Should we be equipped with a harness while working in aerial lift equipment?
In the manufacturing field we serve, you are constantly called to work at height, where the risks of accidents are real. The regulation facing wearing a harness is ambiguous. Why you may ask? Because it varies from one profession to another and from one country to another. Indeed, although the “basket” is consistently deep enough to avoid the risk of falls, Canada, Britain and the United States require the wearing of a harness while using an 
aerial lift equipment.
This protection gear is commonly called a harness. At RH wearing the harness is a requirement for your safety. To ensure that you comply with these regulations, we will affix the image on each of our aerial lift equipment.
Moreover, it is up to your employer to ensure that measures are taken for your protection.
Harness equipment :
Employer responsibilities under the OSH (SST) Regulations of Quebec (1 February 2011).
Protection against falls (wear of the safety harness):
Wearing a safety harness is mandatory for any worker occupying the basket of a lifting device, except if the worker is protected by another device ensures equivalent safety.
The safety harness must be equipped with an energy absorber and an anchored retaining link to the anchor point indicated by the manufacturer or other independent anchor of the nacelle and which offers resistance to the break of at least 18 Newton’s kilos per worker that is docked.
Wearing it is not a fashion statement, but rather a measure of extra protection. The simple act of wearing a harness does not completely eliminate the risk of injury or death that may result from a fall, but it is definitely a good head start to reduce working accidents.
In order to find one that suits your needs, there are several models available as shown here.
- Type H
- Type X
- Type Y
A harness must be chosen depending on the size of the middle part of the worker and the type of work to be done.
A worker should have the opportunity to try his harness and be suspended in order to validate if it suits him.
The label must be present and readable.
Must be able to see:
- The logo of the CSA (Canada)
- The manufacturing date
- Lot number
The harness must be inspected by the worker before each use :
- On the dorsal ring there should be no deformation, unmarked chiselling or welding without trace of corrosion.
- Make sure that all your buckle and rings work properly.
- Insure yourself that the straps are not punched and free of burns, or pen ink, seamless and without fading sewing boxes are completed and continuous.
* Since 2006, the harness must have an impact indicator.
Attaching the safety line:
The safety line should be attached to one of the designated points only.
This fixing device is only used to prevent the operator from being ejected from the basket.
Confirm compatibility of your harness connector versus the basket fixing devices.
Now, hoping that this text has enlightened you about wearing the harness and you adopt a safe working technique.
Your safety counts for us.