One of the biggest risks in the construction industry is working at height. Every year, thousands of people fall from roofs worldwide, with dozens losing their lives. Some reports say that about 50 roofers are killed on the job each year. However, other reports say the figure is much higher.
Indeed, according to CNBC, of the top ten riskiest jobs anywhere on earth, roofing comes in at number four. This makes roofing riskier than truck driving and structural ironworkers, to name just a few.
To this end, if you’re a roofer or a DIY enthusiast excited about fixing roofing repairs and maintenance issues yourself, safety precautions are a must. You must find out ways to protect yourself while going up the roof and take measures to secure yourself as you work up there. That’s where a roofing safety harness comes in handy.
Safety harnesses significantly reduce the risk of falling during roofing or roof repair and maintenance. It also allows you to use your two hands freely while doing your work. Above all, it proves a safe way to bring tools up to the roof and down to the ground.
This guide reviews some of the best safety harnesses for roofers. More importantly, we discuss the importance of “harnessing” during roofing projects, types of harnesses, and how to select the right harness, among others.
The following are seven of the best roofing safety harnesses in 2021. When selecting, make sure to find one that fits you snugly. Also, it’s usually advisable to ask for professional recommendations.
Best Safety Harness for Roofing
1. KwikSafety Thunder Safety Harness
One of the most popular safety harnesses among roofers today is the Kwik Safety Thunder harness. It’s Amazon’s bestseller at the moment. The system includes a series of rigid straps interconnected via rings and buckles. The straps go around the thighs and shoulders for all-around comfort. Moreover, it’s built from synthetic materials for long-term use and unmatched durability.
One reason it’s so popular is that it is OSHA-approved and ANSI-recommended. The Thunder harness is also highly flexible and versatile, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of applications. It can also support a range of user weights and sizes, typically between 59 and 140 kilos. Whichever the weight, the comfort levels are unmatched.
Other features that stand out about the Thunder harness include the double-locking snap hook to prevent accidental rollouts. The snap has a tensile strength of 5,000 pounds and gate strength of 3,600 pounds.
Pros
- OSHA and ANSI approved
- Comfortable and adjustable for a universal fit
- Supports weights up to 140 kgs (310 pounds)
- Luminous yellow straps enhance visibility
Cons
- Permanent (undetachable) lanyard
- Straps require constant re-tightening
2. Palmer Safety Protection Full Body Harness
Palmer Safety is a global manufacturer of construction safety gear, and its full-body harness is one of the best fall arrest systems in the market. For one, this harness is 100% in compliance with OSHA and ANSI requirements. Additionally, it’s highly flexible, allowing workers to move around the roof with ease.
It comes with five easily accessible adjustable points. Remember that some harness systems only have two or three adjustment points. The extra attachment points improve comfort while boosting mobility. The attachment points include a Dorsal ring (D-ring) for fall arrest, hip D-rings, heavy-duty back support, and tongue buckle leg straps.
The webbings are made from polyester and are 1.73 inches wide for complete safety and comfort. They are also strong enough to support 5,000 pounds (breaking strength). The harness can support weights up to 240 pounds and comes in a silver or yellow galvanized finish with alloy steel metal components.
Pros
- Safe for use
- Extremely durable webbing
- Easily adjustable harness
- Affordable
Cons
- It only supports up to 240 lbs.
3. 3M DBI-SALA Large ExoFit NEX FBH
If you’re a professional, then the best full-body harness you can find at the moment is the 3M DBI-SALA from ExoFit. It’s easy to wear and remains comfortable throughout. It’s one of only a few harness systems that you can wear with one hand. In addition, a memory-fit web lock ensures that your settings are stored when you’re done working.
We also love that the 3M DBI-SALA is exceptionally lightweight. This increases comfort levels when you are working. Breathable padding and soft edging wrap around the wearer further improve comfort. It also doesn’t tangle when donning and wicks moisture to keep you fresh throughout.
This harness comes with a small porch to carry items such as your phone, a camera, or keys when getting on the roof. The porch opens and closes with one hand. It also comes with revolver vertical torso adjusters for safe and quick adjustment on the job.
Pros
- 3-D rings on the back and either side
- Pockets for carrying tools and other items
- Lanyard keeper breaks away to prevent trips/snags
- Excellent lumbar support
Cons
- A tad expensive
4. Warthog Full Body Harness
Another excellent full-body harness for professional roofers and construction workers is the Warthog FHB. This harness stands out for many reasons. For one, it comes in multiple sizes to fit all body sizes and types. Specifically, it’s available in four sizes, i.e., X-small, Small Medium Large, X-Large, XX-Large, and 3XL. All come in high-quality materials and comfortable straps.
Additionally, the Warthog boasts a built-in dual lanyard keeper that holds the lanyard out of the way to prevent tangling. This enables full-body movement without interfering with your work. It also accommodates a range of weights, typically between 130 and 310 pounds.
We also like the leg belt-type attachment. It’s valuable when you want to make some quick changes. It also fits comfortably. The harness meets all standards set by the ANSI, OSHA, and the CSA. So, you can proceed to use it with confidence.
Pros
- Dual lanyard keepers
- Accommodates a wide weight range
- Guarantees a comfortable fit
- Budget-friendly without compromising quality
Cons
- Misleading size instructions
- It only has two D-rings
5. Guardian Fall Protection 21030 Cyclone
Another excellent harness system is the 21030 Cyclone from Guardian. Guardian has been in the fall protection equipment industry since 1993 and provides some of the most revered equipment for the construction industry. Their products are also some of the most affordable.
This specific fall arrest system features six points of adjustment in addition to stretchable shoulder straps, allowing you to adjust the system to fit your body snugly. The stretchable shoulder straps also feature shoulder pads for added comfort. Additional pads are found on the waist belt to give sufficient support to the back.
However, this harness stands out for the extra features. For instance, it has an added tool belt to carry your tools up and down the roof easily. It also has side D-rings with built-in rollers for improved mobility. Above all, it’s available in various sizes to fit every worker.
Pros
- Lightweight and doesn’t restrict movement
- Side D-rings promote mobility
- Allows the legs to stay in the right position
- Affordable without skimping on quality
Cons
- The waist strap feels a little tight for larger bodies
6. X-Ben 5 D-Ring Fall Protection Safety Harness
The X-Ben 5 D-Ring fall arrest system is a full-body fall protection system with all the bells and whistles of a modern safety harness. For one, it is built with quality in mind, with load-bearing straps that can handle almost any weight. Moreover, the straps are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions for long life.
You’ll also appreciate that it’s a very lightweight harness. Carrying the harness on your body for hours on the roof can be a harrowing ordeal. This harness is made from lightweight components that allow you to go about your work without feeling the weight on your back. It’s made purely from synthetic material.
Above all, we love that the X-Ben is very easy to wear and take off. The straps untangle with ease and are adjustable even with one hand. This makes it easy to adjust even while on the roof. It can hold weights up to 310 pounds (140kgs) and comes with an elastic loop for increased flexibility.
Pros
- Strong, leading-bearing straps
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Withstands harsh environmental conditions
- Easy to wear and take off
Cons
- The buckles slip off too easily
7. Frontline Fall Protection 100RCTB FBH
Finally, the model 100RDTB full body harness from Frontline is a high-performance, durable and reliable equipment designed for the harshest conditions. It features orange and reflecting webbing for safety reasons and can carry plenty of weight up and down the roof. The suspension trauma straps are another feature that stands out.
Other things you’ll like about the fall arrest system from Firstline include the back, shoulder, and waist pads. The moisture-wicking pads improve breathability, thus boosting comfort. They also reduce fatigue and heat exhaustion. In addition, a reinforced belt and rigid pad support the tool belt without causing sagging.
The harness also features aluminum quick-connect buckles on the chest and strap & tongue buckles on the leg straps for fast and easy adjustment. In addition, two lanyard keepers on the shoulder help prevent tripping hazards.
Pros
- Has back, shoulder, and waist pads
- High-tenacity polyester webbing
- Lightweight, aluminum quick-connect buckles
- Two lanyards keep preventing tripping
Cons
- It’s a tad expensive
What is a Roofing Harness?
A safety harness, also known as a personal fall arrest system (PFAS), is a piece of protective equipment designed purposely to offer protection to people exposed to a significant level of risk. The typical harness is an attachment between a stationary and a mobile object. In most cases, it comprises four main parts, a rope, locking hardware, and cable or webbing.
Personal fall arrest systems are considered a safety and health standard for workers in high-risk industries such as engineering and mining. Roofers and firefighters also wear harnesses at all times during work. In addition, some states have recently made it mandatory to wear harnesses for certain jobs.
Roofing harnesses are safety harnesses made purposely for people working on roofs. These include professional roofers and DIYers. They are pretty much the same as harnesses for other at-height jobs.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates roofing PFAS systems for everyone working on a high-sloping roof six or more feet off the ground and not using guardrails and safety nets. You are also required to use a personal fall arrest system when working on a low-sloped roof of 4:12 or less if you’re not using an alternative safety system.
The law is even stricter in Canada, where anyone working at the height of three meters or higher and not using safety guardrails must wear a PFAS system.
PFAS vs. Fall Restraint Systems
However, before you rush out to buy a roofing harness, it’s important to understand the difference between personal fall arrest systems and fall/travel restraint systems. Although the two are almost similar, there’s a slight distinction.
Fall or travel arrest systems, when used properly, prevent the roofer from working too close to the edge of the roof. Once you wear the travel restraint, it will stop you from reaching the edge of the roof. This way, you cannot fall over.
PFAS systems are a bit different. They allow you to reach even the dangerous edges of the roof but protect you from hitting the ground in case you fall over.
Since roofers and roofing DIYers need to reach every inch of the roof to do their work satisfactorily, you should consider a PFAs system.
How Does the Safety Harness Work?
A roofing harness comprises five main parts, i.e., the anchor point, full-body harness, lifeline, rope grab, and lanyard. These parts work harmoniously to ensure the safety of the roofer throughout.
- The anchor point
The anchor point is the metal anchor where the fall arrest system connects to the roof. It has holes for nails or screws. It’s critical to secure the anchor point as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- The full-body harness (FBH)
The full-body harness is the strapping system that the roofer wears to attach to the fall arrest system. In Canada, the FBH must be a CSA-approved Class A body harness. It’s also important that the full-body harness fits snugly around both legs and the center of the chest. Full-body harnesses have a D-ring for attachment on your back. This ring is located in the center between the shoulders.
- The lifeline
The lifeline is a rope connecting the lanyard and robe grab to the harness and anchor point. The rope and the rest of the PFAS must hold a certain weight, known as the weight capacity. Therefore, it’s recommendable to buy the lifeline with the rest of the harness system.
- Rope grab
Rope grabs are metal clamps connecting the lanyard and lifeline. In the increasingly popular integrated PFAS systems, the rope grab is already connected to the lanyard, such that the two are sold together. However, the two still come separately in Canada.
- Lanyard
Finally, the lanyard is a shock-absorbing system that helps minimize the severity of a fall. Thus, it makes the impact of the fall less severe. The fall arrest system will have a self-retracting lanyard or a deceleration system in the absence of the traditional lanyard.
How it Works
Besides preventing you from hitting the ground in case of a fall, the roofing harness system is designed to divert pressure from the most vulnerable body parts when you fall.
It does so by distributing falling force to specific body parts that are more effective in supporting your weight, including the shoulders, chest, upper thigh muscles, and the pelvis’ bony mass. This explains why the buckles and straps are concentrated around these areas.
By doing so, the harness takes away the pressure and ultimately protects delicate body parts, including the stomach, neck, and groin.
Types of Full Body Harnesses
Since the full-body harness is the defining part of the roofing harness, different FBHs exist for different applications. The four main types are;
- 2-point FBHs
Two-point full-body harnesses are a specific type of harnesses equipped with two fall arrest attachment points at the back/dorsal and in the front/sternal. Most two-point full-body harnesses are adjustable to fit various sizes. Adjustment is via adjustable buckles integrated into the leg and shoulder loops of the harness system.
- 4-point FBHs
Four-point full-body harness systems have four fall arrest points, one at the back, one on the front, and two work positioning points for attachment at the waist. These harness systems are also adjustable to fit various sizes, with adjustable buckles located at the legs, shoulders, and waist loops. The additional arrest points allow 4-point FBHs to function as safety restraint systems.
- 5-point FBHs
Five-point full-body harnesses have fall arrest attachment points at the front and back and a couple of work positioning attachment points on the waist. Additionally, they have a personal suspension or ventral point at the waist. The multiple attachment points make five-point FHBs functional in various applications, including climbing, personal suspension, and work positioning.
You may come across three other types of harnesses: the vest-type harness, full-body harness, and sit-in harness. There are also harnesses specially designed for various industries. For instance, some companies make unique harnesses targeting roofers.
Benefits of a Roofing Harness
Why should you wear a body harness when climbing up the roof? Instead, why not just put on your apron and non-slip shoes for roofing repair and maintenance projects?
- It’s an OSHA requirement
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that anyone working on a high-sloping roof, six feet or higher, wear a full-body harness. The same applies to those working on six feet or higher low-slope roofs without sufficient guardrail systems. Non-compliance can attract legal penalties.
- Fall protection
The risk of falling off the roof is very high, especially when working on a high-slope roof. It takes just one misstep to come down tumbling. Roofers may also fall from ladders when getting up or down the roof. When used alongside other safety gear, such as non-slip shoes, fall arrest systems reduce the risk of falling.
- Minimize the impact of falls
Falls can happen even after taking all the safety precautions. It happens all the time. Body harnesses are designed to minimize the consequences of a fall. They protect delicate body parts, such as the neck, stomach, and groin area. Moreover, the lanyard is designed with a shock absorber that reduces the pressure of the fall.
How to Choose the Right Roofing Harness
Now that you know a bit about roofing and general body harnesses, you can proceed to pick one for your task. The following are the six main factors to consider;
- Type of work
As we’ve mentioned already, body harnesses are not one-size-fits-all equipment. Therefore, you must choose one that perfectly meets your needs. For example, if you’re climbing onto the roof, you need a harness system designed for roofers.
Additionally, consider the specific task at hand. What are you going to do on the roof? Painting? Welding? Electric wiring? If you’re climbing up there to weld a few joints, you need a heat-resistant harness. If the work involves electric wiring, then the harness should be flame retardant.
- Weight of harness
The weight of the harness is important because you’ll be carrying it the entire time. You don’t want to carry a 10kg harness on your back for an entire hour or more. So, find a light enough harness. The good news is that most modern body harnesses are both lightweight and durable. Many manufactures use lightweight padding and metal parts. For instance, most manufacturers now use aluminum in place of steel for most metal parts.
- Size of harness
Humans come in different sizes, and so must harnesses. While it’s true that most harnesses are adjustable, you can’t expect them to adjust to the extent of supporting all body sizes and shapes. To this end, you must find a harness that fits your size. One way to determine a good-size body harness is to check whether the chest straps sit across the chest, not the stomach. They should also fit snugly, without feeling too tight.
- Consider padding
The best body harnesses are comfortable enough to allow you to work without unnecessary strain. The padding mainly determines the level of comfort. Paddings also provide an extra layer of protection if you fall. So, check to ensure that you’re getting a harness with proper padding. Ideally, you want removable paddings that you can wash and replace.
- Harness webbing
Different fall arrest systems have different webbing technologies. For instance, some modern webbings are liquid resistant while others are heat resistant. Some ergonomic webbing systems are also stretchable to boost comfort and increase the range of movement. You’re at liberty to examine all these qualities to find the most fitting harness system.
- Other features
Finally, fall arrest systems may also have extra features for increased safety or comfort. For example, some roofing harnesses have additional lumbar support, while others feature back support for added comfort. Others also have tool holders, while a few modern ones feature trauma and stress signals.
Other features to consider are color and extra anchors. For instance, some roofing harnesses have a roof anchor that makes your work easier and keeps you safer on the roof.
Roofing Harness Care and Maintenance
Regular care and maintenance are necessary if the roofing harness retains its quality and integrity for a long time. Proper maintenance can also prolong the harness’ lifetime. The following are a few maintenance considerations to prioritize;
- Regular inspection
Make it your duty to thoroughly inspect the harness whenever you’re preparing to use it, keeping an eye out for signs of wear. Those tiny tears on the straps are enough to compromise the effectiveness of the harness. It’s usually the first sign that the harness may not withstand a fall anymore. Color changes are another sign to monitor.
Inspections are recommended right before using the harness and at the end of every use. If you notice signs of weakness, it’s best to discard the equipment.
- Clean it regularly
Besides inspection, you also need regular cleaning to keep the harness in top shape. This is because substances such as abrasives, corrosives, and oils can comprise the harness’ integrity. For instance, when the harness comes in contact with harsh chemicals in paint, the fibers in the straps may become weak.
Most manufacturers recommend cleaning with non-abrasive material. Also, don’t soak the harness for too long or put it in the drier as it weakens the fibers.
- Protect it from harsh conditions
Direct and prolonged exposure to harsh conditions, such as direct sunlight and heat, can shorten the lifespan of the harness. Rain and freezing temperatures are also bad for your harness. During storage, choose a cool environment free from damping.
Sharp materials are also a no-no. Also, keep in mind that exposure to chemicals such as salt might trigger material degradation.
Summary
Roofing harnesses are critical equipment when working on the roof. Whether it’s a new roofing project or maintenance/repair, the harness protects you from falling and, more importantly, minimizes the impact in the event of a fall.
Therefore, it’s important to find the proper harness as you prepare for your roofing project. It could be the difference between life and death.