Frequently asked questions
1. Is there any research that evaluates harness sizing schemes? (6.4.16)
Some good information is available in, 'Evaluation of Fall Arrest Harness Sizing Schemes', by:
Hongwei Hsiao, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia;
Jennifer Whitestone, Total Contact, Inc., Germantown, Ohio;
Tsui-Ying Kau, University of Michigan; and
Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Objective:
This paper evaluated harness sizing schemes and anthropometric criteria for harness design applications.
Background:
Updated harness sizing systems are needed to accommodate diverse populations in the current workforce.
Method:
Three-dimensional torso scan data and human-harness interfaces from 108 women and 108 men were digitally captured. A bounding box approach was employed to quantify the effect of torso shape and size on fall harness fit.
Results:
A logistic regression model with eight equations was developed and tested to classify more than 96% of participants to the best-fitting size.
Conclusion:
Study outcomes suggested an alternative system of two sizes for women and three sizes for men over the current four-size unisex system. In addition, thigh strap angle and back D-ring location could be utilized along with current harness static fit test criteria to further enhance postfall harness fit predictions.
Application:
This research could help reduce the risk of worker injury resulting from poor fit, improper size selection, or failure to don the harness properly.
Their paper was published in HUMAN FACTORS, Vol. 49, No. 3, June 2007, pp 447-464
Link: http://www.hfes.org/Web/HFESNews/FallArrestSizing.pdf
