When is wearing a safety harness compulsory?

Wearing a safety harness is mandatory during construction or installation work when the worker risks falling more than three meters. According to article R. 4321-1 of the Labor Code, the materials necessary for the work must be provided to the workers by the project managers or the employers. Similarly, training in order to wear these harnesses is mandatory, whether theoretical or practical.

Why wear a safety harness?

It is important to wear safety harnesses when working at altitude and in height. The use of a safety harness lies in the protection of workers, making it possible to limit the risk of falls and accidents. Furthermore, wearing the equipment while stationary will wear it more than if it is used only while climbing. The condition of the equipment must therefore be checked before each use.

Different safety harnesses: carrycot, fall arresters and positioning

There are many types of safety harnesses depending on the needs:

• Fall arrest harnesses;
• Fall arrest harnesses for support and suspension;
• Work positioning harnesses;
• Cradle harnesses;
• Etc

The design of each model of safety harness must follow regulations and standards depending on the type of harness. The use of a carrycot is mandatory in certain specific cases. This use may be expressly required by the harness manufacturer. The basket also prevents the risk of ejection. It is used in cases where the worker cannot access the work platform by any other means.

In addition, it should be noted that the selection of this type of personal protective equipment must follow a few criteria:

• Comfort;
• The size;
• Weight;
• The anchor point;
• The binding element;
• The standard.

When should a safety harness be worn?

What height for working at height?

The safety harness is worn from a height of more than one meter during work at height. The wearing of the safety harness obeys a specific use. Each harness model has specific characteristics. Employers should know at what height the carrying of this equipment is required, with or without a basket.

Standards according to the Labor Code: standard 361, 358, 813...

The EN 361:2002 standard must be respected for fall protection equipment . Wearing and using them requires training, particularly for fall arrest model safety harnesses. The EN 361 standard concerns work positioning devices. For the equipment to be a method of fall protection for workers, it must have sternal and dorsal hooks.

The EN 12841:2006 standard applies to rope or lifeline adjustment systems for positioning harnesses. These protective devices can be used by one or two workers at the same time. However, they are not suitable if a fall arrest system is required.

The EN 813 standard is a European standard for harnesses with a belt, but which are not suitable for arresting a fall.

The EN 358 standard regulates lanyards and positioning belts.

It should be noted that a safety harness can be both EN 813, EN 358, EN 358, energy absorber and EN 361. This makes it a full fall arrest harness and allows the worker to be maintained during his work.

How to put on a safety harness?

Is a safety harness individual?

The answer is yes. A fall arrest safety harness is a personal protective equipment required for workers and users. Therefore, it is advisable to wear your harness yourself for optimum protection.

Where to attach a safety harness?

A safety harness must be checked for its condition and the dorsal attachment point. To attach this Fall arrest PPE, pass the equipment on the back with the dorsal attachment. Then adjust the straps at the torso and legs.

The safety harness must be attached to the anchor points provided for this purpose when stationary. During the ascent, the connectors fitted to the harness must be attached to the safety system. Connectors are dragged or locked into anchor points during breaks in progression.

Training for wearing a harness: Authorization for safety at work at height

Wearing the harness requires proper training before use. A manager with the necessary skills must carry out training in access techniques and operating methods. The training allows you to learn more about the components of the harness (for example the anchor points) and their role. The employer is responsible for ensuring that the workers using this personal equipment are able to use it correctly.