Understanding harness training for scaffolders
Scaffolders need to understand not only how to correctly wear and use a safety harness, but also where and how it can be safely attached. This includes understanding approved anchor points and temporary height-safety systems, as well as ensuring the equipment is suitable for the task and installed correctly.
Harness training (US23229 – Use safety harness system when working at height & US15757 – Use, install and disestablish temporary proprietary height safety systems when working at height) is recommended for workers who may need to use personal fall-protection equipment while erecting, altering or dismantling scaffolding.
At Direct Scaffolding Supplies, we supply scaffolding equipment, site equipment, tools and safety products to help contractors and tradespeople work safely on site.
Before using a safety harness or fall-arrest system, workers should receive appropriate training and understand how to correctly inspect, fit, use and maintain their equipment.
US23229 training covers how to:
- Prepare a fall-arrest system.
- Set up and use a horizontal fall-arrest system.
- Set up and use a vertical fall-arrest system.
- Dismantle a fall-arrest system.
- Practise the rescue plan.
US15757 training covers how to:
- Identify anchor points and prepare to install a temporary proprietary height-safety system.
- Install horizontal and vertical temporary proprietary height-safety systems.
- Use temporary proprietary height-safety systems.
- Disestablish temporary proprietary height-safety systems.
For current New Zealand guidance, always refer to WorkSafe New Zealand’s information on working at height.
WorkSafe New Zealand – Working at Height
Why is harness training important when setting up scaffolding?
1. Fall protection
Scaffolding work can involve working at height, particularly during erection, alteration and dismantling.
A correctly selected and properly used fall-arrest system can help protect workers where there is a risk of falling and other controls cannot adequately eliminate or isolate the risk.
A harness should never be considered a substitute for properly designed scaffold platforms, guardrails and other collective fall-protection measures.
Direct currently lists both the RL Aluminium Hatch Deck and Deck Steel.
2. Understanding how to use a harness correctly
Simply having a harness does not mean a worker knows how to use it safely.
Training should cover areas such as:
- Correctly fitting and adjusting the harness
- Inspecting harnesses before use
- Identifying damaged or worn components
- Correct attachment procedures
- Understanding anchor points
- Using lanyards and connectors correctly
- Understanding fall-clearance requirements
- Safe work practices when working at height
- Emergency and rescue procedures
Workers should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for their specific harness and fall-protection equipment.
Direct’s current Tools & Belts range includes both products, along with scaffolders belts and individual scaffolding tools.
3. Reducing the risk of falls
Good training helps workers understand the hazards associated with working at height and how to control them.
Before relying on a harness, workers should consider whether the fall risk can be eliminated or reduced using safer methods such as:
- Guardrails
- Safe working platforms
- Edge protection
- Proper scaffold access
- Temporary barriers
- Other collective protection systems
WorkSafe’s guidance emphasises managing the risk of falls from height using appropriate controls. WorkSafe – Working at Height in New Zealand
4. Emergency and rescue planning
Harness training should also cover what happens if a worker falls while connected to a fall-arrest system.
A fall-arrest system is not simply a matter of putting on a harness and attaching a lanyard. A suitable rescue plan needs to be considered before work starts.
Workers and supervisors should understand:
- What to do following a fall
- How to raise the alarm
- How the worker will be rescued
- Who is responsible for the rescue
- What rescue equipment is available
- How quickly assistance can be provided
A worker suspended in a harness after a fall may require prompt rescue.
At what height should you wear a safety harness in New Zealand?
There is no simple universal 2-metre rule that means everyone working above 2 metres must automatically wear a harness.
The appropriate fall-protection controls depend on the circumstances and the risk of injury from a fall.
WorkSafe recommends assessing the particular work and using the most effective reasonably practicable controls.
This means you should consider:
- The height of the work
- The likelihood of a fall
- What is below the worker
- The duration of the work
- The type of work being undertaken
- Whether guardrails or other collective protection can be used
- The type of fall-protection system available
- Rescue requirements
For the latest guidance, refer to: WorkSafe New Zealand – Working at Height in NZ
Do scaffolders need harness training?
Where a worker is required to use a harness or personal fall-protection system, appropriate training is essential.
Scaffolding work should be carried out by people with the appropriate skills, knowledge, training and experience for the work they are undertaking. Where personal fall protection is required, workers should also be trained in the correct use of the equipment and the system they are expected to use.
Harness training should be relevant to the equipment, fall-protection system and work environment. Workers need to understand how the system works, how to inspect and correctly use the equipment, its limitations, and what to do in the event of a fall, including the applicable rescue procedure.
Workers should never use a fall-arrest system simply because a harness has been provided. Training and instruction are required so workers understand how to use the system safely and what actions to take in an emergency.
For scaffolding work, personal fall protection may form part of the overall risk-control measures where collective protection, such as a fully installed safe working platform or other appropriate edge protection, is not available or cannot reasonably control the risk.
Following an engineering layout is only one part of building a safe and compliant scaffold. Workers also need to understand the requirements for working at height and the correct use of any personal fall-protection equipment provided.
For employers and scaffolding contractors, this means ensuring workers have the appropriate training, instruction and supervision for the work they are undertaking and the fall-protection systems they may be required to use.
Where can I buy a safety harness and lanyard for scaffolding?
Direct Scaffolding Supplies provides a range of scaffolding and site safety equipment.
For available safety products, visit: Direct Scaffolding Supplies – Safety Equipment
When selecting fall-protection equipment, make sure the equipment is suitable for the intended application and is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Where can I get harness and working-at-height training in New Zealand?
There are a number of training providers in New Zealand offering unit-standard training for workers who need to use harnesses and other height-safety equipment.
Relevant unit standards include:
- US23229 – Level 3, 4 credits: Use safety harness system when working at height.
- US15757 – Level 3, 4 credits: Use, install and disestablish temporary proprietary height safety systems.
- US25045 – Level 3, 4 credits: Employ height safety equipment in the workplace.
The training required will depend on the work being undertaken and the height-safety systems workers are expected to use. Employers should ensure workers have the appropriate knowledge, skills and training for the specific tasks and equipment involved.
WorkSafe guidance: WorkSafe New Zealand provides guidance on working at height and managing the risk of falls. The appropriate training should reflect the work being carried out, including the use of travel restraint, fall-arrest systems and temporary proprietary height-safety systems where applicable.
Safety ’n Action provides workplace safety training, including courses covering working at height and related safety skills.
ACT Safety also provides training and resources for people working in the construction industry, including safety harness systems.
For the most up-to-date information on working at height and managing the risk of falls, refer to WorkSafe New Zealand’s working-at-height guidance.
At Direct Scaffolding Supplies, we supply scaffolding equipment, site equipment, tools and safety products to help contractors and tradespeople work safely on site.
Choosing the right scaffolding and safety equipment
Safe scaffolding starts with the right equipment and the right approach to installation.
Direct Scaffolding Supplies stocks a wide range of scaffolding products, Ringlock components, tube and fittings, access equipment and site safety products. The current online shop includes dedicated categories for Ringlock, Site Equipment, Health & Safety, Tools & Belts and Accessories.
Whether you need Ringlock scaffolding, scaffold components, safety equipment or site supplies, make sure the products you choose are appropriate for the job and are used correctly.
Final thoughts
Harness training is an important part of working safely at height when personal fall-protection equipment is required.
However, a harness should be used as part of a properly planned fall-protection system rather than as the first or only safety measure.
Before starting scaffolding work:
- Identify the fall hazards
- Complete a site-specific risk assessment
- Use suitable collective fall protection wherever practicable
- Ensure workers are appropriately trained
- Inspect harnesses and fall-protection equipment before use
- Understand anchor and connection requirements
- Have an effective rescue plan
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Check the latest WorkSafe guidance
Need scaffolding or safety equipment for your next project?
Visit Direct Scaffolding Supplies(DSS) for scaffolding, for New Zealand’s trusted supplier of premium, certified scaffolding systems and height safety equipment. We supply trade-grade modular ringlock, mobile aluminium towers, tubes, fittings, and site equipment to commercial contractors and residential builders nationwide.
