Occupational safety always comes first for our work teams and customers, especially when working on roofs. Our people know how important this becomes, if they accidentally lose their balance. That’s why we insist on them using safety harnesses when working in risky areas. We faced just a situation recently.
A client asked us to install gutters high up on their commercial building. The design and location made using ladders impractical. We had no choice but to work from the roof. Our standard procedure involved issuing additional safety equipment, and implementing a two-person rule.
What Exactly Are These Safety Harnesses?
Safety harnesses are protective equipment safeguarding wearers from falling, and injuring themselves. Our people attach themselves securely to a sold object, or safe fixing point nearby. They cannot fall to the ground unless the harness breaks, or the method of attachment fails.
The effectiveness of safety harnesses therefore depends on three things. In the first instance, the employer must supply adequate equipment from a trustworthy source. While the employee, from their side as user must deploy the equipment correctly. Finally, a competent colleague should check the attaching points to make sure they are secure.
Correct Safety Procedures Using Harnesses
- The wearer, and supervisor / colleague must always inspect the harness every time before they use it. Their checklist involves (a) making sure it is functionally intact, and working properly. The factors to consider include (b) any fraying, or damage from debris or sharp objects.
- Double checking, every time that the harness will stop the wearer’s fall after a drop of no more than six feet, or before they would otherwise strike the ground or a solid object. It is important to break the fall before their dropping speed becomes dangerous.
- Attaching the harness securely to two safe anchor points, as recommended in the supplier’s safety manual, and remembering to secure it to the user’s feet as well. This will enable them to work comfortably, and they can’t slip out of the harness accidentally.
- Having a supervisor / assistant re-check the attachment points carefully after each task. They should also examine the equipment thoroughly before removing it from the wearer.
No Substitute for Safety at Valiant Exteriors
Safety harnesses are essential equipment when working at heights. We will never compromise safety, no matter what this costs. Valiant Exteriors also takes customer safety to heart too. That’s why, if we ask a customer to step away from the work, we expect them to do so right away.
More Information
Attaching Medium Density Fibreboard Siding
Five-Point Synthetic Webbing Safety Harness (NOAA BY Public Domain)