DIAGRAM OF HARNESS, LABELLED

(1) Inspect the harness for damage/excessive wear. Ensure the harness is correctly oriented and free of twists.

(2) Step into the harness like a pair of shorts. Ensuring both legs pass through the waist loop and into their respective leg loops.

     Tip:  Ensure the harness is sufficiently loosened before trying to fit.

(3) Tighten all adjustable loops, starting with the waist which should be tightened ‘snug’ and high (on the waist rather than the hips) then the leg loops where appropriate. The waist loop should be snug (eg. Fit two fingers underneath) to reduce the risk of the harness sliding off if the wearer is inverted in a fall. The leg loops may be slightly looser (eg. Four fingers (for large hands) or four fingers bent doubled (for small hands) underneath to reduce constriction of the thighs when legs are bent.

     Achtung! – An incorrectly fitted harness can accelerate the onset of harness hang syndrome.

(4) Double-back all buckles, a harness should NEVER be left half-fitted. Always either fully adjust and double-back or fully remove a harness.

     Tip: A non-doubled back buckle looks like an O (for Open) whilst a doubled back buckle looks like a C (for Closed).

DIAGRAM OF BUCKLE, OPEN AND CLOSED

(5) Perform a final check for fit, double backing and condition. Get someone else to buddy-check your harness.

     Tip: Never hesitate to check someone else’s harness no matter how experienced they are. You could save their life!