A safety harness is an invaluable piece of personal protection equipment (PPE) that could save your life when you’re working at height. Harnesses can be used as part of a fall arrest system that catches you mid-fall, or as part of a fall restraint system that prevents you from falling in the first place.
However, safety harnesses can only do their job if they’re fitted correctly. In order to ensure that your safety harness will actually keep you safe, follow our step-by-step guide on how to fit a safety harness.
Step 1: Make sure no part of the harness is twisted or tangled. Then, when you’re ready, fit the harness over each shoulder and place your arms through the arm loops.
Step 2: Connect the chest straps using the buckle provided and tighten as needed.
Step 3: Next, inspect the D ring. This should always sit directly in the centre of your shoulder blades. If the D ring isn’t sitting right, adjust both shoulder straps to an equal length until the chest strap is roughly six inches from your shoulders or in line with your sternum.
Step 4: Connect the leg straps until secured around each leg. The fit should be quite snug, but not tight or uncomfortable. You should be able to slot a hand between your leg and the harness webbing and feel a light squeeze on your fingers.
Step 5: Ensure that each leg loop sits into your groin and the sub-pelvic strap is positioned at the top of your thigh muscle, not the bottom of your spine.
Step 6: Check the overall fit and feel of the harness and re-adjust where necessary.
Step 7: Ask a competent person to check the fit and positioning of your harness before starting work.
Where to purchase safety harnesses
Here at Safety Harness Direct, we pride ourselves on providing working at height professionals with an excellent range of safety harnesses to suit all needs.
We only stock products from trusted safety harness manufacturers to bring you the best equipment on the market. Browse our quality safety harnesses at the link below.
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