Fall Arrest Harness

[spydee]

Hey,

I was wondering what harnesses some of the more pro, touring riggers on here use? I'm contemplating purchasing a MSA gravity rigger/rescue harness - found it for $135usd online, and I've used one before.

But, before I buy this one, I wanted to hear what some of you other guys use? I've seen the CMC protech ones online, but never in person.

Thanks for any input!

[jfitzpat]

For many years I used a basic rock climbing harness (ex. Black Diamond 'Alpine Bod'). For short safety's and a chest harness I used 1" webbing until sewn spectra runners became available.

The only reason that I can think of that I would switch to a safety manufacturer instead of a climbing manufacturer would be required certifications for a particular venue. However, I've been rock climbing for decades and know the gear well.

If a person does not have a sound understanding of climbing safety systems - for example, does not understand just how brutal a 4' - 6' fall can be on static material, the more expensive and cumbersome commercial safety arrest systems are probably a very wise investment.

-jjf

[MHSTech]

The MSA harness should be fine. I've never used one, but if they build their rescue harnesses as tough as they build their harnesses for SCBAs, then you should be fine.

[sound_nerd]

I've been using DBI/SALA products religiously for the last 5 years. I couldn't tell you what model harness I use, but it's an H-braced harness, one of the no-tangle models. It doesn't have all of the fancy padding, but it works very well for what I do.
When shopping for a harness, keep lanyards in mind too. I carry a single 5' fall arrest lanyard, a twin leash 6' lanyard for grid work, and 4' rope fall prevention lanyard for genie and skyjack work.

[Chris15]

Originally Posted by jfitzpat

For many years I used a basic rock climbing harness (ex. Black Diamond 'Alpine Bod'). For short safety's and a chest harness I used 1" webbing until sewn spectra runners became available.

The only reason that I can think of that I would switch to a safety manufacturer instead of a climbing manufacturer would be required certifications for a particular venue. However, I've been rock climbing for decades and know the gear well.

If a person does not have a sound understanding of climbing safety systems - for example, does not understand just how brutal a 4' - 6' fall can be on static material, the more expensive and cumbersome commercial safety arrest systems are probably a very wise investment.

-jjf

If my understanding of US OHSA requirements are correct, then climbing gear does not meet standards. It needs to be a full body harness provided as part of a whole fall arrest system, engineered properly. You would want to get professional advice, because if the fall arrest has been done properly, then you will not be able to use your harness.

I will warn you now, do not be surprised if dvsDave decides to close this topic. Rigging is a prohibited discussion topic on these forums. This is because of the huge risks that are involved and the potential for liability. Dave has indicated that if a recognised leader in the field were to join the board, then this policy might be reconsidered.

[Radman]

Chris is absoultely right, a climbing harness is by no means a legal nor safe substitute for a fall arrest harness. I won't get into fall arrest here again, it's been covered numerous times in the past, but I will say that a climbing harness does not meet OSHA regs, and a fall in one of those without a chest harness can snap your back. Think about the physics, I don't need to describe it. Fall pro. is not a subject to be taken lightly. There are very strict OSHA regualtions that DO apply to the entertainment industry, and only a preson well versed in the rules should be designing or applying fall arrest systems. And Chris is also right that it does need to be a FULL BODY HARNESS, furthermore, almost always requiring a dorsal (upper back) D-Ring for attachment to a lanyard. And also, you CAN NOT tie yourself to just anything! The rule is, that every single component from the anchor to the harness has to be RATED for at least 5,000 lbs, and there has to be some form of effective shock absorbtion included as well. A search of the forums should turn up quite a bit of info on fall arrest systems (unless Dave has removed or blocked them) and as a closing statement I must stress that safety isn't about compliance, it's about PEOPLE.

[steps down]

[Chris15]

Originally Posted by Radman

Chris is absoultely right, a climbing harness is by no means a legal nor safe substitute for a fall arrest harness. I won't get into fall arrest here again, it's been covered numerous times in the past, but I will say that a climbing harness does not meet OSHA regs, and a fall in one of those without a chest harness can snap your back. Think about the physics, I don't need to describe it. Fall pro. is not a subject to be taken lightly. There are very strict OSHA regualtions that DO apply to the entertainment industry, and only a preson well versed in the rules should be designing or applying fall arrest systems. And Chris is also right that it does need to be a FULL BODY HARNESS, furthermore, almost always requiring a dorsal (upper back) D-Ring for attachment to a lanyard. And also, you CAN NOT tie yourself to just anything! The rule is, that every single component from the anchor to the harness has to be RATED for at least 5,000 lbs, and there has to be some form of effective shock absorbtion included as well. A search of the forums should turn up quite a bit of info on fall arrest systems (unless Dave has removed or blocked them) and as a closing statement I must stress that safety isn't about compliance, it's about PEOPLE.

[steps down]

Thank you for echoing my point. We cannot be too careful about safety. The last thing I want to hear is that someone from here has died because they were not using the right fall arrest equipment. Unless you people in the states face different rules do us, employers are legally obliged to provide safe workplaces and this includes fall arrest systems. In reality, if this is in a school, then either the school needs to provide fall arrest systems or people should not be in a position where they can fall more than 6 feet.

Please, it is for your own safety. And don't expect us to ease up on safety. Ever.

[Radman]

Yup its the same here, employer is the one required to provide not only fall protection or prevention, but proper training as well. Technically I don't belive that an individual is even allowed to use their own gear, at least under most circumstances.

[Chris15]

Originally Posted by Radman

Yup its the same here, employer is the one required to provide not only fall protection or prevention, but proper training as well. Technically I don't belive that an individual is even allowed to use their own gear, at least under most circumstances.

No, since your own gear would not be part of the engineered system and so if the employer were to allow you to use it, then the integrity of the fall arrest system has been severely compromised. The employer is required to provide the harnesses as part of the whole fall arrest system. And the other vital component of a fall arrest system is the rescue plan. You only have something like 20 min to rescue someone before then sustain serious, permanent damage, eg. brain damage.

[spydee]

Thanks for everyone's input. I'm aware of how proper systems work and what is allowed/not allowed (esp climbing gear!). I was hoping the discussion wouldnt hit that topic, as it wasnt my intention.

Here in Canada, every company I've worked with (PRG, Christie Lites, etc) provides the system and will provide harnesses, but every rigger I know uses their own harness. There is no way to know the history of a 'rental' harness and I'm not willing to trust my life to it, nor is anyone else I know! Using a rental harness in a zoomer or skyjack is one thing, but I wouldnt be wearing a rental one if I'm climbing truss or walking steel. With my harness, I know that it hasnt taken any falls, and that my lanyards are in perfect condition. There's just no way to know with rental stock.