How to choose the right harness for working at height?

Proper fit of fall protection equipment requires risk assessment before starting work. Before deciding which harness to choose for work at height, you should answer the question of where the work will be performed, i.e. on a ladder, on scaffolding, on the roof, in a lift basket, on a lattice pole or a telecommunications mast, and verify the number of anchor points marked with the letter A and make sure that the design of the belt and harness allows for ergonomic stabilization of the silhouette throughout the work.

In this article, learn more about:

• functional differences between basic models of harnesses protecting against falls from a height and specialized ones with a waist belt,
• the most important European standards (EN 361, EN 358, EN 813), which must be met by professional equipment for work at height,
• ways to increase the comfort of the employee by using appropriate buckles and additional padding in selected harnesses,
• hook points, necessary for specific tasks, e.g. on masts or roofs.

Which harness for working at height will work well in my profession?

When considering which harness for working at height will be the safest, it is worth starting by dividing it into basic and specialized models. The standard safety harness, in accordance with EN 361, is designed to prevent falls from a height and is suitable for simple work on scaffolding, ladders or in the lift basket. However, if the tasks require work to be carried out in suport using an adjustable lanyard, e.g. on masts or power poles, one of the harnesses equipped with a waist belt with side buckles should be used, e.g. the MATRIX or HELIX model.

For people working in Rope Access, e.g. when washing windows of skyscrapers or servicing windmills, modular structures of the AURA or EXTOL type with a built-in SYNC clamping device for approaching the chest are dedicated. The above-mentioned harnesses allow you to comfortably assume a forced position without pressure on the femoral arteries, which directly affects safety and prevents the occurrence of hanging shock.

Good to know: Models such as the VORTEX PLUS WTG have abrasion protection reinforcements, which is crucial in harsh industrial environments.

Can a climbing harness be used for working at height?

Many beginners ask if a climbing harness can be used for professional purposes. It is worth noting an important difference here: sports equipment does not have the EN 361 industrial certification and does not protect the employee in the event of stopping a fall from a height. In industry, we use only certified harnesses that have clear "A" point markings - only they are designed to safely stop the fall and protect the spine from the effects of a sudden jerking.

The location of the attachment points (D-rings) determines which belay systems a given harness model can be attached to. The dorsal attachment point is optimal for working with self-locking devices, while the chest attachment point allows the worker to be protected while moving on ladders equipped with rigid vertical guides.

• Quick QC buckles – used in models such as the NEXUS QC, they allow you to put on/take off the harness in no time without adjusting the straps.
• Side hook buckles - are used only to determine the working position, NOT to belay against falling from a height.

What elements of comfort and ergonomics are worth paying attention to when choosing a harness designed for working at height?

The comfort of using the harness translates directly into the precision of the activities performed. Soft padding on the waist belt and shoulder and thigh straps reduces fatigue during long hours of surgery. An important element is also splicers, i.e. tool loops that allow you to attach accessories, e.g. screwdrivers or wrenches, which prevents them from accidentally dropping from a height. Selected harness models Heightec are also equipped with shoe straps on shoulder straps for attaching an unused latch, a twin lanyards with a shock absorber or, for example, a radio.

The weight of the equipment is of great importance when climbing ladders, scaffolding or lattice structures frequently. All Heightec harnesses are designed with the comfort and ergonomics of the worker in mind. They are extremely light and at the same time extremely durable, made of polyester, polyamide and steel and aluminum adjustment elements.

Regularly check the legibility of the label under the cover - the lack of a serial number or date of manufacture disqualifies the equipment from further use.

Rely on professional advice and reliable Heightec equipment

Choosing the right equipment for working at height is a process in which there is no room for error. Each product, whether it is a PHOENIX QC harness designed for firefighters or other rescuers who use oxygen cylinders, to DELTA escape triangles, must be tailored to the weight of the user and the anticipated emergency scenarios. Properly serviced and properly selected equipment is not only meeting legal requirements, but above all real protection of human life in the most demanding conditions. If you need help setting up a kit for your employees or want to verify which solution best suits your needs, High & Safe's experts are at your disposal.