How to Use a Retrieval Harness

A retrieval harness, also known as a rope access and rescue harness, is similar to a universal safety harness. These specialized harnesses can be worn for emergency and rescue services, tower maintenance, industrial rope access work, and more.

Before you put on a retrieval harness, inspect it thoroughly for any excessive wear. This includes rusted hardware, frayed ends, or tears in the material. You should never use a harness that was used during a fall as it may have been damaged.

Your employer may ask you to manually inspect the harness or complete an inspection checklist each time you are to wear the retrieval harness. The inspection checklist may include an illustration of the harness and include inspection of the webbing, D-rings, attachment of buckles, tongues and grommets, tongue buckles, friction and mating buckles, and lanyards.

Some retrieval harnesses are available in contrasting colors to help you with orientation when putting the harness on quickly. Slide the harness on like a vest and adjust the shoulder straps, so that the rear D-ring sits between your shoulder blades. You can wrap each leg strap around your thighs and adjust accordingly. Most leg straps use either a belt buckle adjustment strap or a spring tension.

When adjusting the straps, make sure they are a snug fit, but not too tight. You should be able to slide your hand between the strap and your leg, but not your entire fist. Some brands feature leg loops. In this case, you will need to step through the waist portion of the harness and into each leg loop and then adjust as needed.

You will need to adjust the waist loop, so that the D-rings on the sides sit on your hips to avoid falling out of your harness. Adjust the chest strap, so that the D-ring sits at sternum level.

Each retrieval harness should come with easy-to-read instructions and your employer should conduct a harness safety course or training prior to using the retrieval harness on the job. Pay close attention to the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding care, usage, and maintenance. If you are not sure, ask your employer before using the retrieval harness.

Why Use a Retrieval Harness

Not only will a retrieval harness prevent injuries and possible death on the job, but it will also avoid steep OSHA penalties. In the 2015 Fiscal Year, OSHA identified Fall Protection as the number one frequently cited standard. Out of the top ten OSHA violations, a personal fall protection system in place could have avoided several of those citations.

If you plan to work in the general industry at elevations of four feet or higher, you will need a personal fall protection system, according to OSHA. Workers in shipyards need to take precautions with a fall protection system at elevations of five feet and above while construction workers should use a system at six feet and higher.

A retrieval harness as part of your company’s fall protection and fall arrest system can protect you from an accidental workplace death or severe injuries. If you plan to work on roofs, towers, near holes or skylights, or with dangerous equipment, consider using a retrieval harness as part of your system.

Retrieval Harness Options

Typical retrieval harnesses are available in sizes Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large and are created from a durable material with a user weight capacity of up to 310 pounds. Some brands provide a universal fit, so adjust according to your shape and outerwear before using the retrieval harness.

The harness may feature locking quick-connect buckles or tongue buckle grommet leg connections. Each piece of high-strength hardware should be resistant to corrosion.

Padding is an option with many retrieval harnesses. Choose a harness with a padding that can withstand changes in temperature to avoid your padding becoming brittle during the cold season. Some harnesses provide removable padding.

Your retrieval harness may have lanyard keepers, sewn in lanyards, or break-away lanyards. The chest strap may be in the shape of an “X” making it easier to keep the straps on your shoulders.

Depending on the brand, the retrieval harness may have fall arrest indicators to alert you to any problems and for quick checking.

For suspension work, consider the saddle feature on a retrieval harness. Many are made with padding from a durable material for extra comfort while working.

Retrieval harnesses can be used with confined space equipment. These tripod rescue systems typically use lifelines that are 50 to 60 feet in length. Your employer should provide training prior to using a confined space rescue system with your retrieval harness.

Other Benefits, Options, and Tips

A retrieval harness may include a back pad for comfort during suspension work. This pad may be removable.

You may be able to purchase a retrieval harness with an integrated hydration and cool pouch for longer climbs. Hydration packs are also available as a separate feature and can hold up to 50 ounces of liquid.

The overall material including the webbing of the retrieval harness should be able to withstand the elements during different seasons as well as be chemical and electrical conductivity resistant depending on the nature of your job.

During a rescue or evacuation mission, time is of the essence. Make sure your retrieval harness is easy to put on over your clothing or outerwear. You may want to practice this several times before having to use the harness on the job.

The retrieval harness you choose should meet OSHA regulations, fit comfortably, and work with your company’s fall protection system. You can opt-in for additional features, but make sure that these options do not interfere with the harness system or get in your way while you are working.