I’ve got my harness, is that all?
A harness should be just one of many protective devices when working at heights.
Let’s use a simple comparison: baking bread. Flour is essential, but on its own, it’s not enough to make bread. The same goes for your safety harness. Yes, it can save lives, but by itself, it does not guarantee complete protection.
It would be a good idea to list everything that should be applied before any operation at height.
Take advantage of this summary to get a head start on your procedures, but if you have any questions or concerns, call in an expert to help you draw up your plan.
What else?
Fall protection harness: An integral harness is the foundation of a fall protection system. Made to distribute the forces generated during a fall over the shoulders, chest, and legs, it helps to considerably reduce the risk of injury. Reminder! The harness must be properly adjusted and inspected regularly by a competent person. You can also find out everything there is to know about fitting and maintaining a harness right here!
Guardrails and baseboards: Wherever possible, guardrails should be installed along raised platforms or edges to prevent falls. For added security, baseboards can be added to protect against objects falling from the work surface.
Anchor points: Secure anchor points are essential for attaching lifelines or lanyards. Reminder! These points must be designed and tested to withstand the anticipated load and positioned appropriately to ensure the worker’s safety.
Lanyards and lifelines: A lanyard or lifeline is a connecting device that links the worker’s harness to a safe anchorage point. It must be made of strong, durable material and of suitable length to avoid touching the ground or other hazards in the event of a fall. Kosto has thought of this for you with its certified lifelines. Kosto has thought of this for you with its certified lifelines.
Safety nets: Safety nets can be installed below the work area as a secondary means of protection in the event of a fall. Their role: to help cushion the fall and reduce the risk of serious injury. Reminder! Safety nets must be correctly installed, regularly inspected, and comply with the relevant safety standards.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): In addition to the fall protection system, workers must wear other personal protective equipment (PPE) as required, such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and non-slip footwear. PPE must be adapted to the specific task and offer adequate protection against potential hazards.
Raised work platforms: When equipment such as scaffolding, aerial lifts, or elevating work platforms is used, ensure they are properly maintained and inspected regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines for their use. Reminder! You should always remember that training and a solid understanding of safety measures are as much a part of the worker’s mind as his lifeline on the anchor point.
Safety training and procedures: A harness or a lifeline is not enough if the worker doesn’t know how to recognize hazards and respond to unexpected situations. Workers must receive thorough training in working at heights, including hazard identification, correct use of equipment, emergency procedures, and rescue techniques, as well as be familiar with relevant safety regulations and guidelines. Reminder! Remember that the specific equipment required may vary according to the nature of the work and the regulations in place within your province of employment. It is crucial to consult and follow the guidelines provided by safety authorities and employers to ensure a safe working environment at heights.
When in doubt, consult an SPI expert because you don’t need to think about safety from a height of several meters.
In doubt about your fall protection equipment? Don’t take any chances. Find the right one right here!
