A fall protection harness only works if it is worn correctly. An improperly fitted harness can cause serious injury during a fall arrest, including suspension trauma, spinal compression, and internal organ damage. This step-by-step guide walks you through the correct procedure for donning and adjusting a full-body safety harness.
Step 1: Inspect Before You Wear
Before putting on any harness, conduct a pre-use inspection. Check all webbing for cuts, fraying, or chemical damage. Inspect buckles, D-rings, and snap hooks for corrosion or distortion. Verify the fall indicator has not deployed. If any defects are found, tag the harness as defective and remove it from service.
Step 2: Identify the Correct Orientation
Hold the harness by the dorsal D-ring (the attachment point on the back, between the shoulder blades) and let it hang. The shoulder straps should fall forward and the leg straps should hang down. Shake the harness gently to allow all straps to fall into their natural position.
Step 3: Put On the Harness
Slip both arms through the shoulder straps, similar to putting on a backpack. Reach between your legs and pull each leg strap forward, connecting them to the corresponding waist-level buckle. Ensure the leg straps are not twisted.
Step 4: Adjust for a Secure Fit
Tighten the leg straps first — you should be able to fit a flat hand between the strap and your thigh, but no more. Adjust the chest strap so it sits at mid-chest level. Tighten shoulder straps to remove slack. The dorsal D-ring should sit between your shoulder blades. A properly fitted harness should feel snug but not restrictive.
Step 5: Final Check
Verify all buckles are fully engaged and locked. Ensure no straps are twisted. Check that the dorsal D-ring is centred on your back. Tuck away any excess strap length to prevent snagging. Have a buddy check your harness before ascending.
TexiExp Technologies supplies EN 361 certified full-body harnesses with easy-adjust buckles and fall indicators for UAE construction and maintenance operations.