Safety Harnesses & Lanyards
Alongside collective protection, everyone working at height needs a comfortable, well-maintained harness and lanyard. We supply, inspect and replace the full range.
- EN 361 harnesses
- EN 355 energy absorbers
- Supply, inspect & replace
The core of every personal fall protection system
A full body harness supports the whole body and restrains the wearer during and after a fall, in line with EN 361. Different jobs need different harnesses.
A lanyard connects the harness to a secure anchor. Fall arrest lanyards use an energy absorber tested to EN 355 to reduce the force on the body; restraint and work positioning lanyards keep workers secure and hands-free without reaching the hazard in the first place.
Harness types for every task
Multi-purpose harness
Front and rear attachment points for general fall arrest work.
Work positioning harness
Side D-rings and a padded belt for hands-free tasks.
Suspension harness
Low frontal attachment points for rope access work.
Inspect before every use, and at least every 6 months
You must regularly inspect protective equipment for faults or defects. Every harness and lanyard should be visually checked by the user before each use, with a detailed inspection by a competent person at least every 6 months (every 3 months in arduous conditions such as scaffolding or steel erection), as recommended by BS 8437 and HSE guidance INDG367.
Something as small as a tear or fray in the stitching could lead to a fatal fall if it goes unnoticed. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to maintain this equipment and replace it where needed.
Harness and lanyard replacement
Harnesses and lanyards are used day in, day out, so they need replacing over time. As a guide, textile fall protection equipment can stay in service for up to 10 years from manufacture, provided it keeps passing inspection.
Whether your team's PPE is worn, damaged or due an upgrade, we offer a wide range of replacements to keep your workers safe at height.
PPE in use
Fall protection PPE fitted, inspected and replaced to keep teams safe and compliant.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Harness & Lanyards. Can't see yours? Our team is happy to help.
What is the difference between a harness and a lanyard?
A harness is worn on the body and spreads fall arrest forces across the shoulders, chest and legs. A lanyard connects the harness to an anchor point and can be a simple restraint lanyard or a shock-absorbing fall arrest lanyard.
What standard should a safety harness meet?
Full body harnesses used in the UK should conform to EN 361. Fall arrest lanyards and their energy absorbers should conform to EN 355; restraint lanyards to EN 354 and work positioning lanyards to EN 358.
How long does a harness or lanyard last?
Textile harnesses and lanyards can generally stay in service for up to 10 years from manufacture, provided they keep passing inspection. Real service life depends on use and environment.
How often should a harness be inspected?
Visually by the wearer before every use, and in detail by a competent person at least every 6 months (every 3 months in arduous conditions), in line with BS 8437 and HSE guidance INDG367. Inspect immediately after any fall or incident too.
What is the difference between fall arrest and work positioning lanyards?
A fall arrest lanyard has an energy absorber to reduce force on the body in a fall. A work positioning lanyard holds a worker in place, hands-free, rather than arresting a fall.
Should a harness be worn over or under clothing?
Over clothing. That keeps it visible for inspection, stops clothing interfering with buckles and lets the harness move freely in a fall.
Often specified together
Inspection & Certification
Testing and certification of fall protection, access and PPE, with clear reports and certificates.
View service
Working at Height Training
Practical, on-site working at height courses from awareness to competent person and rescue.
View service
Rooftop Lifeline System
Continuous, hands-free fall protection across the whole roof for up to three users at once.
Explore solutionSpeak to us about harnesses and lanyards
Tell us about your team and tasks and we will recommend, supply and inspect the right PPE.
- 0115 979 4523Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm
- [email protected]We reply within one working day
- Nottingham head officeServing sites UK-wide
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