How To Put On A Safety Harness

A safety harness must be worn correctly to ensure that, in the event of a fall, it works to its design potential and does not cause additional injury. Follow these steps to don your harness correctly.

HARNESS CHECKLIST

A. Ensure that the right harness is used for the job.

B. Check that the harness has been inspected.

C. See that all clips and connectors are tightened, adjusted and attached.

D. Make sure that the webbing is adjusted to suit your body size - leaving the harness loose around the legs and chest may feel more comfortable but, in the event of a fall, the sudden 'jerk' that occurs when the slack is taken up can cause serious damage to the body, especially in the groin area and internal organs.

6 SIMPLE STEPS

6 Simple steps to the correct procedure for putting on a safety harness

Step 1
Hold harness up by rear attachment and ensure leg straps hang free

Step 2
Pass arms through shoulder straps

Step 3
Connect chest buckle

Step 4
Adjust shoulder straps so rear D sits between shoulder blades

Step 5
Pull harness down at the back so sub pelvic strap sits under the buttocks

Step 6
Connect leg buckles and adjust to a snug fit, ensuring they are assembled correctly

Ladies Harness - Design by ladies for ladies

The design of a safety harness is a feat of engineering. It has to be comfortable for long periods of time whilst taking into account the force of a fall.

When a manufacturer designs a harness, it is always based on the requirements of a male. The chest, back and leg straps will be positioned for men, but do not take into account the requirements of females who often find these harnesses uncomfortable to wear.

Safety concerns have been raised about the dynamics of the harness when a female wearing a male harness falls. Often the chest straps tighten, causing damage to breast tissue.

Ridgegear RGH35 Harness
With this in mind, Ridgegear has developed the first harness for ladies. The new Ridgegear RGH35 is specially designed by ladies for ladies.

The Ridgegear RGH35 harness is manufactured with a high chest “V” and centre strap which fits comfortably between the breasts to limit any possible damage in the event of a fall.

The harness is supplied with a waist belt for additional comfort and quick connect leg adjustments to aid donning.

Comfort leg pads are supplied as standard and shoulder pads can be supplied as an optional extra.

The Ridgegear RGH35 harness is manufactured using 43mm water repellent Polyester webbing.


Rip Stitch
Ridgegear has incorporated a rip stitch indicator. This simple but effective safety indicator shows if the harness has been used within a fall. If an operative uses this harness at height, and unfortunately falls, the force can affect the mechanics of the harness. The rip stitch indicator detaches and shows if the harness has been damaged.


Available in Three Sizes
Three sizes are available; small 10-12, medium 14-16 and large 16+



About Ridgegear
Ridgegear have been pioneering the development of height safety equipment for over 70 years. Their range of safety lanyards are at the forefront of technological developments to provide maximum safety and protection to the operative.


Click for more information on the Ridgear RGH35 Ladies Harness

IPAF Harness Kit

Working at height is one of the most dangerous professions, so it is imperative that safety is never overlooked.

Employers and operatives alike have an extensive list of precautions to undertake before a mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) is operated. This includes checking ground conditions, weather and overhead crushing hazards.

But what would happen if the platform preformed a sudden movement? You may not be in any position to avoid violent movement of the basket. But there is a real risk of serious injury or death from being catapulted out. The correct use of a harness can prevent you from being thrown out.

The recent Clunk Click campaign by The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) highlighted the importance for all users of platforms to wear a full body harness with a short restraint lanyard attached to a suitable anchor point.

Similarly the HSE has published an information sheet - HSE Information Sheet MISC614, detailing that a work restraint system for use on a MEWP should normally be a combination of a full body harness.

Older lanyards offend feature shock absorbing packs and lengths of up to 6 feet. This type of lanyard would not stop an operative falling out of the basket. By utilising a short restraint lanyard, the operative is ‘stopped’ or restrained from falling.

Working with IPAF, Ridgegear has developed a harness kit specifically designed for operatives working from heights.

The Ridgegear RGHK5 IPAF harness kit features the RGH2 harness combined with a Ridgegear RGL12 adjustable restraint lanyard.

Ridgegear RGH2 Harness
The Ridgegear RGH2 harness is the "workhorse" of the industry. This harness is fitted with both a rear and a chest mounted front dee rings. The ring connection between the chest and the shoulder straps, ensure no stress loading when force is applied the front dee ring. Featuring fully adjustable straps and rip stitch indicators.

Ridgegear RGL12 Adjustable Lanyard
The Ridgegear RGL12 is an adjustable restraint lanyard, allows for adjustability to ensure the correct length can be selected to act as a leash for an operative working at height.


Ridgegear have been pioneering the development of height safety equipment for over 70 years. Their range of safety lanyards are at the forefront of technological developments to provide maximum safety and protection to the operative.

Click to view the full range of Ridgegear harness kits

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