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Types of Fall Protection Harnesses

Working above ground always requires special precautions to prevent injuries. Whether you work in aerial situations for a living, or are doing home repairs on roofs, scaffolds, or other high places, you need to know the best type of fall protection harness for the type of work you are doing. Never take chances when you are in any situation where you could fall. Be prepared and be safe.

  1. Class I

    • A Class I fall protection harness consists of a simple belt with one or more "D" rings for lanyard attachments. This type of restraint is useful only when there is no real danger of a fall, but where climbing or maneuvering is clumsy and needs support.

    Class II

    • A Class II fall protection harness is a complete chest harness that wraps the upper body. This type of harness is not for use where fear of free fall is imminent. It is best for situations where a person must lower into an enclosure or area, and be lifted out at a controlled speed.

    Class III

    • A Class III fall protection harness is the standard free-fall type of harness used whenever the possibility of an uncontrolled fall at a distance greater than 25 feet is possible. It consists of a system of straps and buckles completely wrapping the upper and lower torso.

    Class IV

    • Class IV fall protection consists of devices used to support people working in difficult areas. These devices include boatswain's chairs and suspension belts. Suspension belts differ from Class I belts in that they are used to raise and lower people as well as support them in unbalanced situations.

    Types of Lanyards

    • Safety harness lanyards connect the wearer to a stable support. It is the lifeline between harness and free fall. Lanyards come in several materials to suit the type of work you do. Woven wire made of steel, web rope made from nylon, and rope lanyards provide different degrees of elasticity and strength. Wire is the strongest, but the least giving. It also costs the most and is not necessary for all types of jobs. Nylon provides some elasticity with a great deal of strength at a reasonable price. Rope lanyards are the most elastic, but the least strong, and costs are comparable to nylon.

    Nets

    • Nets are used both in conjunction with a full safety harness, and alone for light jobs that risk a fall more than 25 feet. Standard nets come in rope or nylon materials.

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