Archives: FAQs

Archives: FAQs

Related Products: Personal Fall Arrest Systems

Related Standards: OSHA 1926.502, 1910.140, 1910.66

Date: 05-23-2023

The guidelines set forth by ANSI standards state that fall arrest systems should have a minimum capacity of 130 lbs. and a maximum capacity of 310 lbs. This weight encompasses the overall combined weight of the employee, their clothing, tools, and equipment. Unlike ANSI standards, OSHA regulations do not specify a particular minimum or maximum weight capacity for fall protection systems. However, the generally accepted industry standard is a capacity of 400+ lbs. for OSHA compliance.

OSHA 1910.66 acknowledges a force factor of 1.4 as the accepted ratio to convert human force limits to equivalent force limits when rigid test weights are used. When testing a specific piece of fall protection equipment that exceeds 310 lbs., or falls below 130 lbs., the conversion factor is utilized to determine the necessary rigid weight required. Therefore, Safewaze components can be tested and rated outside of this 130-310 lbs. range. For instance, specific lanyards may have a minimum capacity rating of 85 lbs.

The 1.4 force factor works for weights below 130 lbs. and above 310 lbs. All components of the personal fall arrest system must be rated for any difference in weight– above or below– the capacity range of 130-310 lbs.

If you have any additional questions regarding the information in this Technical Bulletin, please contact our Technical Support Specialist at (704) 262-7893.

Additionally, refer to the Safewaze manual provided with your product for additional information.

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Archives: FAQs

Related Products: 021-4082 5K Swivel D-Ring Anchor

Related Standards: ANSI Z359.18 Type A, OSHA 1926.502 and 1910.66

In order to allow for user customization, the 021-4082 5K Swivel D-Ring Anchor assembly does not include a fastener. The user can choose to install a wedge or screw bolt with the anchor. The 021-4073 concrete wedge bolt and the 021-4053 concrete screw bolt are the recommended Safewaze products to use with the anchor. Safewaze equipment is designed for, and tested with, associated Safewaze components or systems. However, Hilti’s HSL4-B is a permitted bolt substitution. The use of competitor fasteners is permissible provided the user follows the Safewaze product manual, the chosen alternative fastener manual, and the following guidelines provided:

1. The alternative bolt has a diameter between 1/2’’ and 5/8’’.

2. The alternative bolt has an embedment depth of 41/2’’.

3. The alternative bolt is intended for concrete installation.

4. A Competent Person has determined the alternative fastener is capable of supporting intended loads on the anchor assembly.

Please contact our Technical Support Specialist at (704) 262-7893 for any additional questions regarding the information in this Technical Bulletin.



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Archives: FAQs

Technical Bullets convey information that is beyond the scope of the product manual. These documents are intended to communicate helpful or clarifying information to the customer.


How to Look Up a Technical Bulletin

All Technical Bulletins can be found on their respective product landing page or the Technical Bulletin subsection of our FAQ.

Archives: FAQs

Related Products: All Safewaze SRLs/SRL-Ps, FS8800SP-D, FS8800SP-L

Related Standards: ANSI A92.22-2021, EM 385-1-1

The use of a Safewaze Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRLs/SRL-Ps) for fall protection on a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWPs) is permissible provided the user follows the Safewaze product manual and the following guidelines provided:

1. Use of an SRL/SRL-P will not ensure the user is properly restrained while the MEWP is in motion and could result in the user being ejected from the platform. The user should be secured to the engineered anchor point designed into the MEWP at all times. Additionally, the user should utilize a non-energy absorbing restraint lanyard/device which is connected to the side positioning D-rings of a full body harness when the platform is in motion. Connecting to the sternal, front, or dorsal D-rings will not provide adequate protection in a restraint application. SRLs can be adequately used for fall protection when the platform is stationary.

2. If there is an opportunity for the line constituent to encounter a sharp edge while conducting MEWP activities, a Class-2 leading edge SRL must be used.

3. A Class-1, Class-A, or Class-B SRL may be used only when there are no sharp edges and a leading edge is unnecessary, and as long as the aerial work platform has a guardrail system with a latching gate around its perimeter. This is not required if the anchorage position for the SRL is overhead.

4. It is mandatory that the energy absorbing portion of the SRL/SRL-P is mounted to the dorsal D-ring of the user’s harness. If an internal braking SRL is without an external energy absorber and is anchored at, or below, the dorsal D-ring’s height, the SRL may not function as intended. The line constituent could encounter the MEWP’s guard railing and create friction at that contact point, which may not allow the SRL to properly engage and arrest the fall. However, internal braking SRL models that do not incorporate an external energy absorber can be used if a separate, in-line energy absorber is installed between the end of the lifeline and the dorsal D-ring of the harness. By its attachment to the worker’s back, the added energy absorbing device allows proper deceleration as it isolates the friction on the lifeline. This protocol is highly recommended to reduce the risk of damaging the lifeline should a fall occur over the guardrail.

5. Safewaze offers two part numbers for this application:

a. FS8800SP-D — 18” Energy Absorber: Snap Hook, D-ring



b. FS8800SP-L — 20” Energy Absorber: Soft Loop, Snap Hook



6. When calculating fall clearance, efforts must be made to ensure there is a clear fall path available and enough free fall distance to engage the energy absorbing function of an SRL, or external energy absorber. When adding an additional energy absorber, greater fall clearance is required and must be taken into consideration.

7. The SRL’s lifeline extension speed must reach approximately 4.5 feet per second before the brake/absorber will engage and stop a fall. If a user fails to reach this speed, such as in a fall down a sloped surface, the SRL will not engage.

8. Employee training should be conducted to help ensure a safe working environment

9. When operating under the guidelines pursuant to EM 385-1-1, Safewaze SRLs are not allowed for use with Boom Supported Platforms/Boom Lifts.

10. Safewaze SRLs are suitable for use with Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms/Scissor Lifts. The Scissor Lifts must be equipped with anchorages that meet the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code in order for the SRLs to be utilized. This is also pursuant to requirements as specified in EM 385-1-1.

If you have any additional questions regarding the information in this Technical Bulletin, please contact our Technical Support Specialist at (704) 262-7893.

Additionally, refer to the Safewaze manual provided with your product for additional information.

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Archives: FAQs

We are actively working on translating our manuals in Spanish. Currently the following products have a bilingual manual with both English and Spanish instructions:

Anchors
020-4025, 020-4026, 020-4027 Permanent Roofing Anchor

018-4000 Chain Anchor 

018-4001 Beam Trolley Anchor

019-4005 Temp/Reusable Froglink Anchor

019-4006 Perm Froglink Anchor

019-4007 Girder Grip Anchor 

019-4009 Vertical Beam Anchor

019-4010 360° Temp Roof Anchor 

FS-EX310-1 Ring Anchor

FS870, FS870N, FS870S Reusable Roof Anchors

021-4068, 021-4069, 021-4075 Sliding Beam Anchors

021-4055 Premier Sliding Beam Anchor

022-4085 Removable Concrete Anchor

FS880, FS880-1, FS880-6, FS880-8, FS880-10, 70180, 70200, 70280, 70300, 70380 Concrete Anchor Straps

Cross Arm Strap/Cable Choker

Harnesses

PRO+ Slate, PRO+, PRO, V-Line, Welding, Heavyweight, Specialty

Lanyards

LE Lanyard

023-2135 26″-48″ Adjustable Web Restraint Assembly

VLL

Vertical Lifeline

HLL

2-Person Temp Kermantle HLL 

2-Person Temp Cable HLL

4-Person Temp Double Braid Rope HLL 

42″ I-Beam Stanchion HLL 

Ladder Systems

Adjustable SRL Ladder Anchor

Ladder System

Rescue

020-6041 & 020-6042 Rescue Ladder

022-6047 Quick-Adjust Trauma Relief

022-6069 Rescue Assist Sling 

023-6074 Rescue Pick-off Strap

Rescue & Descent Systems

Confined Space

019-11000 Tripod

019-11001 Tripod 65′ Material Winch

019-11002 Tripod 65′ 3-Way 

019-11003 Tripod 65′ Material Winch and 3-Way

019-11004 Tripod 65′ Personnel Winch and 3-Way 

Archives: FAQs

Express Warranty: Safewaze warrants that all products are free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service in accordance with manufacturer instructions. To utilize our warranty, simply contact Customer Service and arrange to return the product. Upon inspection, Safewaze will determine the appropriate course of action including certified repair, replacement with a new or comparable product or credit of the purchase price.

Safewaze is not liable for defects that are the result of product abuse, misuse, alteration or modification or for defects that are due to a failure to install, maintain or use the product in strict accordance with manufacturer instructions. No other warranty, express or implied, shall extend beyond the stated terms of this warranty.

Statement on Product Life: Safewaze products should be inspected before each use plus have a documented inspection once annually by a competent person other than the user. If the fall protection product passes inspection, it is safe to use. All fall protection equipment subject to fall arrest forces must be immediately removed from service per OSHA 1910.66 and OSHA 1926.502.

Archives: FAQs

The new ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard goes into effect as a rolling change. This means that SRLs under the 2014 standard, manufactured before August 2023 and marked to Class A and Class B, will remain in the field as long as they remain safe to use in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry guidelines. You can easily access manuals for these units by clicking on the appropriate product line below.


















Archives: FAQs

What changes were made in the new ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard?

  • Class A and B changing to significantly revised class 1 and 2
  • New strength testing requirements
  • Redefined SRD types
  • New labeling requirements to assist users

Class 1 & Class 2

LEARN MORE

What changes were made in the new ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard?

  • Class A and B changing to significantly revised class 1 and 2
  • New strength testing requirements
  • Redefined SRD types
  • New labeling requirements to assist users

Class 1 & Class 2

LEARN MORE

What about my current units? Units marked to the previous Z359.14-2014 standard – and with a manufacturing date prior to August 2023 – will not need to be discarded. These units remain safe to use in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry guidelines.

What changes were made in the new ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard?

  • Class A and B changing to significantly revised class 1 and 2
  • New strength testing requirements
  • Redefined SRD types
  • New labeling requirements to assist users

Class 1 & Class 2

LEARN MORE

What about my current units? Units marked to the previous Z359.14-2014 standard – and with a manufacturing date prior to August 2023 – will not need to be discarded. These units remain safe to use in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry guidelines.

What changes were made in the new ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard?

  • Class A and B changing to significantly revised class 1 and 2
  • New strength testing requirements
  • Redefined SRD types
  • New labeling requirements to assist users

Class 1 & Class 2

LEARN MORE

Who does it affect?  This change directly affects anyone producing SRDs after August 1, 2023. We recommend those selling, purchasing and using SRDs remain up to date on ANSI standards.

What about my current units? Units marked to the previous Z359.14-2014 standard – and with a manufacturing date prior to August 2023 – will not need to be discarded. These units remain safe to use in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry guidelines.

What changes were made in the new ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard?

  • Class A and B changing to significantly revised class 1 and 2
  • New strength testing requirements
  • Redefined SRD types
  • New labeling requirements to assist users

Class 1 & Class 2

LEARN MORE

Who does it affect?  This change directly affects anyone producing SRDs after August 1, 2023. We recommend those selling, purchasing and using SRDs remain up to date on ANSI standards.

What about my current units? Units marked to the previous Z359.14-2014 standard – and with a manufacturing date prior to August 2023 – will not need to be discarded. These units remain safe to use in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry guidelines.

What changes were made in the new ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard?

  • Class A and B changing to significantly revised class 1 and 2
  • New strength testing requirements
  • Redefined SRD types
  • New labeling requirements to assist users

Class 1 & Class 2

LEARN MORE

When does it take effect?  The ANSI committee released the approved standard in July 2021 with an effective date of August 1, 2023.</p.

Who does it affect?  This change directly affects anyone producing SRDs after August 1, 2023. We recommend those selling, purchasing and using SRDs remain up to date on ANSI standards.

What about my current units? Units marked to the previous Z359.14-2014 standard – and with a manufacturing date prior to August 2023 – will not need to be discarded. These units remain safe to use in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry guidelines.

What changes were made in the new ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard?

  • Class A and B changing to significantly revised class 1 and 2
  • New strength testing requirements
  • Redefined SRD types
  • New labeling requirements to assist users

Class 1 & Class 2

LEARN MORE

When does it take effect?  The ANSI committee released the approved standard in July 2021 with an effective date of August 1, 2023.</p.

Who does it affect?  This change directly affects anyone producing SRDs after August 1, 2023. We recommend those selling, purchasing and using SRDs remain up to date on ANSI standards.

What about my current units? Units marked to the previous Z359.14-2014 standard – and with a manufacturing date prior to August 2023 – will not need to be discarded. These units remain safe to use in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry guidelines.

What changes were made in the new ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard?

  • Class A and B changing to significantly revised class 1 and 2
  • New strength testing requirements
  • Redefined SRD types
  • New labeling requirements to assist users

Class 1 & Class 2

LEARN MORE

Why did it change?  ANSI requires each standard to be updated every five years. Due to the growing popularity of SRDs, the update is designed to increase safety with more demanding requirements and clearer product use instructions.

When does it take effect?  The ANSI committee released the approved standard in July 2021 with an effective date of August 1, 2023.</p.

Who does it affect?  This change directly affects anyone producing SRDs after August 1, 2023. We recommend those selling, purchasing and using SRDs remain up to date on ANSI standards.

What about my current units? Units marked to the previous Z359.14-2014 standard – and with a manufacturing date prior to August 2023 – will not need to be discarded. These units remain safe to use in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry guidelines.

What changes were made in the new ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard?

  • Class A and B changing to significantly revised class 1 and 2
  • New strength testing requirements
  • Redefined SRD types
  • New labeling requirements to assist users

Class 1 & Class 2

LEARN MORE

Why did it change?  ANSI requires each standard to be updated every five years. Due to the growing popularity of SRDs, the update is designed to increase safety with more demanding requirements and clearer product use instructions.

When does it take effect?  The ANSI committee released the approved standard in July 2021 with an effective date of August 1, 2023.</p.

Who does it affect?  This change directly affects anyone producing SRDs after August 1, 2023. We recommend those selling, purchasing and using SRDs remain up to date on ANSI standards.

What about my current units? Units marked to the previous Z359.14-2014 standard – and with a manufacturing date prior to August 2023 – will not need to be discarded. These units remain safe to use in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry guidelines.

What changes were made in the new ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard?

  • Class A and B changing to significantly revised class 1 and 2
  • New strength testing requirements
  • Redefined SRD types
  • New labeling requirements to assist users

Class 1 & Class 2

LEARN MORE

What is the Z359.14 standard?  This standard defines guidelines for the design, testing, labelling, inspection and performance of self-retracting devices (SRDs) in fall protection.

Why did it change?  ANSI requires each standard to be updated every five years. Due to the growing popularity of SRDs, the update is designed to increase safety with more demanding requirements and clearer product use instructions.

When does it take effect?  The ANSI committee released the approved standard in July 2021 with an effective date of August 1, 2023.</p.

Who does it affect?  This change directly affects anyone producing SRDs after August 1, 2023. We recommend those selling, purchasing and using SRDs remain up to date on ANSI standards.

What about my current units? Units marked to the previous Z359.14-2014 standard – and with a manufacturing date prior to August 2023 – will not need to be discarded. These units remain safe to use in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry guidelines.

What changes were made in the new ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard?

  • Class A and B changing to significantly revised class 1 and 2
  • New strength testing requirements
  • Redefined SRD types
  • New labeling requirements to assist users

Class 1 & Class 2

LEARN MORE

What is the Z359.14 standard?  This standard defines guidelines for the design, testing, labelling, inspection and performance of self-retracting devices (SRDs) in fall protection.

Why did it change?  ANSI requires each standard to be updated every five years. Due to the growing popularity of SRDs, the update is designed to increase safety with more demanding requirements and clearer product use instructions.

When does it take effect?  The ANSI committee released the approved standard in July 2021 with an effective date of August 1, 2023.</p.

Who does it affect?  This change directly affects anyone producing SRDs after August 1, 2023. We recommend those selling, purchasing and using SRDs remain up to date on ANSI standards.

What about my current units? Units marked to the previous Z359.14-2014 standard – and with a manufacturing date prior to August 2023 – will not need to be discarded. These units remain safe to use in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry guidelines.

What changes were made in the new ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard?

  • Class A and B changing to significantly revised class 1 and 2
  • New strength testing requirements
  • Redefined SRD types
  • New labeling requirements to assist users

Class 1 & Class 2

LEARN MORE

Archives: FAQs

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

ANSI outlines product compatibility in Z359.6-2016, “All directly connected components of an active fall protection system shall be compatible, such that they perform as intended and cannot unintentionally disengage on their own during the use of the system or during a fall event.”

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

ANSI outlines product compatibility in Z359.6-2016, “All directly connected components of an active fall protection system shall be compatible, such that they perform as intended and cannot unintentionally disengage on their own during the use of the system or during a fall event.”

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

OSHA frames it this way, “Individual components in a fall arrest or positioning device system may be made by different manufacturers as long as they meet the compatibility requirements.” They go on to callout both the evaluation by a competent person and the importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines.

ANSI outlines product compatibility in Z359.6-2016, “All directly connected components of an active fall protection system shall be compatible, such that they perform as intended and cannot unintentionally disengage on their own during the use of the system or during a fall event.”

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

OSHA frames it this way, “Individual components in a fall arrest or positioning device system may be made by different manufacturers as long as they meet the compatibility requirements.” They go on to callout both the evaluation by a competent person and the importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines.

ANSI outlines product compatibility in Z359.6-2016, “All directly connected components of an active fall protection system shall be compatible, such that they perform as intended and cannot unintentionally disengage on their own during the use of the system or during a fall event.”

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

Yes – provided [1] a competent person on-site has overseen the entire system to ensure compatibility, and [2] use of each component meets the manufacturer requirements for its individual use [3] The manufacturer’s instructions are read, understood, and followed for all components and subsystems in the Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS).

OSHA frames it this way, “Individual components in a fall arrest or positioning device system may be made by different manufacturers as long as they meet the compatibility requirements.” They go on to callout both the evaluation by a competent person and the importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines.

ANSI outlines product compatibility in Z359.6-2016, “All directly connected components of an active fall protection system shall be compatible, such that they perform as intended and cannot unintentionally disengage on their own during the use of the system or during a fall event.”

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

Yes – provided [1] a competent person on-site has overseen the entire system to ensure compatibility, and [2] use of each component meets the manufacturer requirements for its individual use [3] The manufacturer’s instructions are read, understood, and followed for all components and subsystems in the Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS).

OSHA frames it this way, “Individual components in a fall arrest or positioning device system may be made by different manufacturers as long as they meet the compatibility requirements.” They go on to callout both the evaluation by a competent person and the importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines.

ANSI outlines product compatibility in Z359.6-2016, “All directly connected components of an active fall protection system shall be compatible, such that they perform as intended and cannot unintentionally disengage on their own during the use of the system or during a fall event.”

Utilizing components designed to be used together as a system ensures component compatibility. However, it is not uncommon for companies to source products from more than one vendor based upon criteria such as availability, price or durability. Safewaze products, like those of other manufacturers, are tested in accordance with all relevant OSHA regulations and ANSI standards. Our products may be used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers when that use is approved by the competent person on-site in accordance with stated instructions.

Archives: FAQs

The most important factors to consider when wearing a safety harness are the same whether it is one issued to a single worker or one that will be shared by multiple workers.

  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the person wearing it. While every worker should check their harness for fit before each use, sharing a harness may mean it will need to be fully readjusted every time. Tongue buckle leg connections are often preferred for easier adjustment on a shared harness. Employees should be trained on how to properly fit the harness they will need to wear for the job.
  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the work environment. A harness may be shared between workers but not necessarily between functions. What works for one application may not work in another and could even create a greater hazard. For instance, a padded shoulder may add comfort in construction but be too hot in a factory. Even more critical, a construction harness would not be safe to use in a welding or arc flash environment.

The most important factors to consider when wearing a safety harness are the same whether it is one issued to a single worker or one that will be shared by multiple workers.

  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the person wearing it. While every worker should check their harness for fit before each use, sharing a harness may mean it will need to be fully readjusted every time. Tongue buckle leg connections are often preferred for easier adjustment on a shared harness. Employees should be trained on how to properly fit the harness they will need to wear for the job.
  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the work environment. A harness may be shared between workers but not necessarily between functions. What works for one application may not work in another and could even create a greater hazard. For instance, a padded shoulder may add comfort in construction but be too hot in a factory. Even more critical, a construction harness would not be safe to use in a welding or arc flash environment.

Yes. OSHA requires employers to provide fall protection for each employee exposed to fall hazards. They do not, however, require each worker to have their own equipment. A harness with universal sizing has five areas of adjustment – chest strap, two torso adjusters and two leg buckles – to provide for different body shapes and sizes when different workers may share the same harness.

The most important factors to consider when wearing a safety harness are the same whether it is one issued to a single worker or one that will be shared by multiple workers.

  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the person wearing it. While every worker should check their harness for fit before each use, sharing a harness may mean it will need to be fully readjusted every time. Tongue buckle leg connections are often preferred for easier adjustment on a shared harness. Employees should be trained on how to properly fit the harness they will need to wear for the job.
  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the work environment. A harness may be shared between workers but not necessarily between functions. What works for one application may not work in another and could even create a greater hazard. For instance, a padded shoulder may add comfort in construction but be too hot in a factory. Even more critical, a construction harness would not be safe to use in a welding or arc flash environment.

Yes. OSHA requires employers to provide fall protection for each employee exposed to fall hazards. They do not, however, require each worker to have their own equipment. A harness with universal sizing has five areas of adjustment – chest strap, two torso adjusters and two leg buckles – to provide for different body shapes and sizes when different workers may share the same harness.

The most important factors to consider when wearing a safety harness are the same whether it is one issued to a single worker or one that will be shared by multiple workers.

  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the person wearing it. While every worker should check their harness for fit before each use, sharing a harness may mean it will need to be fully readjusted every time. Tongue buckle leg connections are often preferred for easier adjustment on a shared harness. Employees should be trained on how to properly fit the harness they will need to wear for the job.
  • The harness must always be a proper fit for the work environment. A harness may be shared between workers but not necessarily between functions. What works for one application may not work in another and could even create a greater hazard. For instance, a padded shoulder may add comfort in construction but be too hot in a factory. Even more critical, a construction harness would not be safe to use in a welding or arc flash environment.