Safety harnesses are an essential piece of equipment for anyone working on scaffolding. They provide fall protection and help prevent accidents while working at heights. To properly use a harness, you must securely attach it with an anchor to prevent falls. Not only do anchors keep you safe, but they also ensure that the scaffolding is secure and stable. In this blog, we will discuss how to attach safety harnesses to scaffolding with an anchor and how Atlantic Equipment can help with our expert advice and range of construction safety equipment.
1. Selection of a Correct Anchorage
Before putting on your harness, the most important thing is finding an appropriate anchor point in the scaffolding; the anchor should be:
- Stable and Secure: These will be part of the scaffolding structure and are designed to bear your weight and resist the generated forces in case of a fall.
- High enough: The anchor must always be overhead on the scaffold to minimize the free-fall distance.
- Free from Obstruction: Make sure the anchor point doesn’t interfere with anything that may be in the way of or obstructive to the harness or lanyard.
2. Check Your Safety Harness
Before using it, check your safety harness for wear and tear. Also, search for
- Frayed straps: Not a single strap should be frayed.
- Functional Buckles: All buckles should be working and stay secure.
- D-Rings: Must not be damaged or corroded as it is an attachment point.
3. Put On the Safety Harness
These are the steps to put on your Safety Harness properly. Put on the harness as follows:
- Get Into Harness: Pass your legs through the leg straps and pull the harness up to rest on your shoulders.
- Strap Adjustments: All straps should be fitted, not too loose or tight, and sit nicely on your body.
- Secure: All buckles should be fastened to click into their locks.
4. Connect the Lanyard to the Anchorage Point
With the harness securely on, it is time to attach the lanyard:
- Wear Correct Lanyard: Wear a correct lanyard for the work condition, considering whether it is suitable and safe.
- D-Ring Connection: Attach one end of the lanyard to your D-ring in your harness, ensuring it is fastened tightly.
- Latch to Anchor Point: The other end of the lanyard must be latched on by a carabiner or other approved connector for fall protection to the selected anchor point on the scaffold.
5. Test Your Setup
Before beginning work, it’s essential to test your setup:
- Pull on the Lanyard: Pull on the lanyard light to ensure that it will hold correctly from both your harness and the anchorage.
- Check Movement: Be sure you have suitable travel without slack in the lanyard, which could increase your free-fall distance.
6. Follow Through with Safety Procedures
Safety in scaffolding could be assured based on recommendations:
- Stay Within Reach: Never lean over edges or beyond safe limits to perform work.
- Wear Special Safety Gear: Where necessary, other personal protective equipment like helmets and gloves can be used.
- Buddy System: When possible, work with a partner who could help if an injury should occur.
Get a Free Quote on Construction Safety Harnesses, Fall Arrest Kits, & Anchors in Massachusetts, New York, Florida, Connecticut, & Maryland with Atlantic Equipment
At Atlantic Equipment, we understand that safety is a top priority on construction sites. We provide a wide range of safety equipment for your crew and your site to protect all workers from potential falls and other hazards. Our fall arrest kits, safety harnesses, and anchors are all made with high-quality materials, ensuring their durability and reliability. We also provide delivery services to our customers in Massachusetts, New York, Florida, Connecticut, and Maryland to ensure you have the equipment you need when and where you need it. To learn more and get a free quote, contact us online or call us at 800-543-3350!