Which safety belt to choose for working at height: TOP-13 best safety belts

• Types of harnesses
• Elements of personal protective equipment
• Product requirements
• Verification algorithm
• Harness rating
• Which harness is best?

Safety harnesses are special individual devices for protecting against falls from a height.
They ensure the safety of installation work and are also used for rock climbing and mountaineering. A person’s life depends on the quality and reliability of safety harnesses, so their choice must be taken responsibly. Among the variety of harnesses, it is not easy to choose the right model, so this top was created. There are many types of harnesses on the market today. Regardless of the type of device, it must undergo certification and safety tests.

Regulatory documents define 4 types of safety harnesses:

• For positioning

  . The device consists of an adjustable safety belt with a buckle and fastenings for slings. Additionally, a soft lining is included for comfort during long periods of work. Fixes the installer in one place. Does not provide complete safety, so is not suitable for work at high-rises.

• Retaining devices

  . The product includes a harness made of a wide adjustable sash belt and two elements attached to it, which are connected to slings. Sometimes additional straps are included. The model is used to limit the movement of a high-altitude worker. Does not prevent falls from great heights.

• For sitting position

  . The device consists of straps, fastening units and sometimes a seat. Designed for the convenience of sitting work of a high-altitude worker in a space without support.

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• Special devices

  . The product includes special harnesses. Used for high-altitude work with welding or open fire.

There are several types depending on the number of attachment points:

• Single point

  models include sliders, shock absorbers and anchor linear mechanisms. There are no hip or shoulder straps. Attachment points are located on the back or chest. Using a single-point model, it is possible to move along an anchor line. In case of a sharp fall, it is automatically fixed and prevents a sharp fall. Used when working at low heights or on slopes.

• By using point-to-point

  models, structures are secured to prevent falls. For this purpose, slings with a shock absorption system, individual retractor-type devices, slider-type clamps, etc. are used. The systems include belts for wrapping the legs and shoulders. Attachment points are located on the back and chest.

• Three-point

  models are classified into two types. In the first case, the fastenings include a belt and shoulder elements. The second type of device consists of a belt with straps on the hips. Three-point products are capable of limiting the movement of a worker.

• Four-point

  models contain straps on the shoulders and hips, fasteners on the back and chest for a sling. In systems with two fastening elements, lanyard fastening elements are included, which are complemented by two loops.

• Five-point

  models contain a belt, straps that clasp the hips and shoulders, two sling fastening elements that perform an insurance function, and a sling fastening element for lifting and descending purposes. Used when working at high altitudes or in mountaineering and rock climbing.

A safety harness is a system consisting of several elements:

• Shoulder straps

  , located at the optimal distance and not causing neck injuries.

• Hip straps

  , with elastic, comfortable lining.

• Rear linkages

  for connecting shoulder and leg straps.

• Strap sash

  for additional back support.

• Loops for carabiners and equipment

  .

• Self-locking buckles

  that prevent accidental unfastening or loosening of the belts.

Safety harness. 1 – shoulder strap, 2 – buckle, 3 – rings (fastening element), 4 – auxiliary straps, 5 – part of the sash, 6 – sash belt, 7 – hip straps.

Any harness must meet the general requirements:

• Material

  must withstand mechanical loads exceeding the weight of the worker. When used at welding or open flame heights, the fabric must be resistant to high temperatures. When using explosive substances, the material must be impregnated with oil and gasoline resistant solutions.

• Ribbons and threads

  must be made of homogeneous or multi-fiber fabrics.

• Width of main straps

  not less than 4 cm, and
  auxiliary ones
  - not less than 2 cm. This prevents the straps from cutting into the body and ensures comfortable use.

• Color

  the device or its elements must be bright. Contrasting shades of threads on the product allow you to monitor the condition of the loops and identify unsuitability.

• Weight

  the harness should be small.

• The product is adjustable

  individually tailored to the figure of a high-altitude climber. The straps and waistband should not adjust spontaneously.

When purchasing a device, you must check it according to the following algorithm:

• Inspection for the presence and integrity of the structure.
• Check for abrasions, broken threads, dirty stains, thermal and chemical influences.
• Inspection of seams.
• Checking metal parts.
• The product must be checked before each use. If a malfunction is suspected, the product is sent for examination.

Before use, the product must undergo testing, the frequency of which depends on the GOST rules. Before use, you must study the instructions for each element.

• The harness is fully donned before use.
• The positions of the attachment point on the back are adjusted, and then the shoulder straps are tightened.
• The shoulder straps are attached to the belt using carabiners and buckles.
• Tests for resistance to required temperature conditions, chemicals and sharp objects.

Based on regulatory requirements, price-quality ratio and expert and user assessments, this top was compiled.

Rating of the 12 best harnesses for 2022.

Gigant SP 1

In twelfth position is the Gigant SP 1 model. It is produced in Russia. The cheapest on the list.

The product includes only one fastening, which is located on the back in the form of a D-ring. Used in rescue operations and evacuations. The device must be supplemented with shock absorbers and slings made of tape or rope 2-50 m long. Static breaking load is at least 15 kN. Product weight – 0.5 kg.

Pros:

• Low cost.
• The model is adjustable to the figure of a high-altitude climber.
• Complies with GOST.

Minuses:

• One attachment point.
• Not suitable for working at high altitudes.
• Inconvenient model.

What is a mounting belt?

When considering the design features of mounting belts, it is worth paying attention to what elements they consist of:

Installation work using mounting belts

• a belt that, depending on the size of the person, can be adjusted in volume to the required levels to ensure maximum comfort;
• sash - a soft lining that is located under the inside of the belt. With its help, chafing of the skin is prevented due to a fairly rigid belt and comfort is ensured when performing very long work;
• metal rings made in a D-shape. This is a component element of such a part as a carabiner for a mounting belt;
• safety cord in the form of a polymer rope;
• shock-absorbing devices - often serve to absorb energy in certain critical situations;
• tool sockets. If the tool mounting belt has such a socket, then this frees the worker’s hands from objects that are not needed at a certain point in time.

Gigant USP 2 Zhuk

In eleventh position is the Gigant USP 2 Zhuk model with a widened sash. It is produced in Russia and has a low cost.

The model includes four attachment points, which are represented by two D-rings for retention, front attachment points and back attachment points. The device must be supplemented with shock absorbers and slings made of tape or rope 2-50 m long. Static breaking load is at least 15 kN. Used in evacuation and rescue work. Product weight – 1.1 kg.

Pros:

• Low cost.
• The model is adjustable to the figure of a high-altitude climber.
• Complies with GOST.
• Large belt coverage range – 74-144 cm.
• Material – textile.

Minuses:

• Not suitable for working at high altitudes.
• Used only for fixing the height riser.

We make a tool organizer with our own hands

How to make a tool belt? This question worries many masters. Let's try to answer it.

You will need an old leather belt, preferably a military one. We will attach all kinds of fastenings and pockets to it. Straps from an old backpack or bag can be used as compartments for storing pliers and screwdrivers. To be able to attach a bunch of wrenches to the belt, it is appropriate to attach several carabiners to the product.

It would also be a good idea to equip a couple of pockets - you can put all sorts of small things in them, such as nails, screws, fasteners, etc. That's all - your DIY tool belt is ready!

SPRUT USP II aAZh, PP 2 AZh/sling/tape with shock absorber

In tenth place is SPRUT USP II aAZh, PP 2 AZh/sling/tape with shock absorber. The product is made in Russia and has a low cost.

The device consists of a belt with a buckle, a sash, shoulder and hip straps, fastening elements, a sling made of polyamide tape with a metal carabiner. It includes three attachment points, two of which are located on the belt and one on the back. The attachment points are made of metal D-rings. Product weight – 1.8 kg.

Pros:

• Low cost.
• Universal size that can be adjusted to fit any figure.
• Durable material – polyamide.
• Withstands loads up to 150 kg.
• Complies with GOST.

Minuses:

• A small number of attachment points.
• Not suitable for working at high altitudes.

Bison Professional 11593

In ninth position is Zubr Professional 11593. The product is manufactured in Russia. The cost is average.

The product consists of four attachment points, two of which are located on the side parts of the device, one on the back, and one on the chest. Product weight – 2 kg.

Pros:

• High security.
• Requires working at heights.
• Durable material – textile, steel.
• Provides long service life.
• Complies with GOST.

Minuses:

• Small range of belt adjustment – ​​114-144 cm.
• The kit does not include a safety lanyard.

PROGRESS SEFETI US 2 GZH

In eighth place is the PROGRESS SEFETI US 2 GZh model. It is produced in Russia. Has a low cost.

The system includes harnesses with shoulder and thigh straps and a lanyard. The product consists of three attachment points, two of which are located on the belt and one on the back. A sling made of tape or rope 2-50 m in length can be attached to the harness. Static breaking load – not less than 15 kN. Product weight – 2.3 kg.

Pros:

• Allows you to work at high altitudes.
• Large belt range – 74-144 cm.
• The shock absorber protects against injury from falls.
• Low cost.
• Complies with GOST.

Minuses:

• The heaviest of the presented models.

Tips and recommendations when choosing a mounting safety belt

The main attention is paid to the following criteria:

• fastening straps. They may look like tapes of durable synthetic material, synthetic or metal ropes, or steel chains;
• type of safety belt. It can be simply a belt with a girdle on the back without straps, have only shoulder straps, a saddle strap, or hip and shoulder straps;
• compliance with GOST criteria. The health and life of the worker depends on this. And it is this indicator that tells the truth about the reliability of the harness, and not the seller’s annotation. So, if the task is to protect against dangerous freezing, stalling and associated consequences, then this is GOST PREH 363 2007. Protection according to GOST R 12.4.205-99 is weaker. Such a harness reduces the risk of falls and injury, but does not reduce them to zero.

Video - Testing safety lanyards with shock absorbers

The process of purchasing a safety kit will become easier if you initially decide what type of work it will be used for and how long the worker will be in this condition. If for long and complex operations at high altitudes, you should not spare money for additional comfort. A conventional harness with a ring and a lanyard may be as strong as a more sophisticated one, but it is uncomfortable, which can greatly affect the health of the builder and the quality of work.

Video - Roof insurance, a reliable and easy way

"Height 016" "Vento"

In seventh place is the safety model “Height 016” “Vento”. It is produced in Russia. Has an average price.

The model includes five attachment points that allow it to be used as a safety, restraint and positioning harness. The product is complemented by a wide sash. The design ensures uniform distribution of the load on the waist and leg girths. It is possible to integrate a working seat. Product weight – 1.6 kg.

Pros:

• Suitable for working in unsupported spaces.
• LED strips.
• Large belt range – 70-130 cm.
• Complies with GOST.
• Withstands loads up to 150 kg.
• Material – polyamide, steel.

Minuses:

• None.

SPRUT VPK-1

The sixth position is occupied by the SPRUT VPK-1 safety harness. Produced in Russia. The cost is average.

The product includes three attachment points. One point is located on the back and serves as an insurance. The other two are located on the sides of the product and serve for holding and positioning. The device ensures uniform distribution of the load on the shoulder straps, belt and leg loops when stopping a sharp fall. Product weight – 1.05 kg.

Pros:

• The presence of a wide belt with a mesh that repels excess moisture, and loops for hanging equipment.
• The model is adjustable to the figure of a high-altitude climber.
• Complies with GOST.

Minuses:

• None.

Testing the harness device

To certify safety belts and their elements, dynamic and static tests for strength and wear are carried out with them. A harness is placed on a dummy weighing 100 kilograms. Each fastening element (above the center of gravity, front on the chest, back on the back or on the shoulder girdle) is tested by applying a static load of 15 kN between the lower ring of the dummy mounting bolt and the harness fastening for 3 minutes. During testing, the dummy is not allowed to fall out of the harness.

Dynamic load testing of fastening elements is carried out as follows: a harness is put on a 100 kg dummy and free fall tests are performed (one upside down and one feet down) from a height of 4 meters. As a result of both free fall tests, the dummy must be in a head-up position at the end point of the fall, and the angle of inclination between the vertical and the dummy's back must not exceed 50 degrees. The integrity of the straps and seam connections must not be compromised.

Potential Premium Fast SP-10 yellow

Fifth position – harnesses Potential Premium Fast SP-10 yellow. Produced in Russia. The cost is average.

The product consists of five attachment points, which are represented by a half-ring on the back, an abdominal attachment point, and two side attachment points on the belt for working in support. They are designed to distribute the load evenly between the waist and leg straps. Product weight – 1.9 kg.

Pros:

• Used for insurance and safe stopping in case of a sharp fall.
• Suitable for sedentary work at height.
• The range of applications is wide.
• There is a wide sash made of breathable material.
• Material: polyester tape.
• Complies with GOST.

Minuses:

• Not detected.

"Alpha 5.0" "Vento"

The fourth position is occupied by the Alpha 5.0 Vento harnesses. They are produced in Russia. They have a low cost.

The device has four attachment points. Two of them record the correct position of the body in space after stopping the fall. One point is located on the chest, performs the function of insurance and consists of a fixed half-ring and a mating closing part. Additionally, you need to purchase a carbine. Another point is located on the back of the shoulder straps, designed to absorb shock when stopping a sharp fall and is equipped with an extension for communication with other devices. Product weight – 1.4 kg.

Pros:

• Protects against falls from heights.
• Used in work in the support space.
• The presence of a wide belt with two attachment points for holding and positioning.
• The ribbons have color divisions.
• There is a jerk indicator.
• There are loops for hanging equipment on a belt.
• Material: tapes with reflective threads.
• Complies with GOST.
• Withstands loads up to 150 kg.
• Wide range of belt circumference – 70-108 cm.
• Ease of use.

Minuses:

• None.

Types of safety belts

When asked why a high-altitude worker needs safety equipment, most will answer - so as not to fall and injure himself. This is only partly true. Some categories of belts do not eliminate the risk of falling at all, but only smooth out its consequences:

Types of safety belts

CAMP GOLDEN TOP PLUS L-XXL 0921112

The third position is occupied by the CAMP GOLDEN TOP PLUS L-XXL 0921112 safety harness. The brand and production are localized in Italy. It has a high cost.

The device has five attachment points, two of which are in the front, one in the back and two on the sides. The leg loops feature steel fittings and STS quick-release buckles. Product weight – 2.1 kg.

Pros:

• There are pads on the lower back and on the leg loops.
• Complies with GOST.
• Withstands loads up to 150 kg.
• Material – polyamide.
• Has a large waist circumference range - 80-130 cm.
• Several sizes available.

Minuses:

• High price.

"Profi Universal" "Vento"

On the second line is the “Profi Universal” “Vento” safety harness. Country of origin: Russia. Has the lowest cost in the top three.

The product includes five attachment points. One of them is located on the back and performs a safety function. Two side ones, one on the back of the waist and one on the abdominal side are designed to position and hold the body in space. The device evenly distributes the load throughout the body while stopping the fall. Its weight is 1.57-1.7 kg.

Pros:

• Used when working at height in unsupported space.
• Use as a safety harness.
• Has a jerk indicator.
• There is a wide sash and leg loops with a 3D mesh, which acts as a uniform air distributor and allows you to perform work for a long time.
• It is possible to additionally install a working seat.
• Has loops for hanging equipment.
• The harness will include strips of LED material.
• Complies with GOST.
• Withstands loads up to 150 kg.
• Relatively low cost.

Minuses:

• None.

GOST requirements for a safety harness

Tests and testing for strength and wear of safety harnesses are regulated by GOST R EN 361-2008. The requirements for the design of a safety harness according to GOST are as follows:

• A safety harness (safety belt) for work at height should include straps that provide coverage of the body in the shoulders and pelvic area.
• Straps and threads for sewing power seams must be uniform and made of natural or synthetic fiber.
• To facilitate the search for damage to the stitching areas during a visual inspection of the harness, the threads used for stitching should differ in color or brightness from the material of the straps.
• The width of cargo (main) straps must be at least 4 centimeters, auxiliary straps - at least 2 centimeters.
• The fiber tensile strength of cargo straps must be at least 0.6 N/tex.
• Fastening buckles must have a special design to prevent incorrect fastening. The metal of buckles and other metal elements of the harness must meet the requirements of anti-corrosion protection and must exclude the presence of sharp edges, burrs, and traces of corrosion. Tarnishing or white coating is acceptable.
• The attachment points for fall arrest devices should be located on the harness above the worker's center of gravity: in front of the chest, on both shoulders, or behind the worker's back.
• It is permissible to integrate the assembled harness into clothing, but this should not prevent its proper operation and visual inspection for damage.

For ease of use, the harness can be adjusted in size using adjustable buckles. Oversized safety harnesses are also available for large workers or for work in severe weather conditions, when the harness is worn over insulated outerwear.

You can buy everything you need to assemble a safety harness and ready-to-use certified safety harnesses for work at height in any weather conditions in our online store at gor-alp.ru. Also available are ready-made safety systems, which are harnesses equipped with shock absorbers and safety lanyards.

To operate a safety harness in aggressive acidic environments, when carrying out welding or hot work, harnesses made of fire-resistant materials and materials of increased wear resistance are used. You can also find and order a safety belt made from such materials in our online store.

Delta Plus HAR24

The best model is the Delta Plus HAR24 harness. Their brand is fixed in France, but production is carried out in China. The cost is high, but the high quality justifies it.

The product includes four attachment points. Its advantage over other models lies in enhanced protection of the chest area. Product weight – 1.7 kg.

Pros:

• It can be rotated 120 degrees.
• Complies with GOST.
• Withstands loads up to 150 kg.
• The harness is adjusted using buckles on the straps.
• There is a fall indicator.
• The straps on the back and hips are padded for comfort.
• There is a soft back pad for added comfort.
• There are two additional mounting loops.
• The waistband has a thermoformed back area and is fastened with a wide contact strip.
• There is a pocket for your phone.

Minuses:

• High price.

What you need to pay special attention to when using harnesses

Carefully read the operating instructions for this particular harness model! Study every point regarding the correct donning, fixation and adjustment of all elements of the harness.

• Before use, conduct a visual inspection of the harness elements for corrosion, abrasions, integrity of seams, etc., and check for tears.
• Pay special attention to attaching the safety lines and positioning lanyards to the strictly designated attachment points!
• Subject to the rules of operation and careful use, in the absence of damage, the shelf life of the safety harness is 10 years from the date of production.
• Detection of traces of corrosion of metal components, mechanical damage to slings, straps, abrasions of power seams, visible effects of aggressive agents or substances (chemical burns, melts, scorches) on the elements of the safety harness is grounds for its write-off.

You can order and buy safety harnesses for high-altitude work by placing an order on the website or by calling the specified phone number.