How to Put On A Safety Harness
It doesn’t seem like a big deal. Just put the thing on right? Partially right. Properly donning a harness can mean the difference between life and death. Take a look this quick step by step guide and learn the proper way to put on a fall protection safety harness.
- Inspect Harness: The first step is to inspect your safety harness for wear & tear. Make sure all of the webbing is intact and the hardware isn’t bent, damaged, or cracked. This step is easier to do with your harness off. Make sure you take the time to do this step. In the next week or so, we’ll have a feature on inspecting your harness.
- Back D-Ring: Next, grab your harness by the back d-ring (dorsal d-ring). Make sure it’s not a side d-ring. Once you’ve found it, shake the harness so all of your straps dangle below. This will help you detangle your harness and you’ll begin to see it take shape. If any of your buckles are buckled, unbuckle them.
- Shoulder Straps: After shaking your harness, locate the shoulder straps. Slide into them like you’re putting on a jacket or suspenders. Make sure that none of the webbing is twisted. It should lay flat when properly worn.
- Leg Straps: Next, you’ll want to grab the straps hanging between your legs. Pull each strap between your legs and connect it. Note: Make sure that the leg strap webbing is not tangled. In this step you’ll also want to tighten your leg straps and tuck the excess webbing into the leg strap holders.
- Chest Buckle: Leg straps connected to the chest strap… No it isn’t, but after you finish connecting your leg straps, you’ll move onto your chest buckle. All you do is buckle it and tighten it. No more, no less.
- Waist Buckle (If Applicable): If you’re harness has a waist buckle. Now would be the time to buckle it. Again make sure to tuck in extra webbing and strap so it doesn’t interfere with your work.
- Adjust Fit: Now that your harness is on and the buckles are connected and fastened, look over your harness. Make sure that all of the straps are adjusted. You want your harness to be snug, but not tight. You don’t want it restricting your movement. HOWEVER, a loose a harness could seriously injury or kill you in a fall. Make sure your harness fits securely to your body.
Once you get used to doing this, it doesn’t take long, but doing it (and doing it properly) is key. Follow these steps and you’ll be safe.