11
USE
(continued)
ANSI/ASSE Z359.11-2014 American National Standard Safety Requirements
for Full Body Harnesses
7. When not in use, unused lanyard legs that are still attached to a Full Body
Harness D-ring should not be attached to a work positioning element or
any other structural element on the Full Body Harness unless deemed
acceptable by the competent person and manufacturer of the lanyard.
This is especially important when using some types of “Y” style lanyards,
as some load may be transmitted to the user through the unused lanyard
leg if it is not able to release from the harness. The lanyard parking
attachment is generally located in the sternal area to help reduce tripping
and entanglement hazards.
8. Loose ends of straps can get caught in machinery or cause accidental
disengagement of an adjuster. All Full Body Harnesses shall include
keepers or other components which serve to control the loose ends of
straps.
9. Due to the nature of soft loop connections, it is recommended that
soft loop attachments only be used to connect with other soft loops
or carabiners. Snaphooks should not be used unless approved for the
application by the manufacturer.
10. Dorsal – The dorsal attachment element shall be used as the primary fall
arrest attachment, unless the application allows the use of an alternate
attachment. The dorsal attachment may also be used for travel restraint or
rescue. When supported by the dorsal attachment during a fall, the design
of the Full Body Harness shall direct load through the shoulder straps
supporting the user, and around the thighs. Supporting the user, post
fall, by the dorsal attachment will result in an upright body position with
a slight lean to the front with some slight pressure to the lower chest.
Considerations should be made when choosing a sliding versus fixed
dorsal attachment element. Sliding dorsal attachments are generally easier
to adjust to different user sizes, and allow a more vertical rest position
post fall, but can increase FBH Stretch.
Sections 11-16 provide additional information concerning the location and use
of various attachments that may be provided on this FBH.
11. Sternal – The sternal attachment may be used as an alternative fall arrest
attachment in applications where the dorsal attachment is determined to
be inappropriate by a competent person, and where there is no chance to
fall in a direction other than feet first. Accepted practical uses for a sternal
attachment include, but are not limited to, ladder climbing with a guided
type fall arrester, ladder climbing with an overhead self-retracting lifeline
for fall arrest, work positioning and rope access. The sternal attachment
may also be used for travel restraint or rescue.
When supported by the sternal attachment during a fall, the design
of the Full Body Harness shall direct load through the shoulder straps
supporting the user, and around the thighs. Supporting the user, post fall,
by the sternal attachment will result in roughly a sitting or cradled body
position with weight concentrated on the thighs, buttocks and lower back.
Supporting the user during work positioning by this sternal attachment will
result in an approximate upright body position.
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