A full body harness or fall arrest system is an important component of personal fall protection equipment. It is designed to keep the user safe and prevent serious injury in case of an unexpected fall from high places. In the past, fall arrest systems were often regarded as flimsy and ignored. However, advances in engineering and modern manufacturing processes have led to improved quality and safety. Most fall arrest systems are now certified by government agencies and are recommended for use in any situation where you might be at risk of falling from heights.
An effective full body harness ensures the maximum amount of safety for the wearers. When properly used, it will spread the force generated by a fall from uneven surfaces across the body, minimizing the potential for severe injury to the lower limbs. Harnesses are now available in many different styles, allowing users to choose ones that best fit their needs and that best compliment their wardrobe and personal style. The harness may be worn by men and women. Both sexes can use fall protection equipment because of its increased strength and durability as compared to common fall arrest systems.
Some full body harnesses are designed with the use of an optional waist belt, which makes them more comfortable and less cumbersome. Waist belts are available in various materials, including nylon, high-density polyester (HDPE), polyester and spandex. While neck straps and shoulder straps may be used when necessary, the use of waist belts will allow you to move freely around your body, allowing you to wear your own clothing and accessories. Some designs of neck and shoulder straps feature clasps or hook and loop fasteners, making these accessories easy to remove when you need to. The use of fasteners also means that the harness can be adjusted more easily for different heights.
Some full body harnesses are designed so that the fastener is also attached to a separate retention loop, meaning that the fastener will be permanently attached to the garment. The purpose of this is to ensure that the person wearing the harness has the ability to take it off if they wish to. These retainers are often made from a variety of materials, including rope, metal and plastic. In addition, some of these retainers feature hooks on the top of the unit, allowing you to hook additional items such as ladders to your fall arrest system at home or work.
A full body harness offers several advantages to a worker or trespasser who has fallen. First, the person wearing the harness is free to move about freely, allowing them to reach valuable objects that may be lying around. Secondly, the person wearing the fall protection equipment does not have to worry about being able to get their keys or cell phone out of their grasp. And thirdly, the fall arrest system is securely fastened to the individual's waist or torso, ensuring that they will not be able to flick through their pockets or toss the item carelessly while struggling for the balance. Most fall protection units are equipped with a clip that allows the user to fasten the fall arrest device on to their belt. This clip is usually located inside the waistband, allowing you to quickly and easily fasten the fall arrest system onto your waist.
While these fall protection devices are available in many different styles, one of the most common styles seen on fall arrest workers is the full body harness. Many of the full body harnesses available on the market feature an adjustable retention clip or hook system, allowing you the freedom to attach a number of additional items to the harness. As well, most fall guard systems will feature a lightweight webbing strap that is worn across the chest with the d-ring positioned underneath the harness. Webbing straps are typically black, making them suitable for use by any gender of any age.
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