5 Essential Factors in Choosing the Best Harness for Confined Spaces

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 100 workers lose their lives in confined spaces each year across the United States. It’s a grim statistic, though not entirely surprising. These workers often operate in restricted environments like underground mines and tunnels, where hazards such as falls, engulfment, and toxic gases are ever-present dangers. The risk intensifies when workers are vertically suspended, further limiting their ability to escape in the event of an emergency.

Fortunately, recent innovations in full-body safety harnesses have improved protection in vertical confined spaces. However, not all safety harnesses are created equal. Many harnesses on the market prioritize cost over quality. When lives are at stake, cutting corners must not be an option.

What makes a high-quality safety harness for confined spaces? Here are five critical factors to consider before purchasing your next confined space harness.

  1) Material Quality  

Most harnesses use polyester webbing, while a smaller number are made from heavy-duty, heat-resistant synthetic materials like Nomex® and Kevlar®, which are designed for high-risk applications like electric utilities.

Some advanced safety harnesses feature thoroughly treated webbing to resist moisture and bacteria. Moisture resistance and antimicrobial treatment help extend the lifespan of webbing and spread of contaminants. (Source: FT-1910.)

Some polyester harnesses also feature chemically treated webbing that resists bacteria and moisture, extending the harness’s lifespan and reducing the risk of contamination.

Comfort gel padding distributes weight, alleviates pressure, and maintains cool temperatures throughout. This effective material is found on premium safety harnesses.

Padding is another important aspect of material quality. Budget harnesses often use "open-cell foam" for padding. While lightweight and inexpensive, open-cell foam is porous, allowing moisture to spread easily, which shortens its lifespan. In contrast, "closed-cell foam" is denser and less porous, offering better cushioning and moisture resistance. Gel padding is the most effective—and expensive—option. It provides superior durability and resists heat, pressure, and moisture better than the other types, though it’s typically reserved for premium harnesses due to its higher cost.

  2) Comfort  

Working in confined spaces is challenging enough without the added discomfort and risk of an ill-fitting, poorly designed harness. That's why it's crucial to choose a harness that fits properly. Look for one with adjustable straps that can be tightened or loosened to ensure a secure, customized fit. This allows the harness to accommodate different body types, staying securely in place to keep you both safe and comfortable.

 A well-made confined space harness must also prioritize comfort to help you stay focused on your task. As mentioned earlier, padding is a critical factor in ensuring comfort. Gel padding, particularly along the back and shoulders, helps alleviate pressure and reduce heat buildup. 

The latest generation of bosun seats has advanced composite materials that are strong, lightweight, and provide greater flexibility to adapt to your body, significantly enhancing comfort. 

  3) Mobility  

Workers in tight spaces need to bend and twist. Standard harnesses can limit movement, but specialized ones have features that help. These include pivot points, D-rings, and webbing. Well-placed D-rings, like on the back, allow for attachment without hindering movement. This flexibility helps you complete tasks with high efficiency while maintaining safety.

Poorly designed leg straps can be an encumbrance for wearers. Lateral leg straps preserve wearer mobility without compromising protection.  (Source: Journeyman Flex Aluminum)

Another key component to mobility lies in leg straps. Poorly designed leg straps create pinch points and chaffing, forcing you to adjust often. Lateral leg straps wrap horizontally around your thighs without pinching, letting you ascend and descend with ease.

  4) Rescue Loops and D-Rings  

Rescuing people from vertical confined spaces

Premium full-body safety harnesses feature multiple D-rings that provide more locations to connect to devices, including rescue/retrieval systems. (Source: Journeyman Flex Aluminum)

Dorsal D-rings are virtually standard but consider options with additional D-rings on the shoulders or chest. Shoulder D-rings on confined space harnesses are ideal as they minimize tilt, keeping the worker vertical. This positioning allows for more effective vertical extraction, enabling rescuers to safely lift individuals out of narrow or restricted spaces with improved control and a reduced risk of injury. 

  5) Three Cs  

We may be cheating here, but these three factors tie together:

• Credibility
• Compliance
•  Compatibility

A credible manufacturer follows strict safety standards, use high-quality materials, and rigorously tests its harnesses. Choose a brand with a proven track record and transparent testing to ensure the harness performs well under extreme conditions and provides reliable protection. 

Check to see the harness meets established safety standards, such as:

• OSHA 1910.140(c)(22)
• OSHA1926.502(d)(17) and (18)
• ANSI Z359.11-2021
• CSA Z259.10-18 (R2023

These standards factor load capacity, impact resistance, and other essential safety measures, helping to better guarantee reliable protection.

Every confined space harness should be compatible with other fall protection equipment, including confined space kits. Compatibility with other equipment is key to productivity and safety.

Lastly, a credible and compliant safety harness will be compatible with other widely used personal protective equipment (PPE), such as rescue/retrieval self-retracting lifelines (SRL-Rs) found in confined space kits. Ensuring compatibility avoids interference and enhances overall safety.

  Conclusion  

When selecting a safety harness for confined spaces, prioritize durability, comfort, and mobility. Incorporate rescue features and ensure compliance with the latest safety standards, especially the American National Standards Institute. The right harness enhances worker safety and efficiency, even in the most challenging environments.