8
USE (continued)
2. Correct t of a Full Body Harness is essential to proper performance.
Users must be trained to select the size and maintain the t of their Full
Body Harness.
3. Users must follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper t and sizing,
paying particular attention to ensure that buckles are connected and
aligned correctly, leg straps and shoulder straps are kept snug at all
times, chest straps are located in the middle chest area and leg straps are
positioned and snug to avoid contact with the genitalia should a fall occur.
4. Full Body Harnesses which meet ANSI/ASSE Z359.11 are intended to be
used with other components of a Personal Fall Arrest system that limit
maximum arrest forces to 1800 pounds (8 kN) or less.
5. Suspension intolerance, also called suspension trauma or orthostatic
intolerance, is a serious condition that can be controlled with good
harness design, prompt rescue and post fall suspension relief devices.
A conscious user may deploy a suspension relief device allowing the
user to remove tension from around the legs, freeing blood ow, which
can delay the onset of suspension intolerance. An attachment element
extender is not intended to be attached directly to an anchorage or
anchorage connector for fall arrest. An energy absorber must be used to
limit maximum arrest forces to 1800 pounds (8 kN). The length of the
attachment element extender may affect free fall distances and free fall
clearance calculations.
6. Full Body Harness (FBH) Stretch, the amount the FBH component of
a personal fall arrest system will stretch and deform during a fall, can
contribute to the overall elongation of the system in stopping a fall. It is
important to include the increase in fall distance created by FBH Stretch,
as well as the FBH connector length, the settling of the user’s body in the
FBH and all other contributing factors when calculating total clearance
required for a particular fall arrest system.
ANSI/ASSE Z359.11-2014 American National Standard Safety Requirements
for Full Body Harnesses
7. When not in use, unused lanyard legs that are still attached to a Full Body
Harness D-ring should not be attached to a work positioning element or
any other structural element on the Full Body Harness unless deemed
acceptable by the competent person and manufacturer of the lanyard.
This is especially important when using some types of “Y” style lanyards,
as some load may be transmitted to the user through the unused lanyard
leg if it is not able to release from the harness. The lanyard parking
attachment is generally located in the sternal area to help reduce tripping
and entanglement hazards.
8. Loose ends of straps can get caught in machinery or cause accidental
disengagement of an adjuster. All Full Body Harnesses shall include
keepers or other components which serve to control the loose ends of
straps.
9. Due to the nature of soft loop connections, it is recommended that
soft loop attachments only be used to connect with other soft loops
or carabiners. Snaphooks should not be used unless approved for the
application by the manufacturer.
10. Dorsal – The dorsal attachment element shall be used as the primary fall
arrest attachment, unless the application allows the use of an alternate
attachment. The dorsal attachment may also be used for travel restraint or
rescue. When supported by the dorsal attachment during a fall, the design
of the Full Body Harness shall direct load through the shoulder straps
supporting the user, and around the thighs. Supporting the user, post
fall, by the dorsal attachment will result in an upright body position with
a slight lean to the front with some slight pressure to the lower chest.
Considerations should be made when choosing a sliding versus xed
