A safety harness is an important piece of equipment for construction workers. It eliminates certain risks, protects them in case of a fall and can also save lives.
When to wear a safety harness
A harness offers enhanced safety on construction sites. Under CNESST regulations, when workers are exposed to a possible fall of more than 3 m, they must wear a harness and ensure it is secured to an anchor point, unless there is another means offering a sufficient degree of safety.
Choosing the right model
Several elements must be considered when selecting the best harness for your specific needs.
- If you need a fall-protection system for a particular occasion or if you need to replace your equipment regularly, the pre-assembled fall protection kit FPRK099Y50 offers excellent value.
- For more comfort, adding dorsal support and/or shoulder padding will give workers improved support and pressure point distribution across the harness.
- The safety harness attachments also play a big role in comfort. Double-action attachments allow a more precise and comfortable fit than eyelets. It is crucial to optimize strap fit when a harness is worn because a badly-adjusted one could cause serious injury.
- Tool bags can also be attached to a harness, which is useful for workers who use a harness daily or for specific tasks.
The harness, however, is not the only item that needs to be considered.
- There are different types of lanyards: small hooks, large hooks, double lanyards, retracting lanyards, etc. Our specialists can advise you on this.
- The rope and rope grab on any harness must be compatible. Using different brands for other accessories is not a problem.
All anchoring equipment must comply with CSA standards for safety products. Certification labels are typically found on the inside of one of the harness straps.
Caring for the harness
Before each use, workers must inspect their harness to ensure it is compliant and safe. Nothing must be written on a harness. If it is altered by a product that is not water-washable, the harness will no longer be compliant.
The life cycle of a safety harness is variable and depends on wear or damage. If the fabric is in good condition and the harness is clean and not discoloured, it can be used. The same applies for ropes, rope grabs and lanyards.
If, however, your product has been involved in a fall or if the fall indicator is showing, you must replace it immediately.
