Safety Harness

What is a Safety Harness?

A safety harness is a sort of protective equipment used by employees in a variety of sectors to help avoid falls and other injuries. It is often composed of strong fabrics such as nylon or polyester and is secured around the waist, shoulders, and legs using straps and buckles.

The harness is coupled to a lanyard or lifeline, which is secured to a safe anchor point. In the case of a fall, the harness spreads the impact force throughout the wearer's body, lowering the chance of harm.

Different types of safety Harness and their applications.

1.       Full-body harnesses: The most frequent type of safety harness, providing complete body support. They are intended for usage in the construction, roofing, and general maintenance industries.

2.       Chest harnesses: These harnesses are meant for use when the wearer must remain upright, such as in confined spaces or during rescue operations.

3.       Suspension harnesses: These harnesses are intended for usage in scenarios when the wearer may be suspended in the air, such as when window cleaning or working on a high-rise building.

4.       Climbing harnesses: These harnesses are intended for use in rock climbing, mountaineering, and other leisure sports that require the wearer to be mobile and have a large range of motion.

Indian and Industry standards for safety harness

The IS 3521 standard establishes the requirements for safety harness strength, durability, and comfort, as well as the criteria for testing and inspecting the equipment before to use. It also specifies the minimum breaking strength of harness components such as buckles, D-rings, and straps.

In addition to the BIS standards, other industry regulators have also established their own standards.

1. The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) recommends that employees working at heights in mines wear full body harnesses with twin lanyards.
2. Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC): For workers working at heights on building sites, full-body harnesses with shock-absorbing lanyards are recommended.
3. The Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) recommends that employees working at heights in oil and gas installations wear full-body harnesses with shock-absorbing lanyards.