Essential Fall Protection Equipment: Harnesses, Lanyards, and Anchor Points

When working at heights, knowledge is your first line of defense, but your equipment is your last. The effectiveness of a fall protection system relies entirely on the quality, condition, and proper use of its components. In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations mandate the use of specific fall protection systems when workers are exposed to fall hazards [1]. Understanding the critical components of these systems—harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points—is essential for every worker and employer.

The Full-Body Harness: Your Lifeline

The full-body harness is the central component of a personal fall arrest system. Unlike a simple safety belt, which can cause severe internal injuries during a fall, a full-body harness distributes the force of the fall across the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders. This distribution significantly reduces the risk of injury and keeps the worker suspended in an upright position, facilitating rescue.

A harness must be properly fitted to be effective. A loose harness can cause serious injury during a fall, while a harness that is too tight can restrict movement and blood flow. Workers must be trained to inspect their harnesses before every use, checking for frayed webbing, damaged stitching, distorted D-rings, and functioning buckles.

Lanyards and Lifelines: The Connecting Link

The lanyard or lifeline connects the worker's harness to the anchor point. There are several types of lanyards, each designed for specific applications:

• Shock-Absorbing Lanyards: These are the most common type used in fall arrest systems. They contain a built-in shock absorber that deploys during a fall, significantly reducing the arresting force on the worker's body.
• Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs): Also known as yo-yos, SRLs function like a seatbelt. They allow the worker freedom of movement but lock instantly if a sudden acceleration (a fall) occurs. SRLs minimize the free-fall distance, making them ideal for situations with limited clearance below.
• Travel Restraint Lanyards: These are fixed-length lanyards designed to prevent a worker from reaching a fall hazard. They do not arrest a fall; they prevent it from happening in the first place.

Anchor Points: The Foundation of Safety

An anchor point is the secure point of attachment for the fall protection system. It is the foundation upon which the entire system relies. If the anchor point fails, the harness and lanyard are useless.

Anchor points must be capable of supporting the intended load. In Ontario, an anchor point used for a fall arrest system must be capable of supporting at least 22.2 kilonewtons (5,000 pounds) per worker attached, or be designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a professional engineer [1].

Anchor points can be temporary (such as a roof anchor or a beam clamp) or permanent (such as an engineered tie-off point on a building structure). Regardless of the type, workers must be trained to identify suitable anchor points and understand the limitations of the structures they are attaching to.

The Importance of Inspection and Maintenance

Even the best equipment degrades over time. Exposure to sunlight, chemicals, dirt, and general wear and tear can compromise the integrity of fall protection gear. Regular, documented inspections by a competent person are not just a best practice; they are a legal requirement. Any equipment that shows signs of damage or has been subjected to a fall must be immediately removed from service.

At Total Group of Companies, our CPO-approved Working at Heights training places a heavy emphasis on the practical inspection and use of fall protection equipment. We ensure that workers not only know how to put on a harness but also understand the critical importance of every component in their fall protection system.

References

[1] Training for working at heights | ontario.ca

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Prepared by: Shared Services Manager
Approved by: VP of Strategy & Development
Document Owner: Director of Operations