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SAFE PRACTICES / Working at Heights

Full-Body Harness

When you are required to use fall restraint or fall arrest equipment, you will be required to wear a full-body harness.

Prior to using any fall protection equipment, Southern CA IATSE employees are required to have passed the CSATF Safety Pass Course D – Fall Protection

All harnesses are quickly and easily adjusted to body size. The safety and comfort of your full-body harness depends on it being properly fitted. The correct fitting of a harness is outlined below:

  • Inspect all fall protection equipment prior to use. Check for cuts, tears, missing hardware, loose or broken stitching or frayed webbing
  • Disconnect all harness fasteners
  • Spread the harness out on a flat surface with the back “D” ring facing down (The “D” ring indicates the upper straps of the harness.)
  • Lay out the chest strap and leg loops
  • Put the harness on with the upper straps over your shoulders
  • The back “D” ring should be between your shoulder blades.
  • Reach between your legs and pull the thigh straps forward; adjust the front buckles so that these straps fit snugly against the seat of your pants
  • Be sure that the shoulder strap ends are equally balanced. Adjust as necessary
  • Pass the leg straps, one at a time, from behind, up between your legs, around the front of your groin and through the harness adjuster buckle located on the front of your hip. Adjust to a snug fit. Thread the chest strap through the buckle and adjust for a snug fit
  • Warning: When positioning chest strap, make sure the maximum distance from the top of your shoulder to the top of your chest strap does not exceed 6 inches. Failure to follow this warning can result in serious injury or death

Remember:

  • Harnesses must fit snugly and be positioned properly
  • All fasteners should be checked to ensure that they are closed and secure.
  • Make sure that all strap ends are secured, either by passing through adjoining, in-line loops or strap keepers. Strap keepers located next to adjuster buckles should be placed firmly against the buckles