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Parts of a Safety Harness

Safety harnesses provide fall protection for employees, as well as for those using them in recreational applications. Window washers, tree-maintenance workers and even hunters wear safety harnesses. The harness attaches to a sturdy base, like a tree. The harness catches the user, if he falls, through the use of straps that are looped around the body. Many parts contribute to a full-body safety harness.

  1. Chest Harness Portion

    • A typical chest harness portion of the safety harness resembles suspenders. However, depending on the manufacturer, the suspender portion usually has two parallel straps connecting horizontally across the chest. The harness' back has an X-strap configuration joining the two suspender sides. The back X also has a strap loop, allowing attachment of a tether strap that secures the person to a tree or other base. The entire chest harness portion slides over the person's head. Strap adjusters reside along the harness' front for customizing the fit for each user.

    Leg Strap Portion

    • Attached at the bottom of the chest harness are left and right leg straps. Each strap wraps around one leg, just below the hip. The straps have adjusters for controlling the slack around the leg. Each leg must be snugly fitted within the straps for safe harness practices. Every harness manufacturer has varying adjusters along the legs; follow all of the manufacturer's individual directions for the specific harness model.

    Suspension Relief

    • A specialized accessory that typically comes with a safety harness is a suspension relief strap. This strap does not directly attach to the safety harness but assists a worker that has fallen and is hanging by the tether strap. The suspension relief strap is a long strap with a loop at each end. A worker wraps the strap around a sturdy base, like a tree, and pulls one loop through the opposite loop, tightening the strap around the base. The worker places his foot in the hanging loop strap for relieving pressure from the hips and legs as the person hangs. Blood may pool in the lower extremities, and circulation can be impeded, if a worker hangs by the safety harness too long without a suspension relief strap.

    Safety Harness Materials

    • Safety harnesses are typically made of nylon or rope. Both materials are sturdy and strong, although if a fall does occur, the harness must be inspected for any damage to the material. Nylon can fray and rope may exhibit small tears after a fall. Any damage to the harness requires replacement.

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