Independent arborist gear picks · Typical prices shown, checked at the retailer

Representative photo for Safewaze FS-FLEX185 Full Body Harness Fall Protection

Representative photo. Check the retailer listing for the exact model, color and size.
Photo: Tree Surgeon by Tim Sheerman-Chase, CC BY 2.0

Safewaze

Safewaze Full Body Harness FS-FLEX185

A full body fall arrest harness for bucket truck and aerial lift crews.

$150 Typical price. Retail prices change, so check today's price before you buy.
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  • Full body fall protection harness
  • Back attachment for a lanyard
  • For bucket trucks and aerial lifts
  • Not a tree climbing saddle
  • Inspect before every use

BucketSafety

This Safewaze full body harness, model FS-FLEX185, is built for fall protection and worn by crews working from bucket trucks, aerial lifts and other elevated spots. It is a fall arrest harness, not a tree climbing saddle.

Where it fits on a tree crew

Bucket trucks and aerial lifts usually call for a full body harness and lanyard connected to the boom's anchor point. A full body harness spreads fall arrest forces across the chest, shoulders and thighs, which a climbing saddle is not designed to do.

That makes the FS-FLEX185 a gear item for the lift operator and anyone working from the platform, while climbers in the tree stay in a work positioning saddle.

Many tree companies keep full body harnesses on each bucket truck so every operator has one ready. Pair it with the correct lanyard for your aerial device and store it clean and dry in the truck, away from fuel, oil and saws. Label harnesses by size and keep inspection records as your safety program requires. A harness that is shared between operators needs to be readjusted for each person before use, so build that into the start of every shift.

Fit and inspection

Adjust the leg, chest and shoulder straps so the harness is snug and the back attachment sits between the shoulder blades. Follow Safewaze's fitting instructions and your equipment maker's tie-off rules.

Inspect webbing, stitching, buckles and the fall indicator before every use. Remove it from service after any fall or if damaged. Follow ANSI Z133, OSHA and maker requirements, and get trained. See more in fall protection.