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

Maintaining safety on a construction site involves more than just being vigilant about trip hazards. Construction sites often present a variety of fall hazards that could result in severe injuries, even on projects involving single-story buildings. Climbing-position safety harnesses are typically used on multi-story buildings but may also be necessary during extensive excavations. Before you rush to purchase the first set of harnesses available, ensure you’re selecting the right type and sizes for your team. While detailed measurements aren’t required for a proper fit, certain critical details should be considered before making your purchase.

Which Harnesses Are Best Suited for Construction Teams?

Body belts and seat harnesses are commonly used when workers are already on scaffolding or other structures with existing safety features. However, when your team is working on open structures without railings or near window and door openings, they require greater fall protection than these harnesses offer. A full-body harness is generally the safest option for most construction environments. For scenarios with higher fall risks, such as work above the second story, climbing-position harnesses like those in the 3M™ DBI-SALA® ExoFit™ series provide superior protection. These harnesses allow workers to climb, lean, and work freely while staying safely secured.

Having just a few harnesses available and expecting the entire team to share them is insufficient. Each worker needs a harness that fits properly, meaning you’ll need to take accurate measurements and determine how many harnesses to order in each size. It’s ideal to have enough harnesses for all workers who might encounter fall hazards, even if they don’t need to wear them continuously. Maintaining a sufficient supply ensures that every qualified worker can be equipped immediately in emergencies. This also allows you to have a variety of sizes on hand, so you won’t need to rush to order additional harnesses whenever new team members join.

Key Features for Safety and Comfort During Use

While all climbing-position harnesses are designed to protect workers from falls, they differ significantly in weight, comfort, attachment points, and other features. Minor details like the color of the material or the closure mechanism are mostly matters of personal preference. Below are the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a construction safety harness.

Lanyard Keepers

Lanyards are strong straps that connect the harness to the anchor point and absorb the impact of a fall. Although essential, excess length can become cumbersome and pose entanglement risks. Auto-adjusting lanyard keepers, such as those included in the 3M™ Protecta® P200 Comfort Vest Climbing-Positioning Safety Harness, keep lanyards neatly organized and properly positioned to absorb shock effectively.

Comfort Padding

Padding is the single most important factor affecting the comfort of a climbing or positioning harness. Not only does it enhance comfort throughout the workday, but it also minimizes stress on the body in the event of a fall. Without padding, the harness can cause skin irritation or bruising due to the sudden shock.

Total Weight

Lightweight harnesses are easier to transport and less tiring to use, but heavy-duty harnesses are inherently heavier. Avoid compromising on essential features like alloy steel hardware simply to reduce the overall weight of the equipment.

Revolving Torso Adjusters

A secure fit is vital not only for comfort but also for safety. Proper adjustment ensures the harness holds the worker’s body securely regardless of how they fall. The 3M™ DBI-SALA® ExoFit™ X-Series Harnesses feature a patented buckle design that locks webbing into place, providing a safe and comfortable fit.

Selecting Attachment Points for the Construction Site

Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations regarding construction fall arrest systems when choosing harnesses. According to these guidelines, climbing-position harnesses must be secured via an attachment point located centrally on the back, between the shoulders. Frontal sternal attachment points can only be used if the potential free fall distance is less than two feet, thanks to a limiting system.

Measuring Team Members and Ensuring the Right Fit

Thanks to adjustable designs, most harnesses from 3M and other manufacturers accommodate a wide range of body types. Only a few basic measurements are necessary, but each worker requires individual assessment. Relying on estimated height and weight can lead to ill-fitting harnesses requiring replacement, so take the time to measure each worker’s height and record their current weight. Refer to the sizing charts for each harness model, as specifications may vary slightly even within the same brand. Document which size corresponds to each worker to streamline the process when the equipment arrives.

Maintenance and Storage of Climbing-Position Harnesses

Given their size and the presence of padding and webbing that can absorb sweat and spills, climbing-position harnesses require periodic care. Allow harnesses to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can degrade materials and accelerate wear. Remove dirt or debris before storage and hang harnesses to promote airflow, preventing mold growth and strap tangling. If harnesses won’t be used for extended periods, fold them carefully and store each one individually in a gear sack. Storing multiple harnesses together increases the likelihood of knots and tangles.

Equip your team with climbing-position safety harnesses from 3M to prepare them for work on second-floor projects and beyond. At C.W. Hayden, we offer a comprehensive selection of climbing-position harnesses tailored to meet your team’s specific needs. Have questions about selecting the appropriate safety harness? Our experts are here to help address your concerns and guide you toward the products that safeguard your workforce.