Top 10 Safety Harness Brand & Manufacturers

What is Safety Harness

A safety harness is a form of personal protective equipment designed to safeguard individuals from falls and associated injuries. It is a complex system of straps, buckles, and connection points that distributes the force of a fall across the body's stronger areas, such as the chest, shoulders, and hips. Safety harnesses are commonly used in various industries like construction, tree - trimming, window - cleaning, and in activities such as rock - climbing and caving.

History of Safety Harness

The concept of safety harnesses has evolved over time. Early forms of body - support systems can be traced back to the use of ropes and simple straps by sailors and mountaineers. In the early 20th century, basic harness - like devices started to be used in industrial settings, mainly in the construction and mining industries. However, it was not until the mid - 20th century that more standardized and effective safety harness designs emerged. As safety regulations became more stringent, especially in the aftermath of industrial accidents, the design and manufacturing of safety harnesses became more sophisticated. Technological advancements in materials, such as the development of high - strength synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester, have significantly improved the performance and durability of safety harnesses.

Purpose of Safety Harness

• Fall Prevention: The primary purpose is to prevent a person from falling to a lower level. In high - rise construction, for example, workers are at risk of falling from scaffolding or rooftops. A safety harness, when properly attached to a secure anchor point, can stop a fall from occurring in the first place.
• Fall Arrest: In the event that a fall does happen, the safety harness is designed to arrest the fall. It distributes the impact force of the fall over a wider area of the body, reducing the risk of serious injury. This is crucial as a sudden stop from a fall can cause severe trauma, such as broken bones, internal injuries, or head trauma.
• Work Positioning: Safety harnesses also allow workers to position themselves safely while performing tasks at heights. For instance, a window - cleaner can use a harness to lean out of a building window while cleaning, ensuring that they do not lose their balance and fall.

Principle of Safety Harness

• Force Distribution: When a fall occurs, the safety harness is engineered to distribute the force of the impact across multiple points of the body. Shoulder straps, chest straps, and leg straps work together to spread the load. For example, in a full - body harness, the force is distributed from the attachment point (where the lanyard or lifeline is connected) to the shoulders, chest, and hips. This reduces the stress on any single part of the body, minimizing the risk of injury.
• Energy Absorption: Many modern safety harnesses are equipped with energy - absorbing components, such as shock - absorbing lanyards. These components are designed to stretch and deform slightly during a fall, absorbing some of the kinetic energy of the falling person. This helps to reduce the peak force exerted on the body during the fall arrest, further protecting the wearer from injury.
• Secure Attachment: The harness must be securely attached to a reliable anchor point. The anchor point should be capable of withstanding the forces generated during a fall. In construction, this could be a structural beam or a purpose - built anchor. The connection between the harness and the anchor, often through a carabiner or a similar device, is designed to be strong and easy to use while ensuring a secure connection.

Features of Safety Harness

• Adjustability: A good safety harness should be adjustable to fit different body sizes and shapes. Adjustable straps at the shoulders, chest, and legs ensure a snug and comfortable fit. This not only improves the effectiveness of the harness but also enhances the wearer's comfort during long - term use.
• Durability: Made from high - quality materials such as abrasion - resistant nylon or polyester, safety harnesses are built to withstand harsh working conditions. They should be able to resist wear and tear, exposure to the elements, and chemical substances that they may come into contact with in industrial settings.
• Visibility: In some applications, especially in low - light or high - traffic areas, safety harnesses are designed with high - visibility colors or reflective strips. This makes the wearer more visible to others, reducing the risk of accidental collisions.
• Quick - Release Buckles: Safety harnesses are equipped with quick - release buckles that can be easily opened and closed. In an emergency situation, the wearer should be able to quickly remove the harness if needed. At the same time, these buckles must be secure enough to prevent accidental opening during normal use. [!--empirenews.page--]
• Comfort Padding: To enhance comfort during extended use, many safety harnesses have padding on the straps that come in contact with the body. This padding helps to reduce chafing and discomfort, especially in areas where the straps may rub against the skin, such as the shoulders and hips.

Types of Safety Harness

• Full - Body Harness: This is the most common type of safety harness used in industrial and recreational settings. It includes straps that go around the legs, chest, and shoulders, providing comprehensive protection. Full - body harnesses are ideal for applications where there is a high risk of falls from a significant height, such as in construction or rock - climbing.
• Chest Harness: Chest harnesses mainly focus on securing the upper body. They are often used in activities like tree - climbing or when additional support is needed for the upper body during work at heights. However, they are not as effective as full - body harnesses in distributing the force of a fall across the entire body.
• Step - in Harness: These harnesses are designed for easy donning and doffing. They typically have a design where the user can step into the leg loops and then fasten the straps around the chest and shoulders. Step - in harnesses are popular in some industrial applications where workers need to quickly put on and take off their safety gear.
• Custom - Designed Harnesses: For specialized applications, such as working in unique industrial environments or for specific body types, custom - designed harnesses can be created. These harnesses are tailored to meet the specific requirements of the task and the user, ensuring optimal safety and comfort.

Precautions for using Safety Harness

• Proper Fitting: Size Selection: Select a safety harness that is the correct size for your body. A harness that is too large may not fit properly and could lead to a dangerous situation during a fall. A harness that is too small may be uncomfortable and restrict movement. Adjustment: Before each use, adjust the straps to ensure a snug fit. Check that the chest strap is at the appropriate height, the leg straps are not too loose or too tight, and the shoulder straps are evenly distributed.
• Inspection: Pre - use Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the safety harness before each use. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed straps, damaged buckles, or broken connection points. Check the integrity of the stitching and any energy - absorbing components. Regular Inspection: Even if there are no visible signs of damage, conduct regular inspections of the harness. Over time, exposure to the elements, chemicals, and normal wear and tear can weaken the harness.
• Anchor Point Selection: Strength and Stability: Always use a secure and stable anchor point. The anchor point should be able to withstand the forces generated during a fall. Avoid using weak or unstable objects as anchor points, such as flimsy pipes or unsecured beams. Proper Attachment: Ensure that the connection between the harness and the anchor point is made correctly. Use appropriate connection devices, such as carabiner clips, and make sure they are properly closed and locked.
• Training and Usage: Training: Workers should be trained on how to properly use a safety harness. This includes how to put it on, adjust it, connect it to an anchor point, and what to do in the event of a fall. Follow Safety Procedures: Always follow the established safety procedures when using a safety harness. Do not use the harness for purposes other than those it is designed for, and never modify the harness without proper authorization.

Things to consider when purchasing Safety Harness

• Application Requirements: Type of Work: Consider the nature of the work you will be doing. For example, if you are working in construction, a full - body harness with high - durability and shock - absorbing features may be required. If you are engaged in a less - risky activity like tree - pruning, a chest harness may be sufficient. Fall Risk Level: Evaluate the height and potential severity of falls in your work environment. Higher - risk situations may call for a more advanced and reliable safety harness.
• Quality and Certification: Material Quality: Look for safety harnesses made from high - quality materials. High - strength fibers, durable buckles, and reliable connection points are essential. Certification: Ensure that the safety harness meets relevant safety standards, such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards in the United States or EN (European Norm) standards in Europe. Certified products are more likely to provide adequate protection.
• Cost - Benefit Analysis:[!--empirenews.page--] Initial Cost vs. Long - term Safety: While cost is a factor, do not sacrifice safety for a lower price. Consider the long - term value of the safety harness in terms of protecting your life and preventing injuries. A more expensive, high - quality harness may be a better investment in the long run. Total Cost of Ownership: Factor in the cost of maintenance, replacement parts, and any additional accessories that may be required for the safe use of the harness.
• Comfort and Fit: Try Before You Buy: Whenever possible, try on the safety harness to ensure a proper fit. A comfortable harness will be more likely to be worn correctly and consistently. Ergonomic Design: Look for harnesses with an ergonomic design that allows for natural movement while providing maximum protection.

Terms of Safety Harness

• Breaking Strength: This is the maximum force that the safety harness can withstand before breaking. It is an important measure of the harness's strength and durability. For example, a high - quality safety harness may have a breaking strength of several thousand pounds.
• Shock - Absorption Capacity: It refers to the ability of the harness (especially the energy - absorbing components like shock - absorbing lanyards) to reduce the impact force during a fall. A higher shock - absorption capacity means less stress on the body during a fall arrest.
• Certification Standards: As mentioned earlier, standards like OSHA or EN define the minimum requirements for safety harnesses. These standards cover aspects such as construction, strength, and performance. When purchasing a safety harness, it's important to know which certification standards it meets.
• Working Load Limit: The working load limit is the maximum load that the safety harness is designed to carry during normal use. It is lower than the breaking strength and is a crucial factor to consider when using the harness in different applications.