a fall protection harness are just the tip of the iceberg when providing total protection to employees working at height.  Nothing can substitute for adequate training, as even the right equipment worn the right way is not enough to save a life in an emergency without knowing exactly how to respond.

AHS Rescue provides UL approved fall protection harnesses and equipment that meet all required certifications including OSHA and NFPA.  AHS Rescue is a leader among safety training companies providing certified training for fall protection and confined space rescue.  Contact us today to learn more about our fall protection training and equipment that lives depend on.

The post is originally posted @ https://technicalroperescue.wordpress.com/2018/01/23/how-to-properly-inspect-and-use-a-fall-protection-harness/
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Work at Height Training

Technical rope rescue and rope rescue training for people who work at heights greater than 10 feet are essential. When your job requires you to work at heights above 8 to 10 feet, it's important that you understand the mechanics of wearing a safety harness as well as how to perform a rope rescue if needed. Knowing how all of your equipment works is important. Your life and the lives of your co-workers depend on it. Height training may be required for certain occupations depending on OSHA guidelines. Understanding the Basics A harness that isn't properly worn or that has been damaged in any way will not provide the support you need for you to perform your duties. Having the height training classes allows you to accomplish several things: ●         Do your job effectively ●         Understand how your harness and rescue rope systems work ●         Know how to maintain your equipment ●         Perform a life-saving rescue if it's needed Height tr
Post a Comment
Read more

Key Components of a High Angle Rope Rescue

High angle rope rescue teams are not needed in every area or EMS organization. Even though you may never need to employ a high angle rope rescue, it's always a good idea to have members of your team who are sufficiently trained to use rope rescue or tactical rescue techniques . No matter how big your organization, having several members of your crew trained and certified in high angle rope or tactical rope rescue situations is a lifesaver if the need ever arises. The Right Training and Certification The key to a successful high angle rope rescue team is to have members who have been trained to use both the best equipment for high angle rescues and the techniques needed to perform such a rescue. For those who are interested, there are classes available that teach both high angle and low angle rescue techniques . Each team member learns how to effectively use each piece of equipment, as well as the many rescue techniques that can be used in specific situations.
Post a Comment
Read more

Ropes that Rescue to save lives and improve ability!

Ropes that Rescue Technical Rope Rescue Classes If you could learn to save a life using nothing but ropes, would you? That's the hope of Ropes that Rescue ! There are few tools as versatile as the simple rope, and yet so few people understand how to use ropes safely and effectively to rescue those who have been injured or incapacitated in a variety of different environments.  About Ropes That Rescue Classes Ropes that Rescue classes are created in order to educate the working world about the importance of ropes as a simple and accessible life-saving measure. We offer classes to medical and rescue teams on how to properly rig ropes to pull someone out of a mine or off of a mountainside. Each of our classes is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to perform emergency extractions using the most basic of resources. It's more than just a rope tying class! We take our classes out into the rough terrain so they can see for themselves how these
Post a Comment
Read more