Use of Safety Harness
Safety Harness is most important PPE while working at height to save yourself from falling from height.
DO
- Ensure you use an approved and registered full body type harness with the correct type of shock absorber lanyard.
- Use an anchorage that is located directly above the working position.
- Use approved permanent anchorage points that have been built or installed by professionals.
- Use only permanent approved anchorage points
- Use only approved attachment hooks that are recommended by the manufacturer.
- Always ensure that the closing bar on the karabiner hook is locked shut.
- Make sure that the space you would travel through in the event of a fall is free from protrusions and hazards.
- Ensure that your harness is fitted as close to your body as is comfortable to prevent its upward movement in the event of a fall.
- Only use compatible ancillary equipment provided by the manufacturer.
DON`TS
- Use a rope as a lanyard, a shock absorber lanyard must be used.
- Anchor to a structure that can fall i.e. window cleaners cradle, free standing ladder or other loose structures
- Use an anchorage point that will not take a shock load of 1000 kg.
- Use an anchorage point that is below the point attachment to your harness.
- Loop lanyards around structures with sharp edges, (less than 5mm or 7/32” radius edge).
- If you have any doubts on any equipment DO NOT USE IT.
- Extend the length of your lanyard beyond 2m. For greater working distances use a FALL ARRESTER BLOCK.
Follow Dos and Don`ts for use of safety harness to avoid any mishap or accident due to fall of material, fall from height, etc.
STOP, THINK and CONSIDER.
There is another form of access that we can use safely before using fall arrest equipment if any.
INSPECTION
- INSPECTION CHECK LIST
Check all webbing thoroughly. There must be no evidence of fraying, tears, cuts, burns mould discoloration or chemical attack. - STITCHING
Do examination of every stitch panel carefully. There must be no evidence of broken stitches, loosening, pulling or cuts. - BUCKLES
All buckles and ‘D’ rings must be totally free from rust pitting, distortion cracks or excessive wear. Moving parts, such as sliding buckles, should move freely. Give Special attention to the integrity of the connection ‘D’ rings. - KARABINERS AND SNAPHOOKS
Need to check buckles and ‘D’ rings. All moving parts should be clean and lubricated with a silicon-based spray.
Ensure that the bar or snap closes itself fully and that the locking device prevents opening under firm pressure. Check for misalignment of the closing bar or snap, and any distortion of the hook generally. - LANYARDS GRABS AND ROPE ADJUSTER
Inspect as for Buckles and ‘D’ rings. Also you must fully check that all moving and working part are operating freely. - LANYARDS
Check for loose strands, cuts and abrasions, excessive flattening on outer faces, chemical attacks burns or evidence of powdered fiber.
Must check the length of lanyard at least every three months against the “As New” length.
An extension of more than 10% indicates excessive and heavy loading/use and MUST immediately withdraw from service and destroyed.
Excessive heat can also cause some degradation and this is not visibly identifiable. - ARRESTOR BLOCKS
Supply separate instruction manual with every arrestor block and read it carefully by the user and person available in training. - STORAGE
Store in a cool place that is not subject to direct heat or sunlight. - TRAINING
It is strongly recommended that all users of FALL ARREST products be fully trained on both the equipment they are to use and how to use it practically in the workplace.