Safety harnesses are essential to prevent falls during interventions at height or in hazardous environments. They are aimed at many sectors such as construction, industry, logistics or energy. Different models exist to meet the specific needs of every trade, guaranteeing support, comfort and safety during work on roofs, scaffolding or steel structures.
What standards apply to safety harnesses?
Safety harnesses must meet precise European standards, ensuring their reliability and suitability for every professional use:
EN 361: specifies the requirements for fall-arrest harnesses used during work at height.
EN 358: covers work-positioning belts and lanyards, for secure positioning.
EN 813: sets out sit harnesses suited to suspended work or difficult access.
EN 365: specifies the general requirements for checking, using and marking fall-arrest systems.
Meeting these standards makes it possible to select a harness suited to every environment and to guarantee operator safety.
What types of safety harness are there, and for which sectors?
There are several types of safety harness, each suited to specific professional uses:
The classic fall-arrest harness, used in construction, industrial maintenance and building work.
The work-positioning harness, recommended for tree surgery, electrical work or interventions requiring precise positioning.
The sit harness, designed for suspended work, particularly in industry or waste management.
Multi-anchor-point models, suited to logistics or interventions on complex structures.
For complete protection, it is advisable to pair the harness with positioning and fall-arrest lanyards or carabiners and anchor points suited to every situation.
How should safety harnesses be maintained?
Maintaining safety harnesses is essential to guarantee their effectiveness:
Clean regularly with warm water and mild soap, without using harsh products.
Leave to air dry, away from sunlight and any heat source.
Store in a dry, clean place, protected from moisture.
Inspect before each use: check the condition of straps, seams, buckles and anchor points.
Replace the harness as soon as cuts, fraying, deformation or signs of wear appear.
Regular checks and proper maintenance extend the harness's lifespan and guarantee user safety.
What specific points should be considered for safety harnesses?
Choosing a safety harness should take several technical and contextual criteria into account: compatibility with other fall-arrest equipment such as fall-protection accessories, the number of anchor points, ease of adjustment and comfort for extended wear. Some models are designed to withstand extreme conditions (heat, moisture, exposure to chemicals). It is also essential to fit the harness to each user's body shape and provide training in its use. Finally, compatibility with the entire fall-arrest system guarantees optimal safety on site.