Working On Harness
Working On Harness
Working On Harness
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Abstract
1. Introduction
• Anatomical features;
• Body dimensions and weight;
• Psycho-physical state;
• The influence of substances such as medications, alcohol, etc.;
• Loss of consciousness due to (e.g., impact against objects while falling
from a height).
The most important external factors determining the occurrence and
severity of suspension trauma are:
• Suspension duration;
• Movement impairment during suspension;
• The angle between the user’s torso and the vertical;
• Leg position in suspension;
• Harness fit to the user’s body,
• Harness design, including harness attachment point position;
• Compression of the human body by harness straps and buckles.
The cited publications indicate that the most severe responses of the
human body to suspension are attributable to the compression
exerted by the constituent elements of harnesses, such as textile
straps as well as adjustment and connecting buckles. The
experimental results given in publications [28,29,30,31,32] indicate
that anthropomorphic dummies are the most valuable tools in
researching the mechanical phenomena associated with the impact of
mechanical factors on the human body. The compression exerted by
harnesses of different designs on the surface of the human body in
suspension was studied using the anthropometric dummy Hybrid III
50M Pedestrian [33,34]. The pressure was measured by means of
Tekscan devices [35], which enabled the mapping of pressure
distribution on surfaces. The obtained results were presented in a
paper by Baszczyński [36]. It was found that the greatest pressure was
exerted by thigh straps in the crotch area of the dummy. It was also
found that the main factors affecting the magnitude of the pressure
were: safety harness design, its fit to the shape of the dummy, and the
type of the attachment point (sternal or dorsal). A fall arrest study
involving an anthropomorphic dummy wearing harnesses of different
design is described in paper [37]. The study involved, inter alia, the
measurement of the compression of the dummy surface under
dynamic conditions using FujiFilm Prescale film [38], which changes
its color tone depending on the contact pressure applied. The results
showed a strong impact exerted by the textile straps used in the
harness, and especially by their edges.
3. Study Material
Figure 1
Safety harnesses tested in terms of their effects on the user’s body in suspension.
Table 1
Safety harnesses used in the tests.
All of the tested harnesses were of medium-large size and fit the
human subjects.
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4. Test Method
• The study participants were coached on the test procedure and safety
precautions as well as told what they should pay attention to in terms
of the effects of the harness on their body.
• The participants were familiarized with the harness; they donned it
and the harness was fit to their body according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
• The participants performed several exercises such as forward bends,
squats, and jumps to verify harness fit to their body.
• A 2 m long Kevlar rope was attached to the selected attachment point
on the harness, with its other end being attached to the hook of a
lifting device.
• After the participant’s consent, the lifting device was switched on and
the participant was lifted approx. 10–15 cm above floor level.
• The participant remained suspended for 3 min (time was controlled
with a stopwatch),
• During the test the participant and the harness were photographed.
• The participant was lowered to the floor and took off the safety
harness.
• The participant filled out the questionnaire, thus recording the test
results.
• The participant rested for approx. 30 min and performed light
physical exercises to restore normal body function.
After the test, the participants filled out a questionnaire about their
experience while being suspended in the safety harness; the questions
concerned:
During the trials the participants wore light clothes that did not hinder
their movements, such as T-shirts, track suit pants, and sports shoes.
5. Study Results
Table 2
Participants’ observations from the trials.
Attachment Point
Safety (Symbols as in Figure
Observation
Harness 3, Figure 4, Figure
5 and Figure 6)
• Toe numbness (one case)
H1 X • Chest compression by shoulder straps (one
case)
• Suspension time shortened to 2 min due to
X strong thigh pain caused by compression in the
H2 crotch area (one case)
Y • Sit strap shifted above the buttocks (four cases)
• Shoulder straps tightening around the base of
X
the neck (one case)
H3
• Spinal pain in the lumbar area due to posterior
Y
hyperextension while suspended (three cases)
• Upward shift of the waist strap causing
X compression of the abdomen and ribs (three
H4 cases)
• Downward shift of the posterior part of the
Z
thigh straps causing discomfort (one case)
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6. Summary
• Harness models H1, H2, and H3 in which the shoulder and thigh straps
crossed at hip level caused compression of the crotch area while using
both dorsal (X) and sternal (Y) attachment points. This phenomenon
was also found in a study examining the pressure of thigh straps on an
anthropometric dummy [36]. This is caused by the “vertical”
orientation of the thigh straps and the resulting compression by the
edges of textile straps. Both studies involving human subjects and an
anthropometric dummy [36] showed that the use of cushioning pads
(as in harness H3) alleviates the problem by reducing compression.
• Harness H4 generated the lowest degree of unacceptable thigh strap
compression, especially when the participant was suspended from the
ventral attachment point (Z). As that attachment point is situated near
the human center of gravity, the user’s thighs were oriented
horizontally, while thigh straps with cushioning pads were loaded
across their entire width. This phenomenon was also observed in a
study of thigh strap compression on the surface of an anthropometric
dummy [36].
• In harness models H1, H2, and H4 suspended from the dorsal (X)
attachment point, the edges of the shoulder straps exerted pressure
on the base of the neck. This was caused by the shoulder straps
coming too close together at neck level. From the standpoint of
harness design, this resulted either from an inappropriate location of
the dorsal attachment point (X) or its upward displacement due to
harness loading.
• In some cases of suspension from the dorsal attachment point (X), the
shoulder straps of harnesses H1-H4 compressed the front of the chest
at clavicle level, which was also noted in paper [36]. In terms of safety
harness design, this was attributable to the too low position of the
dorsal attachment point (X) and the loosening of the shoulder straps.
• In harness models H2 and H3 compression was exerted by shoulder
and thigh straps crossing at hip level when the sternal attachment
point (Y) was used. This was caused by the forces acting on the
shoulder and thigh straps, which brought them closer together, thus
putting pressure on the user’s body. This effect was also reported
from a study involving an anthropometric dummy [36].
• In harness H4, the waist belt (for work positioning) compressed the
user’s abdomen and inferior ribs when suspended from the dorsal
attachment point. This was caused by the upward movement of the
waist belt in conjunction with the user leaning forward. From the
standpoint of safety harness design, this phenomenon was
attributable to excessive elasticity of the harness part (straps) below
the waist belt, which was not able to prevent belt shifting under
loading.
• Harness H3 suspended from the sternal attachment point (Y) caused
the posterior spinal hyperextension of the suspended user. This was
attributable to the insufficient tensioning of the shoulder straps and
the low position of the attachment point, as a result of which the
upper part of the user’s back remained unsupported. Analysis in terms
of safety harness design indicates that the problem was caused by the
fact that the frontal attachment point was located too close to the
user’s center of gravity, as well as by the loosening of the shoulder
straps (e.g., by the slippage of the textile straps in adjustment
buckles).
7. Conclusions
In addition, during the tests, it was observed that the human subjects
carefully fit the harnesses to their body. This means that the fit could
significantly affect the comfort in the state of suspension. This
problem has not been solved so far and it is planned to undertake
research in this area. As a result of these studies, a measure of the fit
of the harness to the user’s body and an assessment of its impact on
comfort in the suspended state should be developed. Thanks to this, it
will be possible to develop a procedure for checking the correct fit of
the harness intended for users of personal equipment protecting
against falls from a height. It is also planned to undertake study
related to the assessment of the harness’s effect on the user’s body in
dynamic conditions (i.e., during the fall arrest). These tests will take
into account the participation of larger group of human subjects,
various harness constructions as well as various types of connecting
and shock-absorbing components affecting the fall arrest force
[40,41,42].
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Funding Statement
This paper is based on the results of a research task carried out as part
of the fifth stage of the National Program “Improvement of safety and
working conditions”, partly supported in 2020–2022—within the
scope of research and development—by the National Centre for
Research and Development. The Central Institute for Labor
Protection—National Research Institute is the Program’s main
coordinator.
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The ethical review and approval of this study were waived for this
study as they were carried out in accordance with the requirements of
the standard EN 813 Personal fall protection equipment—Sit
harnesses.
The data presented in this study are available on request from the
corresponding author.
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Conflicts of Interest
Footnotes
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