Full definition
A full-body fall arrest system worn by workers performing tasks at height, designed to distribute fall arrest forces across the shoulders, thighs, and pelvis — the body's strongest skeletal structures — to minimize injury during a fall. Components: (1) Full-body harness — dorsal D-ring (primary fall arrest attachment), chest D-ring (ladder climbing), side D-rings (work positioning); adjustment at legs, chest, and shoulders. (2) Connecting device — shock-absorbing lanyard (limits arrest force to <8 kN/1,800 lbs per ANSI Z359.13), self-retracting lifeline (SRL, automatic tension and retraction, fastest arrest), or rope grab on vertical lifeline. (3) Anchorage — rated for 5,000 lbs (22 kN) per OSHA, or 2x maximum arrest force per ANSI. Per ANSI Z359.11 (full-body harness), ANSI Z359.1 (fall protection code), and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M. In Mexico: NOM-009-STPS-2011 (work at height). Harnesses must be inspected before each use (webbing for cuts/burns/fraying, hardware for deformation/corrosion, stitching integrity), and retired after a fall arrest event or per manufacturer life limit (typically 5 years from first use). Brands: 3M/DBI-SALA, MSA, Honeywell Miller, Petzl. Training required per OSHA and NOM-009-STPS.