Harnesses

What is a Harness?

A harness is one of the three components of a Personal Fall Protection System (read more about fall protection systems in the Fall Protection Guide). Harnesses with padding on the shoulders, legs, and hips distribute pressure and provide the worker with greater comfort during long hours of use. Harnesses with quick-connect buckles are always preferable, as donning and doffing becomes quick and easy. Regardless of whether you use the harness four or eight hours a day, it must fit properly to provide both safety and comfort. A harness may comply with one EN standard, or several, making it usable across different fall protection systems.

Note: We strongly recommend that your harness meets at least EN 361, as any rescue operation in practice requires an EN 361 full body harness. Performing a rescue by connecting to the side attachment points of a work positioning belt (EN 358) or to the front attachment of a sit harness (EN 813) is very difficult and results in a horizontal position of the casualty. A full body harness allows the use of dorsal (back), sternal (chest), or even shoulder attachment points, ensuring an upright rescue position.

There are several types of harnesses:

• EN 361 Full Body Harness – also called fall arrest harness. Used in fall arrest systems, distributes fall forces across thighs, chest, and shoulders.
• EN 358 Work Positioning Belt – also called support belt. Used in work positioning or restraint systems, with side attachment points.
• EN 813 Sit Harness – used in rope access or work positioning, with a frontal waist attachment point.
• EN 1498 Rescue Sling – also called rescue loop. Used exclusively in rescue systems.
• Accessories for harnesses

EN 361 Full Body Harness

Used in a fall arrest system or restraint system, with attachment points (marked A) on the back and usually also on the chest. In a fall arrest system, only the back or chest points may be used. The full body harness is designed to distribute the energy generated during a fall across the thighs, groin, chest, and shoulders.

EN 358 Work Positioning Belt

Used in a work positioning system or restraint system, normally with two side attachment points. An EN 358 work positioning belt may also be integrated into an EN 361 full body harness, allowing it to be used in multiple fall protection systems.

EN 813 Sit Harness

Used in a rope access system or work positioning system, with a frontal attachment point at the waist. An EN 813 sit harness may also be integrated into an EN 361 full body harness, making it suitable for multiple fall protection systems.

EN 1498 Rescue Sling

Used exclusively in a rescue system for lifting or lowering a casualty.