Getting into a construction safety harness for the first time? Here are some tips on what to watch out for, according to OSHA:
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Harness. Before anything else, check the harness. The webbing should be intact, with no cuts, holes and webbing tufts showing through. Next, go on to the hardware. Check for dents or other damage. If it’s bent or cracked, find a harness that’s in better condition. Do this before you need to wear the equipment, as it’s easier to check that way.
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Back D-Ring. Find the back d-ring. Be sure to check that it isn’t the side d-ring. Once you’ve got a tight hold on it, shake it so it’ll shake the straps of your harness loose. This is an easy way for you to detangle the harness. See any buckled buckles? You need to undo those.
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Shoulder Straps. Find the shoulder straps and again, check them before you wear it. Any signs of wear and tear means you’ll have to return it and get another one.
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Leg Straps. Once your shoulder straps are secured, pull on the straps between your legs. You need to pull each one between your legs and link them together. Take extra care that there aren’t any tangles in the leg strap webbing. If there are, exchange it for another one.
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Chest Buckle All straps in place? Then you need to secure yourself with the chest buckle. Tighten it until you are firmly secured in harness, although not so tight that it’s uncomfortable. You’ll need to have enough range of motion to move around when you’re several stories up in the air, with nothing that stands between you and a drop 36 floors down but a construction safety harness.
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Waist Buckle. If your safety harness comes along with a waist buckle, make sure to secure it after you’ve secured your chest buckle.
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Fit. After you’ve put the gear on, make sure to check the fit. If there’s any loose webbing, tuck it into the harness somewhere. Otherwise, it could snag on something. That might seem like a small accident when you’re on solid ground, but when you’re on a piece of plywood and you’re dangling from a harness it’s much more serious.
Lastly, after you’re done using the harness, make sure to check it again for any damage or signs of wear and tear. That way, you can easily track when and what type of activity put the most strain on your gear and how you could find a way to avoid that next time. When you need a new construction harness, make sure to check out trusted sellers like Harness Land over discount options—it’s for your safety!
