Harness Fitting Part 2: Conditions

In part one of this blog series, we discussed the fact that there are five different factors that can influence the way a fall protection harness fits a worker’s body. Those factors include: the number of adjustment points on a harness, the type of adjustment points on a harness, the work environment, the tools required for a job, and the amount of training that workers receive. We have already discussed how the number and type of adjustment points on a harness can change the effectiveness of a harnesses fit.  So, in part two of this blog series, we’re going to explore how working conditions, tool requirements for a job, and the amount of worker training can play a significant role in the effective fitting and use of a harness in fall protection. Identification of these factors is important because a harness is less effective if it is being worn incorrectly.  Once you are able to identify these potential problem areas, you will be better suited to take proactive measures to protect your employees from potential harness failure.

Working Conditions

Every workplace is a little bit different when it comes to identifying potential hazards for workers.  However, there are some basic environmental factors that safety managers should consider as potential threats to proper harness fitting and usage. Workplace conditions like extremely high or low temperatures, arc flash exposure, and corrosive chemical exposure are all factors that can influence a harnesses ability to fit a worker properly.

Temperature is important because it will dictate the way a worker dresses. Workers who wear thicker layers to protect themselves from cold temperatures will require a harness that can expand to accommodate their insulating clothing. And workers in hotter environments will need a harness that can be tightened enough to accommodate reduced amounts of clothing.

As we have discussed in previous posts, there are certain harness materials that are designed and manufactured to be more robust when used in a welding application. Remember: some harness materials can degrade at a faster rate when exposed to the ultra violet rays of a welding arc flash. As a result, if workers are welding at height, it is crucial that they use a harness that is rated for arc flash use.

Corrosive chemicals can be a very serious hazard for people and equipment alike. As a result of their hazardous nature, it’s important for safety personnel and workers to know as much information as possible about the chemicals that are being used in their facility or on their jobsite.  Oil rig workers and painters are two lines of work that typically require workers to access dangerous heights where they will need fall protection. And, both of those careers expose both workers and equipment to different chemicals that can potentially cause damage. Different chemicals can erode harness materials and make them less reliable for supporting a worker in the event of a fall. But then, some chemicals can clog the different adjustment devices which can impact the worker’s ability to fit in the harness properly. 

Working conditions can have a serious effect on the longevity of the harness materials and the worker’s ability to effectively use and fit their equipment. By learning how these factors can reduce the strength of your harness, you will be better prepared to either change the conditions under which you are working or you will know to buy a harness that is designed to be used reliably in those conditions.  It’s very important that safety managers and supervisors take the time to perform a thorough worksite hazard analysis. Knowing the hazards will make it easier to take preventative measures and select the appropriate safety equipment for the job.

Tool Requirements

Much like the working environment, the tools that workers need for certain jobs can impact the effectiveness of the full body harness. For example, people who maintain cell towers need to use fall protection when they climb. However, they also need to have different hand tools, 2-way radios, and other devices to do their job. If a worker is not using a harness designed for tower climbing applications, they may have a hard time finding a way to transport their tools. If a worker transports tools in unconventional or creative ways, they may be changing the way the harness fits, weighing the harness down, and potentially making the harness weaker if tools are rubbing against the webbing. In order to maximize the lifespan and composition of the full body harness, it is best to only use the harness for its intended and designed use. Otherwise, workers may run the risk of damaging the integrity of the harnesses structure.  And, if a safety manager knows that workers are going to need lots of tools while in a harness, then they should make sure that they invest in a harness that is designed with tool carrying capabilities.

Training

One of the most effective ways for an employee to learn about a new fall protection system is to have them participate in a training course.  The training course is important because it allows for direct, one on one contact with an instructor and it allows students to ask any specific questions they may have. When it comes to harness fitting specifically, workers will need to be trained in all of the right and wrong ways that they can fit the harness to their body type. Additionally, they will need to learn about behaviors that could potentially limit the integrity of the harness.  And, if training sessions occur once or twice annually, workers will have a memorable reminder about proper harness fitting, maintenance, and usage techniques.

Harness fitting is important because a worker could suffer serious injury if they fall and their harness fails. For that reason alone, it is imperative that safety managers learn about the different factors that can influence the way their workers are adjusting and fitting their harnesses. By understanding what can impact the way the harness fits, managers can also be more proactive about purchasing harnesses that are better suited to their specific work environments. Managers should not allow the job conditions to impact a worker’s ability to wear their protective equipment effectively.  When managers commit to analyzing hazards and adapting their equipment to protect their workers, worksites are safer and fatalities are minimized.

Thank you for reading! Stay safe up there!