Full body harness selection principle and wearing method

Full-body harnesses are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect workers from fall hazards. These harnesses are specifically engineered to prevent falls from elevated work positions or to safely suspend a worker in the event of a fall, minimizing the risk of injury. A key requirement for the anchorage points is that each must be capable of withstanding a static load of at least 15 kN for a minimum of three minutes, as specified by standards such as GB6095-2009, EN361, and EN358. The full-body harness is the only type of seat belt used in a complete fall protection system.

Choosing the right harness depends on the nature of the work and the working environment.

Option 1: Recommended configurations based on the working environment

• Scaffolding: Single-point harness, shock-absorbing lanyard, or double-lanyard system, combined with a fall arrester.
• Roof maintenance or service work: Three-point full-body harness, double-fork energy absorber, horizontal lifeline, and man-ride arrester.
• General factory environments: Standard hanging-point harness with a personal fall arrester.
• Power line operations: Full-body harness with positioning lanyard, sling, shock-absorbing lanyard, fall arrester, and double-fork energy absorber.

Option 2: Main types of full-body harnesses

1. Single-point harness: The most widely used type, suitable for almost all fall prevention scenarios. It features a single D-ring at the back, which serves as the primary attachment point.
2. Double-point harness (also known as three-point): Similar to the single-point but includes an additional attachment point, making it ideal for vertical climbing and descending tasks.
3. Five-point harness: Designed for both positioning and fall protection. It includes straps across the shoulders, chest, and between the legs, providing maximum security in high-risk situations.

Option 3: Proper wearing procedure for a full-body harness

1. Hold the D-ring located at the center of your back and gently shake the harness to ensure all webbing is properly aligned. Check for any signs of damage or wear on the straps and buckles. Verify the size label to confirm it fits correctly.
2. If the chest strap, waist strap, or buckle is not open, unfasten the buckles or untie the webbing as needed.
3. Place the shoulder straps over your shoulders, ensuring the D-ring sits comfortably in the middle of your upper back.
4. Slide the leg straps between your legs. Using one hand to hold the back leg strap, guide it under your arm and fasten it using the front buckle. Repeat this process for the second leg strap. If you have a crotch strap, secure it as well.
5. Fasten the chest strap around your torso, adjusting it so it sits snugly in the center of your chest. Tighten all straps, and tuck any excess webbing into the clips to prevent them from loosening during use.
6. Once all parts are secured, adjust the harness to fit closely against your body without restricting movement. Ensure all buckles are fully engaged and the harness remains stable throughout the task.

Proper use and regular inspection of fall protection equipment are critical to ensuring worker safety. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and industry standards when selecting and using full-body harnesses.

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