Safety Harnesses: The ultimate guide to working at height

When working at height, it is essential for safety reasons, that all workers wear a safety harness to minimise the risk of accidental falls and injuries. At Technical Safety Products, we offer an extensive range of height safety harnesses to cater to a variety of different job requirements, industries and environments.

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What is a safety harness?

Safety harnesses play a crucial role in ensuring a worker’s safety when working at heights. A full-body harness consists of various straps that secure the thighs, hips, chest, shoulders, and back of the worker, reducing the risk of injury in case of a fall.  It is essential for all harnesses to meet the safety standards outlined in EN 361.

Benefits of wearing a harness

• By wearing a harness, you can prevent the worker from hitting any equipment or the building, reducing the chances of severe injuries or fatalities.
• Wearing a harness enhances the stability and balance of the worker, allowing for better movement and control while completing tasks.
• Securely tethering your tools to your harness enables you to work hands-free without the fear of dropping any tools.

How to ensure your harness fits securely

Step 1) Pick up the harness using the D-ring situated at the back. You can find the D-ring positioned on the rear side of the harness. It is a sturdy metal ring shaped like the letter “D.” Please note that this is where the safety line will be attached to your harness.

Step 2) Ensure that the straps are properly aligned by giving the harness a thorough shake, and untangling any twisted or jumbled straps and buckles. Use your hands to carefully separate any twisted straps and ensure they hang neatly. If the straps are heavily tangled, lay the harness flat and manually untangle them.

Step 3) Place your arms through the straps as if you were putting on a coat. The D-ring should be positioned in the middle of your back, between your shoulder blades. The chest straps will be left open in front of you and the leg straps will be loosely hanging at your sides.

Step 4) Step into the leg straps and adjust to ensure a snug and secure fit by fastening the buckles. Tighten the straps by pulling the ends to prevent any accidents. The type of buckles may differ by brand, but they are all designed to be strong and secure. It is crucial to avoid loose straps to prevent potential injuries in case of a fall. Remember, you should be able to slide 2-3 fingers between the strap and your leg when it is properly fitted.

Step 5) If your harness has a waist strap, ensure that the waist strap is securely connected by threading it through the buckle and fastening it. Pull on the buckle to confirm that it is properly secured. It is important that there are no loose or movable components.

Step 6) Insert the chest strap tab into the buckle and then pull it to ensure it is secure. Thread the tab end of the chest strap through the middle of the buckle on the other side of the harness. Tug on the strap until the tab is inserted into the buckle and held firmly. Pull on the strap once more to tighten the chest strap. If the strap is too tight to fit the tab into the buckle, loosen it beforehand.

Step 7) Check for any loose sections on the safety harness by moving around and feeling around the shoulders, legs, and waist. If you detect any looseness, adjust the straps or buckles near the area to secure the harness. Ensure that the harness fits securely and uniformly across all parts of your body. If you are unable to reach a strap or buckle while wearing the harness, seek assistance from a colleague to help you tighten it.

Compliance with Safety Regulations

The regulations on working at height in 2005 require individuals to be competent and trained to work safely at height. It is therefore recommended that all workers partake in our introductory course to work at heights.  It is essential that anyone that works from height is ‘competent’ in doing so to ensure the safety of themselves and others around them.

Harnesses are part of a worker’s Personal Protective Equipment!

Since harnesses are essential components of a worker’s personal protective equipment (PPE), it’s important that each type adheres to specific standards. For instance, a full-body fall arrest harness needs to meet the EN 361 safety standards.

According to the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, it is the responsibility of every employer to ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment is supplied to employees who may face health or safety risks during their work. Employers have a legal duty to ensure workers have adequate PPE such as harnesses when working at height.

How often should harnesses be inspected?

Employers must ensure that fall arrest and tool arrest equipment is kept in good working condition. Any equipment that is subjected to conditions that may lead to wear and tear should be checked at least once a year, although it’s strongly advised to conduct inspections more often.

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What is the lifespan of a safety harness?

A standard safety harness typically lasts about five years. However, this can vary based on the specific make and model; some harnesses are certified for use for as long as ten years. An employer must replace a worker’s harness if there is any sign of wear and tear.

The important role of height safety harnesses

The significance of correctly and securely wearing height safety harnesses is crucial for ensuring workplace safety. These vital pieces of PPE go beyond just being legal necessities; they are essential for preventing serious injuries or even fatalities when working at height. It is the responsibility of employers to guarantee that all safety harnesses are routinely checked, correctly fitted, and utilised according to UK safety standards and regulations.

By promoting a culture of safety and awareness, we can greatly minimise the dangers linked to working at heights, ultimately protecting the well-being of every worker. It’s important to remember that prioritising safety is not just about meeting legal requirements; it is a moral duty that demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding the lives of those who play a vital role in our industries.