Title : Toolbox Talk

Topic : SAFETY HARNESS

1.1 Toolbox Talk

The toolbox talk should not be for more than 15 minutes, encourage employee participation
and remember to complete Attendance Register.

SAFETY HARNESS

A safety harness, purchased for the sole purpose of preventing injury was recently observed lying
on the ground partially covered with a large cement block. This important piece of equipment,
prior to the days end, would be used to afford lifesaving benefits to a trusting worker once more
lulled into a false sense of security. Caring for safety equipment is everyone's responsibility.

If we are to expect maximum results from personal protective equipment (PPE) as vital as a safety
harness, we certainly must render it the maximum care as follows:

• Inspect your harness carefully before each use to be sure there are no defects; use a harness
that you know is entirely safe. Any safety harness that is subjected to in-service loading, or
that is mildewed or defective, shall be removed from service immediately.
• Do not permit acids, caustics, or other corrosive materials to get on harness.
• Never weaken the harness or strap by cutting or rough punching extra holes.
• Handle your harness with care; never drop it on the ground; keep it away from sharp tools
or other objects which might scratch or cut it.
• Do not expose any wet harness to extreme cold or heat.
• Store harness in separate dry compartments or hang them so they will not be crushed, worn
or creased.
• Never use gasoline or other drying solvents to clean any harness.
• If the harness is accidentally cut or damaged, turn it in for a new one.

NOTE: Safety harness in this talk refer to safety harness with lanyard and shock absorber
types only.

A safety harness is much like a seat belt in your car. "It's not worth a dam to you lying on the
floor." You have to use it before it does any good.

Remember that in approximately two (2) seconds you can 'fall fifty (50) feet, so follow these basic
precautions:

• NEVER alter, shave, cut on, or in any way damage your harness, cable or rope. Your
neighbor might be the next one to use that harness.
• Before each use, closely EXAMINE harness for any defects. If you have any concerns
about its condition, report them to your foreman.
• WEAR harness and TIE OFF when you work in an elevated position that requires the use
of a harness.

SAFARI – QAL Template

Approved: Operation Director Peter Roddam Date: 21-05-2013

Doc. Owner: IMS Manager Doc. ID: IMS-QAL-04-000-1 Revision: 00 Page 1 of 2

 • Tie off to an adequate support as closely as possible with a minimum of slack. If you are
not sure that a support is adequate to arrest your fall, consult your supervisor before tying
off to it.
• When harness is not in use, hang it up! Don't throw it down!
• Don't fool around when you reach your working position. Tie off as soon as you get there.
It only takes a fraction of a second to fall.

Remember, a safety harness is the last thing you can put on and use to keep you from falling. The
first thing is to pay attention to what you are doing when you are in the air.
Supervision

Closely examine all elevated work areas. Make sure adequate scaffolding and other working
platforms are provided. After that, see that specific instructions are given to each man who has
worked above the ground in a position where a harness is required. Lastly, make sure to document
all fall protection training before sending workers up to perform elevated work.

If you are not sure when to use a harness please consult with your HSE Inspector and HSE
Department.

SAFARI – QAL Template

Approved: Operation Director Peter Roddam Date: 21-05-2013

Doc. Owner: IMS Manager Doc. ID: IMS-QAL-04-000-1 Revision: 00 Page 2 of 2