A well-fitting harness
Putting on a safety harness looks simple, and many people do it correctly, but there are several things to watch out for. A harness that doesn’t fit properly won’t provide enough protection in the event of a fall.
Loose harnesses are not safe and increase the risk of injury during a fall. Harnesses should fit snugly, but harnesses that are too tight can restrict circulation, especially in the legs. In addition, twisted straps can injure the user instead of protecting them. A back plate that is too low may also feel safe, but it provides less support and can lead to serious injuries to the lower back in the event of a fall.
The best way to ensure that someone is wearing the right harness for their body type is to always consult the manufacturer’s sizing chart. A properly fitting harness not only provides safety, but is also more comfortable for the user, allowing them to concentrate longer and not see the harness as a burden.
Check your fall protection before use
To avoid accidents and risks, always check your fall harness thoroughly before use. Wear is not always visible and is not immediately noticeable until it is too late. In addition to a visual inspection, we therefore also recommend a functional inspection.
What to look out for:
- Damage to the textile due to burning, cuts and exposure to chemicals?
- Are all the stitching still intact and in perfect order?
- Are the metal buckles still intact?
- Do the automatic locks still work perfectly?
- Does the harness have the correct fit?
In addition, you should also check the identification label for: year of manufacture, serial number and recent inspection date. This should also be correctly and clearly readable. Also look at the capacity of the harness (weight of the user).
Take care of your armor
A fall harness is made of fabric. This has the advantage that it feels light and comfortable to wear, but this also makes it vulnerable. Therefore, keep your fall harness away from sharp objects, heat sources and corrosive chemicals such as turpentine. For this reason, it is best to use a damp cloth to clean your fall harness.
Annual inspection of your fall protection
All Tractel fall harnesses that you find in our webshop have an unlimited lifespan. Do you have doubts about the safety of your fall protection or has a fall occurred? Then it is best to have the fall harness inspected by an expert. Have your fall protection inspected by an authorized person at least once a year. This way you are legally in order and you show that you are really concerned with your safety.