What is the Best Harness for Tower Climbing?

Tower climbing is an inherently dangerous endeavor – a demanding test of skill, endurance, and meticulous attention to safety protocols. For workers in this high-stakes profession, the difference between a secure, efficient climb and a potentially catastrophic fall often hinges on the quality and suitability of their safety harness.

In this guide, we delve into the essential elements and critical features of tower climbing harnesses to help you choose the best solution for your unique needs and preferences.

SHOP ALL TOWER CLIMBING HARNESSES

Why Choosing the Right Tower Climbing Harness Matters

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) set stringent guidelines that tower climbers and employers must follow to ensure safety. These standards address key factors such as load capacity, fall arrest systems, and proper attachment points. If you're working in the US, you will need a harness that meets ANSI Z359.11-2014, which outlines the safety requirements for a full-body harness.

However, safety compliance is only part of the equation. For climbers spending long hours scaling towering structures, comfort and durability are equally important. A poorly fitted or uncomfortable harness can lead to physical strain, restricted movement, and fatigue – all of which compromise safety and performance, especially when hundreds of feet in the air. Meanwhile, a well-designed harness made from durable materials can withstand the rigors of demanding climbs, providing peace of mind for every ascent.

Key Features to Look for in a Tower Climbing Harness

When selecting a tower climbing harness, it’s essential to focus on features that prioritize safety, comfort, and performance. Here are the primary considerations:

Comfort & Fit: Look for adjustable straps that enable a personalized fit. This ensures the safety harness remains snug yet unobtrusive. Breathable padding is another must-have feature, as it helps reduce pressure points and minimizes discomfort during extended use. Finally, harnesses with ergonomic designs distribute weight evenly and support natural movement, significantly reducing strain and fatigue.
Safety & Durability: While OSHA mandates that personal fall arrest systems must withstand a minimum load of 5,000 pounds per worker, we recommend choosing harnesses that exceed these requirements. This added strength can be invaluable in unexpected situations, such as unusually high dynamic forces during a fall or prolonged wear over time. Moreover, harnesses that exceed safety standards often incorporate additional features, such as strategically placed D-rings, reinforced stitching, and impact indicators.
Performance & Accessories: A harness that accommodates both performance and convenience is a valuable asset for any tower climber. For example, tool fall protection like tool loops and lanyard parks are essential for keeping your equipment within easy reach and preventing entanglements. Meanwhile, fast-donning harnesses, with quick-release buckles and intuitive adjustments, save precious time during setup, letting you get to work without unnecessary delays.

Remember, when shopping for a tower climbing harness, consider the specific demands of your job, the environmental challenges you'll face, and your individual preferences. For example, while some climbers prefer a lightweight harness with aluminum rings, others prefer the more durable steel options (Reddit, 2024).

Top Tower Climbing Harnesses Available Now

At PK Safety, we offer a diverse range of tower climbing harnesses from leading brands, all available with fast shipping. Here are two of the top options to consider:

French Creek 800 Series Tower Climbing Harness

The 850 BTS is a six-point adjustable harness designed to meet and exceed the specific safety requirements for climbing towers. With a 6” comfort waist belt, hip, back, and seat sling positioning D-rings, removable 8” wide belly pad, and a removable heavy-duty tool belt, the French Creek 800 Series harness has all the features a tower climber could want or need.

Here are its other notable features:

Spring-loaded friction buckles on shoulder straps enable quick and easy adjustments that stay in place.
Rust-resistant tongue and grommet buckles in both the leg straps and the waist belt facilitate fast and easy donning
"Vertadjust" 6" comfort waist pad assembly allows infinite adjustment up and down and at angles for the perfect fit
"SuperNit" padding system provides rigid, wear-resistant properties that are soft to the touch.

Petzl Volt International Version Harness

The original Volt LT harness became popular in the at-height industries as one of the lightest and most breathable full-body harnesses on the market. With the Volt International, Petzl offers an even lighter, lower-profile harness that’s easier to don and more durable than its predecessor. It features strategically placed Fast LT Plus buckles that enable donning while keeping both feet on the ground.

Other notable features include:

Double-back self-locking buckles on the waist belt and shoulder straps allow the webbing to move easily through the buckle, making precision adjustments a breeze.
A dedicated textile dorsal attachment point for self-retracting lanyards and side attachment points that can be folded down when not in use to prevent snagging.
Three-and-a-half-inch leg straps with adjustable porous padding for ideal positioning and improved breathability, and widened foam shoulder straps to prevent chafing around the neck.
Several equipment loops for tools, bags, and tool tethers.

As its name implies, the Volt International harness has been tested to several standards across the globe, including ANSI Z359.11, CSA Z259.10, CE EN 361, and CE EN 358. This means you can use this harness anywhere in the world without worrying about whether it meets your region’s specific standards.

How to Properly Wear and Maintain Your Climbing Harness

Like all safety equipment, proper usage and maintenance is crucial for getting the most out of your harness. Here are some essential tips for ensuring safety and prolonging the lifespan of your equipment:

Pre-Use Inspection: Always inspect your harness for signs of wear, fraying, or damage to webbing, stitching, and hardware. Check the impact indicators before each use. If triggered, the integrity of the harness could be compromised, even if there are no visible signs of damage.
Donning the Harness: Lay out the harness and untangle the straps. Step into the leg loops, pull the harness over your hips and secure the shoulder straps. Adjust the straps for a snug but comfortable fit. The waistbelt should sit above your hip bones, and the leg loops should allow you to move freely without being overly tight. Check that the D-rings and attachment points are correctly positioned and ready for connection to fall protection systems.
Maintenance and Storage: Regularly clean your harness with mild soap and warm water to remove dirt, sweat, or chemicals that can degrade the materials. Store the harness in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, sharp objects, and chemicals. Hanging or placing it in a dedicated gear bag can help maintain its shape and integrity. While safety harnesses don't have a defined expiration date, they should be removed from use if they show signs of wear, and especially after the event of a fall.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for inspection, care, and maintenance.

Where to Buy the Best Tower Climbing Harness

At PK Safety, we offer a comprehensive selection of tower climbing harnesses and fall protection systems to meet the diverse needs of at-height professionals and employers. Whether you're looking for advanced harnesses with cutting-edge features or dependable, cost-effective options, our curated inventory of safety equipment from leading brands offers solutions for every application and budget. When safety is non-negotiable, PK Safety is your go-to partner.

Get Expert Advice for Your Climbing Needs

Fall protection compliance remains one of the most cited OSHA violations in the US (NSC, 2023). Don’t become part of the statistics. Our safety experts are here to help you navigate OSHA standards and select the right fall protection equipment tailored to your specific needs. From understanding compliance requirements to providing personalized recommendations, our knowledgeable team is ready to guide you every step of the way.

FAQs

What are the key safety features of a tower climbing harness?

The key safety features of a tower climbing harness are designed to protect the user from falls and provide secure work positioning. Prominent among these are multiple D-rings, which serve as secure attachment points for lanyards and other fall protection equipment and allow for versatile positioning and fall arrest. Meanwhile, adjustable straps ensure a snug and secure fit, preventing slippage and distributing fall forces evenly across the body.

Additionally, tool loops and lanyard parks keep essential tools within reach, reducing the risk of dropped objects. Breathable padding and ergonomic design contribute to user comfort during extended climbs, while quick-connect buckles facilitate fast and secure donning. These features work in tandem to create a comprehensive safety system for those working at heights.

Are Petzl harnesses good for tower climbing?

Petzl is a well-respected brand in the climbing and safety industry, known for producing high-quality gear. Many Petzl harnesses, such as the Avao and Volt series, are highly regarded for tower climbing due to their comfort, durability, and adherence to safety standards. These harnesses often feature fall arrest attachment points, ergonomic designs, and support for work positioning, making them a popular choice among tower climbers.

References:

Reddit r/towerclimbers (August 2024). What is the most comfortable and lightweight climbing harnesses? Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/towerclimbers/comments/1f25ml1/what_is_the_most_comfortable_and_lightweight/
National Safety Council (October 24, 2023). OSHA Reveals Top 10 Safety Violations at NSC Congress & Expo. Retrieved from https://www.nsc.org/newsroom/osha-reveals-top-10-safety-violations-at-nsc-congr

Photo credit: French Creek 800 Series Tower Climbing Harness from FrenchCreek Fall Safety.

Best Tower Climbing Harness: Safety, Comfort & Performance | PK Safety