Where should a fall arrest lanyard be attached for maximum safety?

Attaching a fall arrest lanyard to the sternal or dorsal attachment points of a harness provides the maximum safety when performing rope access work. These attachment points are designed to distribute the forces experienced during a fall more evenly across the body, which minimizes the risk of injury.

The sternal attachment point, located on the front of the harness, allows for a quick and easy connection point, facilitating freedom of movement and ensuring that the technician remains oriented upright if a fall occurs. The dorsal attachment point, found on the back of the harness, also offers a strong connection, ensuring that the forces act through the strongest parts of the harness.

Using these designated attachment points helps to prevent situations like suspension trauma and ensures that the technician is secured in a manner that enhances safety while allowing for a full range of motion necessary for work tasks. This approach is critical in rope access, where a technician's safety can depend greatly on how they are connected to the fall protection system.