Safety Harness Or Safety Belt

A full-body safety harness (EN 361) distributes fall-arrest forces across the thighs, pelvis, chest and shoulders, keeping the wearer upright after a fall. A safety belt only restrains at the waist and is unsafe for fall arrest because it can cause severe spinal injury. For work at height, always use a full-body harness.

A fall-arrest harness should meet EN 361, which specifies the attachment points, webbing strength and dynamic performance needed to arrest a fall. Many models also combine EN 358 for work positioning and EN 813 for a sit or rope-access attachment. Buyers can request certification documents and test reports to verify compliance before deployment.

Choose attachment points by task. The dorsal (back) D-ring is the primary fall-arrest connection; a sternal (front) D-ring suits ladder climbing and rescue; side D-rings are for work positioning only and never fall arrest; and a ventral point serves rope access. Match the harness configuration to your workers' specific job at height.

A harness should be checked by the user before every use and formally examined by a competent person at least every six to twelve months. Replace it immediately after it arrests a fall, or if you find cut webbing, deformed D-rings, chemical damage or corroded buckles. Always observe the manufacturer's stated maximum service life.