Essential Considerations for Selecting Climbing-Position Safety Harnesses for Your Team

Maintaining a safe working environment on a construction site involves more than simply avoiding trip hazards. Even projects involving single-story buildings can present various fall hazards that could result in severe injuries. While climbing-position safety harnesses are typically used on multi-story constructions, they may also be necessary for extensive excavation work. Before you purchase the first set of harnesses you come across, ensure you're selecting the appropriate type and sizes for your team. Although precise measurements aren’t required to achieve a proper fit, there are crucial details you’ll need to know before placing your order.

What Types of Harnesses Are Essential for Construction Teams?

Body belts and seat harnesses are commonly used to secure workers already on scaffolding or other structures with existing safety measures. However, when your team is working on open structures without railings or near window and door openings, they require more comprehensive fall protection. A full-body harness is generally the safest option for most construction environments. For higher-risk scenarios, especially above the second floor, climbing-position harnesses like those in the 3M™ DBI-SALA® ExoFit™ series offer superior protection. These harnesses allow workers to climb, lean, and work with both hands safely.

Simply having a few harnesses available and expecting your entire team to share them is insufficient. Each harness must fit the individual worker. Therefore, you’ll need to take accurate measurements and determine how many harnesses to order in each size. Ideally, you should have enough harnesses for every worker who might encounter fall hazards, even if they don’t wear them during every shift. Having a sufficient supply ensures you can deploy everyone simultaneously in case of an emergency and avoids the hassle of constantly ordering new harnesses whenever a new team member joins.

Key Features for a Safe and Comfortable Fit During Construction Work

All climbing-position harnesses are designed to stop falls and minimize injury, but they differ significantly in terms of weight, comfort, and additional features. Some aspects, like the exact color or closure method, are largely a matter of personal preference. However, certain features are critical for ensuring safety and comfort during construction work.

Lanyard Keepers

Lanyards are strong straps connecting the harness to the anchor point and absorbing the impact of a fall. While essential, excess length can become cumbersome and lead to entanglement, wasting valuable time. Auto-setting lanyard keepers, such as those included in the 3M™ Protecta® P200 Comfort Vest Climbing-Positioning Safety Harness, keep the lanyards organized and properly aligned to absorb shock effectively.

Comfort Padding

The padding in a harness is the primary factor influencing its overall comfort. Not only does it make wearing the harness more pleasant throughout the day, but it also reduces strain on the body if a fall occurs and the arresting system activates. Without padding, the harness could cause bruises or irritation from the sudden shock.

Total Weight

Lightweight harnesses are not only easier to transport but also more comfortable and less tiring to use. However, heavy-duty harnesses will naturally be heavier due to their robust components. Avoid sacrificing functionality, such as alloy steel hardware, solely to reduce the total weight.

Adjustable Torso Buckles

A secure fit is vital not only for comfort but also for safety. The harness must hold the worker securely regardless of how they fall. The 3M™ DBI-SALA® ExoFit™ X-Series Harnesses feature a patented buckle design that locks webbing in place, ensuring a safe and comfortable fit.

Selecting Attachment Points for Construction Sites

When choosing harnesses, always adhere to OSHA regulations for construction fall arrest systems. According to these guidelines, climbing-position harnesses must be secured by the attachment point located centrally on the back between the shoulders. Frontal sternal attachment points are only permitted if the potential free fall distance is less than two feet due to a limiting system.

Measuring Your Team and Ensuring Proper Fit

Thanks to adjustable designs, most harnesses from reputable brands like 3M fit a wide range of body types. However, only a few basic measurements are required, and these should be taken for each worker. Estimating height and weight can lead to fitting issues that necessitate purchasing new harnesses, so take the time to measure each worker’s height and record their current weight. Sizing charts can vary slightly between models, even from the same manufacturer, so cross-reference them carefully. Document which size belongs to each worker to simplify the process when the equipment arrives.

Maintaining Climbing-Position Harnesses

Due to their size and the presence of padding and webbing that can absorb moisture and debris, climbing-position harnesses require regular care. Allow harnesses to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can degrade materials and cause unnecessary wear. Clean any dirt or debris from the harness before storage. Hanging harnesses allows air circulation, preventing mold growth and tangling of straps. If the harnesses won’t be used for extended periods, fold them carefully and store each one individually in a gear sack. Storing multiple harnesses together can lead to knots and tangles.

Equip your team with the right climbing-position harnesses from 3M to ensure safety on elevated workspaces. At C.W. Hayden, we offer a comprehensive selection of top-quality harnesses tailored to meet your team’s specific needs. Have questions about selecting the ideal safety harness? Our experts are here to help you choose the right products to protect your workers.