Donning a Full Body Harness

As long as I have been teaching Aerial Work Platform training I almost always have to spend time with some of my students to help them properly fit or "Don" a full body harness.

There are lots of manufactures that have lots of different types of harnesses on the market and I always suggest that you contact the company that made the harness you are using and follow their instructions.

With that said, I will explain the basic steps with "Donning" any full body harness.

Donning the Harness

Before you begin, your first priority is to inspect the harness.

1. Lift the harness with the dorsal (back) D-ring where you will attach your lanyard.  Give the harness a shake to ensure the straps fall into place without tangling.
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2. Unfasten all the buckles.
   (If you are unfamiliar with a type of buckle contact the manufacturer)
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3. Slip the harness over your arms and onto your shoulders.  Make certain the straps are not tangled and hang freely and the dorsal D-ring is between your shoulder blades on your back.
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4. Reach between your legs and grab either the left or right leg strap and connect it to the corresponding buckle then repeat the procedure with the other leg.  Make sure you do not twist the webbing.  Tension the leg straps so they fit snug but will not constrict your range of motion.
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5. Attach the chest strap buckle and adjust it so that it is approximately 6-inches below the top of your shoulders and snug.
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6. Now take a few steps and make any adjustments to the harness so that it is still snug but not constricting your range of motion.Tuck away any excess strapping by passing it through the loop keepers on each strap.

Removing the Harness

1. You want to unbuckle the leg straps first while leaving the chest strap for last.  After you unbuckle the chest strap, slide the harness off your shoulders.
2. Re-buckle all the buckles to keep them from tangling the harness when you store it.

Store the harness in a cool, dry and clean place out of direct sunlight.  Avoid areas where heat, moisture, light, oil and chemicals or their vapors my be present.

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