Choosing the right harness

Working at height requires the use of appropriate safety equipment in accordance with health and safety rules. The most basic is the construction harness. Thanks to them, a worker is not so easily exposed to a fall from height. It is important to choose the right harnesses that comply with all standards. If a climbing harness is chosen for the work, for example, one may expose oneself to consequences in the event of an inspection. What to do about this topic and how to choose good equipment? You will find out in this article.

Standards of compliance

When choosing a safety harness, the main consideration is whether it is made in accordance with the EN361 standard. All harnesses intended for work at height will have this standard, so the task is already that much easier. Other applicable markings which determine compliance are PN-EN358 - used for the belt for working under support, and PN-EN813 - for the point where you work with ropes. It is worth knowing that both of these are not compulsory in harness equipment, but if you want to work also in a supported position, it is good to find such equipment. These points require working in the correct position, so fall arrest systems must not be attached to them.

How do you choose the right braces?

We already know the basic criterion, the European standards, and we know that this is the first thing to follow. However, we need to think about where we are going to work, because not every harness may be suitable. In addition to the basic standards, they have to meet strength standards. These specify, for example, the temperatures at which we can work. If we are going to work with different substances on us, we should also take this into account. No less important criterion is, of course, worker comfort. The right choice of equipment for weight and height will ensure more comfortable working. Although the harness is of universal size, it can be better adjusted by partial or full adjustment. An additional solution for greater comfort is pads, for example on the thighs or hips. This prevents the straps from cutting into each other and makes working much more pleasant.

Risks

Safety harnesses are extremely important when working at height. However, there are still many people using inadequate equipment or, even worse, no safety harness at all. This is in breach of health and safety regulations. A fall from as low as the first floor can end in severe injuries. The higher we are, the more the danger increases. An unfortunate fall can even lead to the death of a worker! The risk is not worth it all. It is important to protect yourself well. A harness keeps you from falling from a height and will prevent an accident from occurring.

Harness construction

The basic elements are the webbing and the adjustment buckles, which should be placed in as many places as possible. The harness should also have attachment points - front and back. A small number of buckles and attachments is not good for us, because we do not have the possibility to adjust the harness properly. This makes them uncomfortable, they can easily become loose, especially in the thigh area, and consequently - they will not adequately protect us against a fall. So don't choose a harness just because of the price. Safety is the most important thing, so this should be the first thing to think about.

The proper use of construction harnesses is an important issue on the job site. It is a good idea to take a course, especially if you are going to do work at height abroad. CSO Operator Training Centre provides appropriate training in this area. Check out our offer on our website!