FULL BODY HARNESS
5.
6.
Full Body Harness (FBH) Stretch, the amount the FBH component of a personal fall arrest system
will stretch and deform during a fall, can contribute to the overall elongation of a system in
stopping a fall. It is important to include the increase in fall distance created by FBH Stretch, as
well as the FBH connector length, the settling of the user's body in the FBH and all other
contributing factors when calculating total clearance required for a particular fall arrest system.
7.
When not in use, unused lanyard legs that are still attached to the 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 &
entanglement hazards. Lanyard parking attachment is marked with "Park Lanyard here see
instructions." to help easy identification.
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 server to control the
loose ends of straps.
9.
Due to the nature of soft loop connections, it is recommended, it is recommended that soft loop
attachments only be used to connect with other soft loops or karabiners Snap hooks should not be
used unless approved for the application by the manufacturer.
Sections 11-17 provided additional information concerning the location and use of various
attachments that may be provided on this FBH.
10.
Dorsal-
The dorsal attachment element shall be used as the primary fall arrest attachment, unless
the application allow 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 easer to adjust to different user sizes, and allow a more vertical rest
position post fall, but can increase FBH Stretch.
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
14
Suspension Intolerance, also called suspension trauma or orthostatic intolerance is a serious
condition that can be controlled with good harness design, prompt rescue and post fall suspen-
sion relief devices. A conscious user may deploy a suspension relief device allowing the user to
remove tension from around the legs, freeing blood flow, which can delay the onset of suspen-
sion intolerance. An attachment element extender is not intended to be attached directly to
anchorage or anchorage connector for fall arrest. An energy absorber must be used to limit
maximum arrest forces to 1800 pounds. The length of the attachment element extender my affect
free fall distances and free fall clearance calculations.
