Safety Ensured: Proper Donning and Usage Guide for the 5-Point Full Body Fall Arrest Harness

Executive Summary: Why Choose the 5-Point Full Body Harness?

In Malaysia and Singapore, fall protection is paramount across construction sites, bridge maintenance, and Oil and Gas (O and G) operations on towers and rigs. The 5-Point Full Body Fall Arrest Harness is the industry standard. It features two primary attachment points (chest and back) and five adjustable areas (shoulders, chest, legs) designed to distribute the impact forces of a fall, maximizing worker protection.

I. Critical Pre-Use Inspection

As mandated by DOSH (Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Malaysia) and MOM (Ministry of Manpower, Singapore), a stringent inspection must be carried out before every use to ensure the harness is in optimal condition.

1. Webbing and Hardware Check (D-Rings and Buckles)

• Webbing: Check for cuts, fraying, burns, chemical damage, or paint stains. The webbing must be pliable and free of excessive fuzziness.

• Metal Hardware: Inspect the D-Rings (back and chest) for deformation, cracks, or rust. All buckles must function correctly and lock securely.

• Label/Tag: Verify that the manufacturer's label is legible, containing the model, serial number, and date of manufacture. Confirm the harness is within its stipulated service life.

2. Stitching Integrity

• Carefully examine the stitching on all load-bearing sections. Any broken, loose, or discolored threads can signal compromised harness strength.

II. Correct Donning Procedure for the 5-Point Harness

Proper donning is fundamental to the harness's protective function. Follow this Five-Step Method:

Step 1: Holding and Orientation

• Hold Vertically: Hold the harness by the D-Ring on the back. Let all straps hang freely to ensure there are no twists or tangles.

• Distinguish Top/Bottom: The D-Ring is typically located between the shoulder blades, defining the top of the harness.

Step 2: Putting on the Shoulder Straps

• Put the harness on like a vest, ensuring the two shoulder straps sit properly on your shoulders. The back D-Ring should be positioned between the shoulder blades (or slightly below the neck)—this is the optimal attachment point for fall arrest.

Step 3: Connecting the Chest Strap

• Connect: Fasten or buckle the chest strap across the front of the chest.

• Position Requirement: The chest strap should be centered on the sternum, not too high (to avoid choking) or too low (to prevent shoulder strap slippage).

Step 4: Fastening the Leg Straps

• Pass Through: Bring the two leg straps through the crotch area and fasten them around the upper thighs.

• Tightness Standard: The leg straps must be secure but comfortable. A simple test: once fastened, you should be able to slide one flat hand between the strap and your leg, but not easily rotate it. Loose leg straps are a primary cause of Suspension Trauma.

Step 5: Final Check and Adjustments

• Tighten All Straps: Adjust and tighten the shoulder, leg, and waist straps (if equipped). All buckles must be securely locked.

• Verify D-Ring Position: Reconfirm the back D-Ring is in the correct position for connection.

III. Critical Safety Principle: Anchor Above Head (Gao Gua Di Yong)

The Anchor Above Head Principle (Gao Gua Di Yong) is the golden rule of working at height. The core concept is to position the anchorage point higher than the worker's dorsal attachment point (the back D-Ring) to minimize the Free Fall Distance and reduce the forces imposed during a fall arrest.

1. Benefits of High Anchorage

• Minimizing Free Fall Distance: When the anchor is above the worker, the lanyard and energy absorber engage immediately upon descent, significantly shortening the distance of the fall.

• Reducing Arresting Force: Shorter fall distances mean less energy needs to be absorbed, resulting in a smaller impact force transmitted to the worker's body, reducing the risk of internal injury.

• Avoiding Obstruction Contact: Quicker arrest greatly reduces the risk of the worker striking platforms, scaffolding, or other obstructions below.

2. Anchorage Selection and Requirements

• Position Requirement: The anchor point must be located vertically above the worker's attachment point (the back D-Ring).

• Strength Requirement: The anchor must be a fixed point, independent of the working platform or scaffold structure, and capable of withstanding the minimum impact force required by MOM/DOSH (typically 5000 lbs or 22 kN static load).

IV. Dual Lanyard Usage and Fall Arrest Principle

Dual lanyards (usually two energy-absorbing lanyards) are standard for continuous connection, ensuring the worker is always attached while moving.

1. The "100 percent Tie-Off" Rule

• Purpose: To ensure the worker remains connected to an anchor point at all times while transitioning between different anchorages.

• Operation: NEVER unclip both lanyards simultaneously. Unclip one lanyard, attach it to the new anchor point, confirm the connection is secure, and then unclip the second lanyard. This ensures the worker is 100 percent protected throughout the movement.

Conclusion

Whether operating on a skyscraper construction site in Kuala Lumpur or within a petrochemical facility on Jurong Island, Singapore, the correct use of the Dual Lanyard 5-Point Full Body Fall Arrest Harness is the foundation of working-at-height safety. Strict adherence to the Pre-Use Inspection, the 100 percent Tie-Off Rule, and the Anchor Above Head Principle is the indispensable safety duty of every worker operating at height.