With the increasing use of the Full Body Harness on our worksites it is necessary to insure that they are being worn properly. Proper adjustment of the full body harness is critical to your safety.

If chest buckles and leg buckles are not fastened properly you could fall out of the harness in a fall arrest situation.

You must wear the harness fully donned and fastened at all times. Do no unfasten any parts of your harness during breaks in work. Your full body harness must be 100% on or 100% off.

This simply means that anytime you are wearing a harness all leg straps and chest straps will be buckled and adjusted properly to your body. Proper harness must include the following items:

• Sub pelvic strap seated beneath buttocks
• Dorsal Dee ring located between shoulder blades
• Shoulder straps secure to prevent coming out in head first in a fall
• Chest strap located and latched at breast line to avoid riding into neck
• Chest strap adjusted to keep shoulder straps tight so you do not go out of the harness in a head first fall
• Perform the two-finger test. You should only be able to slide two fingers between your body and all your harness straps and components.

Thoroughly inspect your harness on a daily basis for frayed threads, cuts, tears or loose connections. Inspection of the stitched areas must be looked at closely. Look for burn holes from welding or other heat sources. Look for hardware that appears to be distorted or damaged. Remove the harness from service if you see any of this damage. Do not cut any of the harness straps to shorten them and do not repair the harness in house. Remove it from service!

Many employees use the harness as a fall arrest harness and tool belt. Comfort is of concern and we are currently looking into harnesses and harness attachments that will increase your comfort level. New shoulder pads and harnesses are being developed and we will be testing them in the field. Ask the safety representative on your job or your supervisor for ways to help improve the comfort of your harness.

SAFETY REMINDER – EITHER THE FULL BODY HARNESS 100% ON OR 100% OFF