Investigation of fall geometry and the expected strains on the human body when falling whilst wearing safety harnesses and development of a catching harness, the wearing of which is more readily accepted

Project No. BG10 #014

Status:

completed 12/1996

Aims:

Fall accidents caused through not wearing safety harnesses. Goal: investigation of the influence of fall geometry through existing constructional equipment with the use of safety harnesses; deriving measures to improve accident prevention.

Activities/Methods:

Carrying out fall tests with safety harnesses along a fixed wall starting the fall from different positions. Alternatively, carrying out fall tests using type B catching harnesses. Establishing the catching forces in all fall tests, the surface pressures as well as film documentation of the fall geometry. Questioning experimentees and employees about comfort.

Results:

Wearing acceptance of the catching harness is above all negatively influenced by its construction and weight. On the basis of the results in phase 1 a catching harness will therefore be developed in the framework of the continuation of the project, which leads to greater acceptance as a result of improved construction and reduced weight

Last Update:

22 Aug 2000

Project

Financed by:
  • Berufsgenossenschaft der Feinmechanik und Elektrotechnik
Research institution(s):
  • Bergische Universität/Gesamthochschule Wuppertal
  • Fachbereich Sicherheitstechnik
Branche(s):

electrical engineering

Type of hazard:

mechanical hazards

Catchwords:

Sturz- und Absturzgefährdung, Persönliche Schutzausrüstungen, Ergonomie

Description, key words:

Established influences of construction and weight (ergonomics) of the safety harness on its acceptance to serve as a basis for a new development