Write a toolbox talk on SAFETY HARNESS

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# Full body harnesses (cont.) ## Webbing Look for frayed, cracked, cut, burned, or damaged webbing, and loose or broken stitching. ## D-rings Look for bent, cracked, nicked, or gouged rings. ## Manufacturer's label Inspect the manufacturer's label on the harness. The manufacturer's label on a CSA-approved full body harness will contain the following information: - Manufacturer or vendor identification • Size of the harness • Date the harness was manufactured • Model number Some harnesses are designed to serve more than one purpose. Check the manufacturer's label for the harness's classification. Group A - Fall arresting Group D Controlled descent Group E-Confined entry (raising and lowering) Group L - Ladder climbing Group P - Work positioning Note: A full body harness that meets CSA Standard Z259.10 is acceptable to WorkSafeBC. ## Putting on a full body harness Adjust all hardware and straps so the harness fits snugly, but still lets you move freely. Tuck in all loose straps so they don't snag or cause you to trip. Hook on to the harness D-ring (marked "A") designed to arrest falls. ## Lanyards and anchors A lanyard is a flexible line of webbing or a synthetic or wire rope used to secure a safety belt or full body harness to a lifeline or anchor. ## Using the right lanyard A lanyard that meets the requirements of CSA Z259.1 is acceptable to WorkSafeBC. Keep lanyards as short as possible to reduce the distance you could fall. Try to arrange the lanyard to limit a free fall to no more than 1.2 m (4 ft.) in a fall arrest situation. When using a wire rope lanyard for fall arrest, a personal shock absorber must be incorporated as part of your personal fall protection system in order to keep the arrest force at a safe level. An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment -6-

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# Crane- and derrick-suspended personnel platforms (cont.) ## What is a fall protection system? (cont.) • Catch platforms. Though not covered in Subdivision 3/M, catch platforms, which consist of a stable platform and an attached standard guardrail, can protect workers when other systems or methods are not feasible. • Covers for holes. Simple and effective when they are capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the weight of employees, equipment, materials that may be imposed on the cover at one time, and are properly installed. Rigid covers prevent workers from falling through temporary holes, openings, and skylights in walking/working surfaces. - Fences and barricades. Use a fence or similar barricade to keep people away from wells, pits, and shafts or other similar excavation. ## What to consider when selecting a fall protection system Appropriate fall protection systems have the following characteristics: • They are affordable. • They offer the least interference with workers' tasks or activities. • They prevent falls or protect workers who do fall from serious injury and death. Wherever possible, eliminate fall hazards. Identify hazards that you can't eliminate and evaluate each one. The evaluation will help you determine appropriate fall protection systems for your worksite. Consider the following: • What is the fall distance from the walking/working surface to the next lower level? - How many workers are exposed to the hazard? • What tasks and work areas are associated with the hazard? • How will the workers move - horizontally, vertically, or in both directions to do their tasks? • Are secure anchorages available or can they be easily installed near the hazard? - Are there other hazards near the work area, such as overhead power lines? • How will workers be promptly rescued if they are suspended in a personal fall-arrest system? ## Personal fall-arrest systems A personal fall-arrest system (PFAS) generally consists of an anc…

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# FALL PROTECTION FULL BODY HARNESS Date Posted: 02/17/2024 Full-body harnesses are critical elements. f adequate fall protection systems. Workers must understand how to wear and use full-body harnesses when operating at height properly. When used correctly on the job, a properly fitted and properly worn full-body harness can help prevent serious injury or death. According to WAC 296-880-[redacted postal code], a full-body harness is required as part of a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), standard Z359.11 defines a full-body harness as "a body support designed to contain the torso and distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the upper thighs, pelvis, chest and shoulders." ## CHECKING THE FULL-BODY HARNESS BEFORE WEAR Before each use, you must inspect the safety harness. Check your harness for broken, burned, or pulled stitching and stitching or rivets where the hardware is attached. Also, carefully check the webbing, belt ends, and side and back D-rings. Spending a few minutes performing the following steps could save your life: buckles, • Pick up the harness by its back D-ring. - Gently shake the harness to let the straps fall into place. • Make sure the buckles are unfastened. • Look for damage, such as worn, frayed, or missing threads, cracked webbing, or foreign material on the fall harness. • Check the metal strap fasteners and side and back d-rings to ensure they aren't cracked or deformed. • If your fall harness uses grommets, ensure they are firmly attached and not deformed or otherwise damaged. • Make sure tongue buckles are firmly attached and not bent. ## FULL BODY HARNESS WEAR CHECK A poorly fitted harness doesn't just lower the protection level of the harness. It can do additional harm in the event of a fall. When a harness is poorly fitted for the worker or uncomfortable, they are more likely not to use it or use it incorrectly. The items below should be checked to…

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de securite au travail Fall Protection # Fall Protection - Fall Arrest Systems ## On this page What is meant by fall arrest system? What should be considered when using a fall arrest system? How can bottoming out be prevented? How is the total fall clearance distance calculated? What is the pendulum effect and how to reduce it? What is suspension trauma and how to address it? ## What is meant by fall arrest system? Fall arrest system is the name given to the group of equipment, components, and systems used to arrest (stop) a fall from height. These systems can be used to protect workers who that are working at heights. A fall arrest system should only be used when other methods of fall protection are not available or possible, including engineering controls (e.g., elevated platform), guardrails, safety nets, or travel restraint. Fall arrest systems should: - keep the free fall distance as short as possible, - minimize the forces of the fall experienced by the worker, - protect the worker from striking other surfaces while falling, and - protect the worker from the pendulum effect or swing falls. See other OSH Answers documents for more information on fall protection, including fall protection plan. Always use the type of fall arrest system(s) required by your local jurisdiction. and standards such as CSA Z259.17 "Selection and use of active fall-protection equipment and system", Z259.12 "Connecting components for personal fall arrest systems", Z259.16 "Design of active fall- protection systems", and others. NOTE that other requirements may be needed that are not discussed in this document. Always consult the legislation that applies in your situation and with your jurisdiction for complete information. ## What should be considered when using a fall arrest system? It is important to assess the hazards a worker may be exposed to if they fall, and the impact of…

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# INSPECTION OF FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT Date Posted: 09/07/2016 It is vital to inspect your Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS), Personal Fall Restraint System (PFRS), or Positioning Device System (PDS) in order to ensure that it not defective. is All components of Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS), Personal Fall Restraint Systems (PFRS) and Positioning Device Systems (PDS) shall be inspected prior to each use according to manufacturer's specifications for mildew, wear, damage, and other deterioration. Defective components shall be removed from service if their function or strength has been adversely affected. Safety nets shall be inspected at least once a week according to manufacturer's specifications for wear, damage, and other deterioration. Safety nets shall also inspected after any occurrence which could affect the integrity of the safety net system. Defective components shall be removed from service. Defective nets shall not be used. be PFAS, PFRS, PDS, and their components shall be used only for employee protection and not to hoist materials. The following is a summary of what to look for when inspecting your gear: ## ANCHORAGES • Ensure that the proper number and correct size of nails or screws are used. • Installation: follow manufacturer's specifications • Make sure that the ring swing freely • Inspect for any unusual shape or wear ## LANYARDS AND ROPE GRABS • No cuts or tears in the fabric or stitching - Snap hooks spring back when released • No deformation or gouges in fittings • Shock pack intact and no evidence of deployment • Ensure that there is no damage to the wear, or other characteristics that will affect the product's performance ## HARNESS • No cuts or tears in the fabric or stitching • No abrasion, fraying, stretching, mold, or chemical damage to fabric or stitching - Back "D" ring should be between the shoulder blades • If you see red, take the equipment out of service. Red tags are seen in shock packs and in the…