full-body harness inspection and donning

Fall Protection Essentials

Full-body harness

start

Full-body Harness Inspection and Donning

index

Inspection Documentation

Report Defects to Supervisor

Inspection

Inspection Tips

Donning Tips

Donning Tips

Video Inspection

Video Donning

Sizing Charts

Types/Classes

Quote

Thanks

SCSA Fall Protection and Prevention

Inspection and Donning

Your Full-body Harness

You must inspect your harness before each use looking for:

• Missing or illegible labels
• Fall indications or broken stitches

• Cuts, burns or tears in the webbing
• Chemical damage or discolouration
• Damaged hardware or corrosion
• Any physical damage or signs that the harness may be compromised

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Start by holding the D-ring and ensure the harness is not tangled and all connections are open.

Run the webbing through your hands while applying slight tension. This will allow any defects to be noticed. Visually look at all parts of the webbing, top and bottom, including under any pads or other hidden areas.

Ensure the hardware is in good condition and free from excessive corrosion or rust. Check that the buckles operate correctly and that there is no deformation or missing parts, such as grommets or keepers.

Documentation is vital to support due diligence

periodic inspection as required by the manufacturer

pre-use inspection

• Sask. OH&S Regulations require inspection before each use
• This is your responsibility as a worker
• Training is required

• The manufacturer will specify when to have the equipment inspected periodically by a competent person
• Knowledge, training, and experience=competent
• Additional training is required

Video

Miller Full-body harness inspection

This video presents the inspection proceedure for a full-body harness. (McKernan, 2013)

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If defects are discovered document the issue and report it to your supervisor

Do not use damaged equipment. Ensure that any defects are recorded and reported to your supervisor. Damaged fall protection equipment may not protect you if you are involved in a fall. This equipment is meant to protect your safety. Make sure it is in the proper condition to be used for fall protection!

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Donning the fullbody harness tips

• ensure there is nothing in your pockets that could cause injury
• adjust your webbing evenly
• ensure your D-ring is located between your shoulder blades

Harness Types

There are many different types of harnesses for fall protection. Regardless of the type they must be approved and used as defined by the manufacturer.

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Donning the full-body harness tips

• your leg straps need to be snug-your hand should just fit when held flat
• your sub-pelvic strap should rest below the glutes
• your harness should fit well and not hang loose on your body

Donning a full-body harness

the first step is getting a harness of the appropriate size for your body

Sizing charts are available from the manufacturers (see the links below for examples)

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The proper size harness can then be adjusted for a proper fit

Different harneses will have different adjustments. Check the manual that came with your harness.

Video

Harness Donning

This video presents the proper fit and donning of a full-body harness. (McKernan, 2013)

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Quote

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Benjamin Franklin (safetyculture, n.d.)

THANKS!

References

McKernan, Matt. (2013, August 6). Miller Harness Fitting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkySZbf-MS4 McKernan, Matt. (2013, July 29). Miller Fall Protection Harness Inspection https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkySZbf-MS4 SafetyCulture. (n.d.). Top 20 Safety Quotes. https://blog.safetyculture.com/industry-trends/top-20-safety-quotes-improve-safety-culture