A safety harness is a piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) intended to protect workers from falls when working at heights or in elevated positions. It is naturally made of durable nylon webbing and consists of straps, buckles, and attachment points.
A safety harness is worn around the torso and is intended to distribute the forces of a fall over the strongest parts of the body, such as the chest, shoulders, and thighs, reducing the risk of injury.
A lanyard is a flexible line or strap that connects the safety harness to an anchor point or secure structure. It is an essential component of a fall protection system. Lanyards are typically made of synthetic fibers or metal cables and are available in various lengths.
They have connectors at each end to attach to the safety harness and an anchor point. The purpose of the lanyard is to keep the worker connected to a secure point, preventing them from falling to the ground or another lower level in the event of a slip or fall.
Safety Harness and Lanyard?
A safety harness is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) used to protect workers from falls when working at heights or in situations where there is a risk of falling. It is intended to distribute the forces of a fall over the body and reduce the risk of injury.
A safety harness naturally consists of straps, buckles, and add-on points. It is worn around the torso, with shoulder straps and leg straps to secure it in place. The harness is made of durable materials such as nylon webbing or synthetic fibers to provide strength and reliability.
A lanyard, on the other hand, is a connecting device used in conjunction with a safety harness. It is a flexible line or strap that attaches to the harness on one end and connects to an anchor point or secure structure on the other end. The purpose of the lanyard is to keep the worker connected to a secure point, preventing them from falling to the ground or another lower level in the event of a slip or fall.
Lanyards can be made of various materials, including synthetic fibers or metal cables, and come in different lengths and configurations to suit different working conditions. They often have connectors, such as snap hooks or carabiners, at each end to attach to the harness and the anchor point.
Together, the safety harness and lanyard form an essential part of a fall protection system, providing workers with the necessary support and fall arrest capabilities to work safely at heights.
How to Use Safety Harness and Lanyard
Using a safety harness and lanyard is an important safety practice when working at heights.
Choose the Right Equipment
Ensure that you have the appropriate safety harness and lanyard for the task at hand. Select equipment that meets safety regulations and is suitable for the specific work environment.
Inspect Equipment
Before using the safety harness and lanyard, inspect them for any signs of damage, such as frayed straps, broken buckles, or worn-out stitching. If you notice any issues, replace the equipment before proceeding.
Put on the Harness
Step into the harness with both feet, ensuring it is correctly oriented. Lift the harness and fasten the leg straps around your legs, securing them snugly but not too tight. Buckle the waist belt, making sure it is positioned comfortably above your hips.
Adjust the Harness
Adjust the straps on the harness to achieve a proper fit. Make sure the shoulder straps are snug, and the waist belt is centered on your body. The harness should be tight enough to prevent excessive movement but still allow for comfortable breathing and freedom of movement.
Attach the Lanyard
Connect one end of the lanyard to the designated attachment point on the harness. This is usually located at the back between the shoulder blades. Ensure that the lanyard is securely fastened.
Verify Connections
Double-check that all connections are properly secured and that there is no slack in the lanyard. Ensure that the lanyard is not twisted or tangled.
Test the Equipment
Before relying on the safety harness and lanyard, perform a brief test to ensure they are functioning correctly. Apply a slight amount of weight to the harness by squatting down or taking a small step to confirm that the equipment is holding you securely.
Work Safely
Once you have confirmed that the safety harness and lanyard are correctly set up and functioning properly, proceed with your work while staying connected to the anchor point at all times.
Regularly Inspect and Maintain
Throughout your work, periodically check the harness and lanyard for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any equipment that shows signs of compromise.
What is the Difference Between Harness and Lanyard?
The main difference between a harness and a lanyard is their function and purpose within a fall protection system:
Safety Harness
A safety harness is a full-body protective device worn by workers who are at risk of falling from heights. It is designed to distribute the forces of a fall across the body, reducing the risk of injury. A harness consists of straps, buckles, and attachment points that secure it to the wearer’s torso.
It typically has shoulder straps, leg straps, and a waist belt to provide a secure and comfortable fit. The safety harness acts as the primary means of attachment for the worker, providing support and distributing forces in the event of a fall.
Lanyard
A lanyard is a connecting device that links the safety harness to an anchor point or secure structure. It is a flexible line or strap that attaches to the harness on one end and connects to an anchor point on the other end. The purpose of the lanyard is to keep the worker connected to a secure point and prevent falls.
Lanyards are available in various lengths and materials, including synthetic fibers or metal cables. They often have connectors, such as snap hooks or carabiners, at each end for attachment to the harness and anchor point.
How to Properly Use a Safety Harnes?
To properly use a safety harness, follow these steps:
Select the Right Harness
Choose a safety harness that is appropriate for the task at hand and complies with safety regulations. Ensure it is the correct size for the wearer.
Inspect the Harness
Before each use, inspect the harness for any signs of damage, such as frayed straps, worn-out stitching, or broken buckles. If you notice any issues, do not use the harness and replace it.
Put on the Harness
Step into the harness with both feet, lifting it to the waist level. Fasten the leg straps securely around your legs, ensuring they are snug but not overly tight. Buckle the waist belt, positioning it comfortably above your hips.
Adjust the Harness
Adjust the straps on the harness to achieve a proper fit. The shoulder straps should be snug and sit correctly on your shoulders, and the waist belt should be centered on your body. The harness should be tight enough to prevent excessive movement but still allow for comfortable breathing and freedom of movement.
Check Connections
Ensure that all buckles and connectors are properly fastened and secure. Double-check that the leg straps and waist belt are correctly adjusted and tightened.
Inspect D-rings and Attachment Points
Verify that the D-rings and other attachment points on the harness are free from damage and suitable for connecting lanyards or other safety equipment.
Attach the Lanyard
Connect one end of the lanyard to the designated attachment point on the back of the harness, typically located between the shoulder blades. Make sure it is securely fastened.
Connect to an Anchor Point
Attach the other end of the lanyard to a suitable anchor point or secure structure above your head. Ensure the anchor point is strong enough to support your weight and has been properly inspected.
Perform Function Test
Apply slight weight to the harness by squatting down or taking a small step to confirm that the equipment is holding you securely. Ensure that the harness fits comfortably and does not restrict movement.
Maintain Awareness and Use Properly
While working, maintain awareness of the safety harness and use it as intended. Keep the lanyard properly connected to the anchor point at all times and avoid situations that could lead to a fall.
When Do You Need To Wear A Safety Harness?
You need to wear a safety harness whenever there is a risk of falling from a height that could cause injury or harm. Here are some situations where wearing a safety harness is typically required or recommended:
Working at Heights
If you are working at heights, such as on rooftops, scaffolding, elevated platforms, ladders, or towers, you should wear a safety harness. This includes tasks like construction, roofing, painting, window cleaning, and maintenance work.
Working on Suspended Platforms
When using suspended platforms, such as swing stages or suspended scaffolds, it is essential to wear a safety harness. These platforms are commonly used for building maintenance, window installation, or facade work.
Climbing Structures
If you are climbing structures like towers, communication masts, or wind turbines, wearing a safety harness is crucial to prevent falls.
Working in Confined Spaces
In confined spaces with vertical openings, such as manholes or tanks, where there is a risk of falling, a safety harness may be required to provide fall protection.
Emergency Evacuation
In emergencies where evacuation from heights is required, wearing a safety harness can be crucial to ensure safe descent or rescue.
What is the Required Height When Using Safety Harness?
The specific height requirement for using a safety harness can vary depending on the jurisdiction, industry, and specific regulations in place. There is no universally defined height at which a safety harness becomes mandatory.
However, the general principle is that a safety harness should be used whenever there is a risk of falling from a height that could cause injury.
In many jurisdictions and industries, the use of a safety harness is required when working at heights of 6 feet (1.8 meters) or higher. This height threshold is commonly used as a guideline to determine when fall protection measures, including safety harnesses, should be implemented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often should I inspect my safety harness and lanyard?
A1: Safety harnesses and lanyards should be inspected before each use. Additionally, they should undergo regular thorough inspections as per the manufacturer’s guidelines and any applicable safety regulations. If any damage or wear is detected during inspections, the equipment should be replaced immediately.
Q2: Can I use a lanyard without a safety harness?
A2: No, a lanyard should always be used in conjunction with a safety harness. The safety harness provides full-body support and distributes forces in the event of a fall, while the lanyard connects the harness to an anchor point, preventing falls.
Q3: Can I use any lanyard with my safety harness?
A3: It is important to use lanyards that are compatible with your specific safety harness. Lanyards should be designed for fall protection and have connectors that are compatible with the attachment points on your harness. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for compatible equipment.
Q4: Can I tie knots in my lanyard or harness straps?
A4: No, you should never tie knots in your lanyard or harness straps. Altering the equipment by tying knots can weaken the material and compromise its integrity, potentially reducing its ability to protect you in a fall. Always use the equipment as intended and as instructed by the manufacturer.
Q5: Can I use a damaged safety harness or lanyard?
A5: No, you should never use damaged safety harnesses or lanyards. Damaged equipment can significantly reduce its effectiveness and compromise your safety. If any signs of damage, wear, or deterioration are detected, the equipment should be immediately taken out of service and replaced.
Q6: Can I share my safety harness and lanyard with others?
A6: No, safety harnesses and lanyards are personal protective equipment and should not be shared. Each worker should have their own properly fitted harness and lanyard to ensure proper protection and prevent equipment misuse.
Q7: Can I use a safety harness and lanyard for purposes other than fall protection?
A7: Safety harnesses and lanyards should only be used for their intended purpose, which is fall protection. Using them for other purposes may compromise their effectiveness and put you at risk.
Final Words
Safety harnesses and lanyards are essential tools for fall protection when working at heights or in elevated positions. The safety harness is a full-body device that provides support and distributes forces in the event of a fall, while the lanyard connects the harness to an anchor point, keeping the worker securely attached.
When using a safety harness and lanyard, it is crucial to select the right equipment, inspect it before each use, and properly put on and adjust the harness for a secure and comfortable fit. The lanyard should be connected to the designated attachment points on the harness and a suitable anchor point.
