When using a safety harness, there are a few important things to remember. In this blog, we've put together things you should know about a safety harness to help you use one effectively and safely when working at height.
1. Know How They Work
If you're using a safety harness frequently, it's important to be aware of how they are an effective safety solution for fall prevention. If you want your safety harness to protect you, you must know how it works so you can wear and use it correctly.
A safety harness works by equally distributing force in the event of a fall, so that no one body part takes the force. Back in the day, 'body belts' were used but due to the force being centralised in one area around the waist, severe internal and external injuries were caused in the event of a fall. Thankfully, safety harnesses now distribute the force through their design.
Safety harnesses have also evolved to protect the vital areas of the body. For instance, the neck, groin are protected in the event of a sudden fall as the arresting energy is guided to the chest, upper thighs, pelvis and shoulders. Similarly, a body harness will keep your spine straight and in a vertical position during a fall to absorb the fall safely. It also makes rescue efforts much easier, which is essential for avoiding suspension trauma.
2. Check and Inspect Before Use
For a safety harness to work at its most effective, you must make sure that your safety harness fits correctly. If your safety harness doesn't fit, it will be unable to protect you properly in the event of a fall.
A safety harness is not a one-size-fits-all. Each user will have to adjust the safety harness to their body to ensure that it is safe and comfortable. You should also inspect your safety harness to ensure that it is safe for use. Some things to look out for in a visual safety harness inspection include...
- Twisted or tangled straps
- Broken or cracked D-rings
If any of the above are visible on your safety harness, do not use it. Even if you think you could get away with it, it's not worth the risk. Ensure that you check all harnesses before every single use!
3. Wear it Properly
There's no point in using a safety harness if you're not going to wear it properly! This is a very commonly asked question, so we've put together a handy infographic on how to wear a safety harness safely and effectively.
4. Store for Longevity
If you store and maintain your safety harness correctly, it could last over 5 to 6 years! The lifespan of your safety harness does depend on how frequently it is used, but if you maintain it correctly, you could be safely use it for far longer.
To maintain your safety harness, store it in a cool and dry place when not in use. This is recommended because heat, cold or consistent sunlight exposure can cause damage to the material of the harness, ruining its effectiveness and integrity. Ensure that you hang up your harness to avoid physical damage from heavy objects, and to protect it from sharp objects that could cause cuts and frays.
Buy a Safety Harness from Safety Harness Direct
We hope you've enjoyed learning these important things to remember when using a safety harness! If you require any advice or guidance surrounding safety harness use, do not hesitate to contact our helpful team at Safety Harness Direct.
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