Height Safety Harnesses – how to choose the correct one and fit it safely

Heyn Engineering Solutions have been supplying height safety equipment for a number of years and as such vast experience in using harnesses for different applications.

Tractel harnesses come with a revolutionary Elastrac option. This is a patented system which means that the harnesses are equipped with special packs which allow for 4cm of movement. These packs adapt the elongation of the harness straps to the user’s body shape, stretching the straps with each movement.
The benefits of Elastrac are :

Increased comfort for the user as the harness adapts to the users body movements
Increased practicality with 4cm extra movement for active work situations
Increased safety as fall distance is dramatically reduced when compared with an elastic harness.

Choosing the correct size harness
Our harnesses are supplied in three sizes as standard; small, medium to large and extra-large. To choose the correct size for you simply take three measurements. Firstly measure the chest area, then the waist, round the upper thigh and lastly measure the distance from shoulders to top of thigh. Once you have this information, use it to select the relevant size using the table below

Measurement	Small (cm)	Medium/Large (cm)	Extra Large (cm)
A	60-100	80-120	100-160
B	75-100	90-110	100-125
C	45-80	45-100	45-120
D	55-65	65-80	80-90

How to correctly fit a harness

Follow these 9 steps:

Harnesses should be thoroughly inspected before every use. The webbing should be passed through the hands to check for minor cuts and tears that may affect the strength of the webbing. The harness should be checked for abrasion, hardening fibres, dirt and contaminants. Any fading of colour should also be monitored.
Check the date of manufacture on the label (located on the back plate of the harness). The span of life on Tractel harnesses is 10 years from date of manufacture.
Hold the harness up by the rear ‘D’ and check for any twists or tangles
Open the harness out
Put both arms through the straps
Connect the front buckle and tighten
Connect the leg straps and tighten
Adjust the straps. The harness should be snug but not overly tight.
The harness is noW fitted correctly. The rear ‘D’ should be between the shoulder blades and the sub pelvic strap should be positioned under the buttocks. Follow best practice, ask a colleague to check your harness before you start work.

If you have any further questions or queries or need any help in selecting the correct harness for you please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Engineering team. You can contact them by telephone on +44(0)28 9035 0022 or via email using engineering@heyn.co.uk.

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Height Safety Harnesses – how to choose the correct one and fit it safely

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