There are so many different types of safety harness - trust us, we know! - that it can often be difficult to determine what sort you need.

To help you out, we've put together this comprehensive guide to explain the difference between two of the most commonly-used harness types: fall arrest harnesses and work positioning harnesses.

 

What is a fall arrest harness?

A fall arrest harness is an essential part of a fall arrest system. The harness is connected to a secure anchor point via a fall arrest lanyard, and if you fall, this setup stops you before you hit the ground.

Fall arrest harness

Fall arrest harnesses are essentially the last line of defence for workers who might be exposed to fall hazards. Arresting the fall should be considered a last resort - if possible, it's better to prevent the fall from occurring in the first place (e.g. by using a fall restraint system). But this isn't always practical or viable.

A fall arrest system includes the following:

  • A fall arrest harness
  • An energy-absorbing element (a shock absorber)
  • An anchor line
  • An anchor point
  • Connector equipment
  • Lanyards

Buy Complete Fall Arrest Kit

 

When should I use a fall arrest harness?

You can use a fall arrest harness when you are working in dangerous, life-threatening conditions. This can be if you are working on a fragile surface (rooflights, roofs, narrow ledges) or in an area where there is a great risk of falling.

A fall arrest harness should always be used in conjunction with other PPE, and by law, your contractor or employee must provide training to ensure that the person who falls can be retrieved as quickly and safely as possible. A detailed rescue plan will help to make sure that this is the case.

 

What is a work position harness?

A work position harness (in conjunction with a work positioning lanyard) holds the wearer in place whilst allowing them to retain the position needed for a particular task. They're also known as 'sit harnesses' as they're designed to provide maximum comfort and security when you're working at height for long periods of time.

Work position harness

This type of harness allows for complete support around the waist and the legs, allowing the arms and hands to move freely. Lots of work position harnesses also come with optional shoulder straps for extra support.

Buy Work Positioning Harness   Buy Work Positioning Lanyards

 

When should I use a work position harness?

You can use a work position harness if you need to retain the use of both hands while working. The following people frequently use work positioning harnesses:

  • Construction workers
  • Linesmen
  • Window washers
  • Arborists / tree surgeons

Bear in mind that a positioning system is not the same as a fall protection or fall arrest system. They are not interchangeable, and you may need both to prevent a nasty fall!

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