Meanwhile, Federal
laws have made it clear to employers regarding the mandatory requirements for
fall protection harnesses. Safety equipment should be ideally fit for
protecting workers from falling and Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) instructs employers to ensure that all harnesses are
tested to harsh standards to check their uprightness. The regulations have
prescribed the exact maximum weight loads as well as arresting forces of PPE
that manufacturers and industries must test to ensure the absolute safety of
the workers, according to Jason Wible
Frenchcreek. According to the personality- this is why,
before buying the safety harnesses, make sure to verify the following aspects
without fail.
Is
the safety harness properly tested?
The American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed standards for different products and
services. For construction industries, the set standards regarding fall
protection harnesses and fall protection compliance are stated in ANSI
Z359.11-2014 and ANSI A10.32-12 respectively.
Therefore, before
choosing the harness, industries should follow the standard as stated by ANSI
and OSHA. Finding the products as per the guidelines, specification,
construction, packaging, product manual, and branding is vital before using it.
What
is the purpose of use?
Noteworthy that every
safety harness is available with a D-ring or dorsal ring which is meant for
attaching the fall arrest lanyards and self-retracting lifeline. However, there
are many products wherein the attachment points and D-rings are included
optionally depending on their application. For workers who perform their job in
suspended condition and need to use both their hands – like in tower
applications, construction jobs, etc. employers need to search for the
harnesses that come with side or hip D-rings, which enables proper positioning
with devices like rebar chain or belly chain for connecting the harness for
getting hands-free.
Is
the harness of the correct size and fitting?
An unfitting harness
is not only frustrating but happens to be downright intimidating and can lead
to a fall. Employers need to remember that while a too-tight harness will
hamper the productivity of employees as they cannot work comfortably if it is
too loose, then it will be susceptible to getting loosened causing a fall and
major injury or death.
If it fits
seamlessly, a harness needs to fit comfortably however will in no way be
compressing. There must not be extra webbing dangling down which could get
wedged into anything like machinery or hinder proper functioning.
Will
it be a comfortable safety wearing?
Typically, employees
who work at height need to remain fitted with safety equipment all through the
day. In case, harnesses feel uncomfortable, almost all workers will be
reluctant to wear them. According to Jason
Wible Frenchcreek a lightweight but robustly built harness
tends to lessen the loads that your employees need to carry with them for
prolonged hours. Updated harnesses are found with extra padding or lining at
the waist, back, shoulders, legs, etc. which will improve the comfort level of
wearers to a great extent.
How
harnesses should be inspected?
In fact, a harness
should be inspected every single day before use. It is to remember that
effective maintenance and check-up of the harness is all that ensures that the
workers are working safely at the site. So, before they are used, checking and
ensuring if any sign of wear or damage is there. Also to ensure that the
stitching, webbing, and hardware are free from breakage, cuts, burns, or any
other damage.
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