How do you use a safety harness?
In order to work at height safely, it is important to wear fall protection when performing various tasks. The most commonly used form of fall protection is the safety harness. The advantage of a safety harness is that it offers good support at the buttocks, meaning the impact of a fall is not absorbed by the back. In this article, our specialist explains how to use a safety harness.
Putting on a safety harness
When putting on a safety harness, it is important to take a few things into account so that you are sure you are putting on the harness correctly and that it is adjusted accordingly. Therefore, you should follow these steps.
- Loosen all buckles.
- Set all belts to the maximum size.
- Check whether the belts and straps of the safety harness are not tangled or twisted.
- Put your arms through the arm loops and lift them over your shoulders. Make sure the straps are not twisted.
- Close the buckle on the chest and then tighten it.
- Now close the leg loops with the buckle one by one and then tighten them. The buckles of the leg loops should not be too loose, but not too tight either. As a rule of thumb: a flat hand must fit between the strap and the hips.
- Check whether all belts and straps are tightened and whether the ends are not protruding.
Safety harness maintenance
Besides putting it on, maintaining and inspecting a safety harness are also important points of attention. Preferably keep a safety harness in a dry place without direct sunlight and make sure there is no tension on the safety harness. Also loosen all buckles before storing it.
If the harness is dirty, you can clean it with warm water and mild soap and then hang it out to dry. Note: the harness is not suitable for the dryer!
If the harness is dirty, you can clean it with warm water and mild soap and then hang it out to dry. Note: the harness is not suitable for the dryer!
Replacing a safety harness
If the annual inspection shows that a safety harness no longer meets the requirements, it must of course be replaced. But there are also other indications that a safety harness needs to be replaced:
- Due to use or after a fall, there can be damage to the harness in the form of wear and deformation. Do not use a harness with visible damage while this has not been checked by a professional.
- Discoloration of a safety harness can indicate long-term exposure to sunlight. This affects the strength of the safety harness.
- Moisture can also affect the strength of a safety harness. If the harness has been in a humid place for a longer period, do not take any risk and have the harness checked before you use it.
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Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Martin Meuldijk will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
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How do you use a safety harness?
In order to work at height safely, it is important to wear fall protection when performing various tasks. The most commonly used form of fall protection is the safety harness. The advantage of a safety harness is that it offers good support at the buttocks, meaning the impact of a fall is not absorbed by the back. In this article, our specialist explains how to use a safety harness.
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Putting on a safety harness
When putting on a safety harness, it is important to take a few things into account so that you are sure you are putting on the harness correctly and that it is adjusted accordingly. Therefore, you should follow these steps.
- Loosen all buckles.
- Set all belts to the maximum size.
- Check whether the belts and straps of the safety harness are not tangled or twisted.
- Put your arms through the arm loops and lift them over your shoulders. Make sure the straps are not twisted.
- Close the buckle on the chest and then tighten it.
- Now close the leg loops with the buckle one by one and then tighten them. The buckles of the leg loops should not be too loose, but not too tight either. As a rule of thumb: a flat hand must fit between the strap and the hips.
- Check whether all belts and straps are tightened and whether the ends are not protruding.
Safety harness maintenance
Besides putting it on, maintaining and inspecting a safety harness are also important points of attention. Preferably keep a safety harness in a dry place without direct sunlight and make sure there is no tension on the safety harness. Also loosen all buckles before storing it.
If the harness is dirty, you can clean it with warm water and mild soap and then hang it out to dry. Note: the harness is not suitable for the dryer!
If the harness is dirty, you can clean it with warm water and mild soap and then hang it out to dry. Note: the harness is not suitable for the dryer!
Replacing a safety harness
If the annual inspection shows that a safety harness no longer meets the requirements, it must of course be replaced. But there are also other indications that a safety harness needs to be replaced:
- Due to use or after a fall, there can be damage to the harness in the form of wear and deformation. Do not use a harness with visible damage while this has not been checked by a professional.
- Discoloration of a safety harness can indicate long-term exposure to sunlight. This affects the strength of the safety harness.
- Moisture can also affect the strength of a safety harness. If the harness has been in a humid place for a longer period, do not take any risk and have the harness checked before you use it.
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Martin Meuldijk will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
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Tips for working safely at height
Working at height involves major risks. In fact, falling is number one in the top ten most common work accidents.
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