safety harnesses and lanyards are critical components of personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) used by workers at heights in various industries such as construction, maintenance, and industrial work. Knowing how to properly use these tools and understanding the applicable safety standards can help prevent accidents and ensure worker safety.
Table of Contents
6. What is a safety harness and lanyard?
1.1 Safety Harness
A safety harness is a protective device that is worn by workers to distribute the impact forces experienced during a fall across the body. It includes straps that wrap around the shoulders, chest, and thighs, and features a D-ring at the back (or sometimes on the sides) for lanyard attachment.
1.2 Lanyard
A lanyard is a flexible line that connects the safety harness to an anchor point. Lanyards come in different types:
- Shock-Absorbing Lanyards: These are equipped with energy absorbers that limit the force exerted on the body during a fall.
- Positioning Lanyards: Used to keep the worker in a secure position while working at heights, allowing them to use both hands for their task.
- Self-Retracting Lanyards (SRL): Automatically retract and lock during a fall, providing limited fall distance.
2. How to Properly Use a safety harness and Lanyard
2.1 Pre-Use Inspection
- Check the Harness: Inspect all straps for wear, fraying, or damage. Ensure that buckles, D-rings, and stitching are intact and not deformed.
- Inspect the Lanyard: Verify that the lanyard is not damaged or frayed, and that its locking mechanisms are functioning properly.
- Expiration Date: Check for expiration or inspection tags, as most fall protection gear has a limited service life.
2.2 How to Wear the Harness
- Hold the D-Ring: Hold the harness by the D-ring on the back to make it easier to see how to put it on.
- Step into the Leg Straps: Step into the leg loops as if you were putting on pants.
- Put on the Shoulder Straps: Pull the shoulder straps over your shoulders like a vest.
- Buckle Up: Fasten the chest, leg, and waist buckles, ensuring the harness fits snugly but not too tightly.
- Adjust for Fit: Tighten or loosen the straps so the harness fits comfortably while ensuring it won\\u2019t move out of place in the event of a fall.
2.3 Attaching the Lanyard
- Choose an Anchor Point: Select an anchor point that meets the strength requirements of your safety system (typically, it should withstand at least 5,000 lbs of force).
- Connect the Lanyard: Secure the lanyard\\u2019s locking hook to the D-ring on the harness and to the anchor point. Ensure that the snap hook is fully engaged and locked.
- Check Fall Clearance: Ensure that the area below your worksite provides enough fall clearance to avoid hitting the ground or lower levels.
2.4 Proper Use During Work
- Limit Slack: Keep the lanyard as short as possible to minimize the fall distance.
- Positioning: When using a positioning lanyard, ensure it is attached securely, allowing you to work with both hands free without risk of falling.
- Avoid Swing Falls: Position yourself directly under the anchor point to avoid swinging if a fall occurs.
2.5 Post-Use Inspection and Storage
- Inspect Again: After each use, thoroughly inspect the harness and lanyard for any damage or wear that might have occurred during use.
- Storage: Store the equipment in a clean, dry area, away from direct sunlight and chemicals that could weaken the materials.
3. Safety Standards for safety harness and lanyards
3.1 U.S. Standards (OSHA and ANSI)
In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) set the standards for fall protection equipment.
OSHA Standards (29 CFR 1926.502)
- Anchor Points: Anchor points used in fall arrest systems must support at least 5,000 lbs per worker.
- Fall Arrest Systems: The personal fall arrest system must limit the fall arrest force to 1,800 pounds.
- Inspection: Equipment must be inspected before each use, and defective equipment should be removed from service immediately.
ANSI Standards (ANSI/ASSE Z359 Series)
- Lanyards: Lanyards must meet the strength and energy absorption requirements of ANSI Z359.13.
- Harnesses: Full-body harnesses must meet the requirements of ANSI Z359.11, ensuring that they can distribute fall forces across the body to prevent injury.
- Self-Retracting Lanyards: Must comply with ANSI Z359.14, which includes automatic braking systems to reduce fall distance.
3.2 European Standards (EN)
In Europe, EN 361 is the key standard for full-body harnesses, while EN 354 applies to lanyards.
EN 361 (Harnesses)
- Full-body harnesses must distribute forces across the thighs, pelvis, chest, and shoulders.
- D-rings and connectors must be secure and prevent accidental disengagement.
EN 354 (Lanyards)
- Specifies the minimum tensile strength and elongation properties of lanyards to ensure they can withstand the forces during a fall.
- Energy absorbers are often used in conjunction with lanyards to minimize the impact of a fall.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect Fit: Wearing a harness that is too loose or improperly adjusted can cause injury in the event of a fall.
- Improper Anchor Point: Using an anchor point that does not meet the strength requirements can lead to system failure.
- Ignoring Swing Fall: If the worker is not positioned directly under the anchor point, a swing fall can occur, increasing the risk of injury.
- Failure to Inspect: Not inspecting the harness and lanyard before use increases the risk of using faulty equipment.
Conclusion
Proper use of safety harnesses and lanyards, along with adherence to established safety standards, is essential for protecting workers from falls. Regular inspection, correct fitting, and careful selection of anchor points all contribute to an effective fall protection system. By following the guidelines outlined above, employers and workers can minimize risks and ensure a safer working environment.
