When working at height, it is essential to use top-quality equipment that you know you can rely on. The first step to creating a safe and secure system for working at height is to use the best equipment - the second step is ensuring that you’re using it correctly!

There are many different types of safety harnesses, including 1-point, 2-point, and 3-point harnesses, multi-purpose harnesses, rescue harnesses, and rope access harnesses (to name just a few). All of these harnesses have slightly different designs and the process of donning your harness may vary slightly depending on which safety harness you own, but we’ve laid out the basic principles of how to correctly put on a safety harness in this handy guide!

Before we get started, remember to always adhere to the instructions laid out by your safety harness manufacturer.

How to put on a fall protection harness

1) Inspect your equipment

Before you put on your safety harness, the first step is to give it a good once-over. Check your harness for any signs of damage or excessive wear; has it been stored in damp or otherwise unsuitable condition? Are there any loosened threads or fraying?

You should also take this opportunity to check that the harness is ready to be donned - none of the straps should be twisted or tangled, and the buckles should all be disconnected. Give the harness a shake to make sure that everything is hanging as it should.

2) Get into position

Put your arms through the shoulder straps and ensure the harness is resting comfortably across your back, with the rear D-ring positioned squarely between your shoulder blades.

3) Buckle up

Start with the chest buckle and work your way down to your legs. Some harnesses have an additional strap across the lower waist – ensure all necessary buckles are fastened before you move onto the next step!

4) Adjust

This is one of the most important steps, so you should never skip it! Now that you’re all clipped in, take a moment to consider how the harness feels. It’s most likely hanging a little loose at this point, so use the adjustment straps to tighten the straps and ensure that the safety harness is fitting snugly against your body.

You can also use this step to double check your harness positioning. Is your dorsal d-ring in the middle of your shoulders? Are any of your straps twisted or tangled? Remember - your chest straps should be sitting across the middle of your chest. If your strap is too high it can choke you if you fall. If it’s too low, you could potentially fall out of the harness.

Extra Tip: When adjusting the tightness of your leg buckles, you should be able to stick a flat hand in-between your thigh and the strap of the harness.

*

If you’re in need of top-quality height safety equipment including safety harnesses from respected brands, SafetyLiftinGear have got you covered! Browse the wide selection of height safety equipment that we have available on our website!

Height Safety Gear

Read More: Different Types of Harnesses