Safety Harnesses: Proper Use, Inspection & Best Practices

Used properly, a safety harness can save a life. Workers should be trained on how to properly wear a harness. Using the right harness for the right situation will also help keep the wearer safe.

Inspection

• You should inspect a safety harness before every use. Look for loose or broke buckles, tightness of rivets and secure attachment points of straps and belts. The webbing should not have any damage. Do not not try to repair defective equipment; instead replace damaged parts or dispose of the harness.

Wearing

• You should wear a safety harness according to the manufacturer's instructions. Adjust the loops to fit your body size. The straps should fit snugly on your shoulders and around your waist without excessive discomfort, but also tightly enough so that it does not shift on your body.

Rope

• The D-ring on the back of your harness should rest between your shoulder blades. Attach the safety rope to the D-ring. It should hold onto the rope tightly and not disconnect from it unless you want it to.