I think it's time to look for a harness.

[Diggin It]

Ordered one of these for about $80 after discounts:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Safety-Works-Fall-Protection-Bucket-Kit-FP-Fall-Harness/1000042477

Never used anything similar, so I'll have to figure out how to allow myself enough slack without leaving too much.

 

[Diggin It]

One thing I don't like on any of these I've looked at is that they attach to the back between the shoulders. I'd prefer something in front at the chest. Or I think I would.

 

[ruffdog]

One thing I don't like on any of these I've looked at is that they attach to the back between the shoulders. I'd prefer something in front at the chest. Or I think I would.

My harness has 4 D rings, one front,rear, and each hip.....and I use them all.

 

[MossRoad]

Never use anything but the d ring on the back for fall arrest. You can use the others for fall restraint, but not for fall arrest.

This article explains the difference....

D-Ring Disconnect: Making Sense of Multiple Attachment Points

 

[Diggin It]

I understand you want it on the upper back if you fall off of something and it has to catch you. I don't plan on allowing that though. I'll be more or less on hands and knees and want it to keep me from sliding down the roof panels to the edge. Got rubber tread knee pads too for that.

 

[Streetcar]

One fall arrest hook and it is on the back the rest of the hooks are positioning hooks

 

[ruffdog]

One fall arrest hook and it is on the back the rest of the hooks are positioning hooks

^^correct

 

[goeduck]

Seems to me the fall arrest on the back would so you impact your spine the least. I would hate to be arrested:confused2: anywhere else.

 

[ruffdog]

Seems to me the fall arrest on the back would so you impact your spine the least. I would hate to be arrested:confused2: anywhere else.

Be sure you have the leg straps and your junk positioned correctly before testing the fall arrest....ouch!uch:

 

[ericm979]

Rock climbers always attach to the front of their harness. For everything including fall arrest. When I was rock climbing for fun and tree climbing for the forest service we didn't have chest harnesses, only waist. The chest or back harness would be better for fall arrest since it'll keep you upright and support your back and upper body.

I think that using back vs front tie off would depend on the rope position and where the forces will be if you fall. Would you fall back first or face first? Also with the rope in back its out of your way, but you can't manage it (move it around obstacles or adjust a retention device to limit your fall).

I have a young friend who's a good rock climber (he just did El Capitan) and has been working for a company painting high structures that require climbing. Next time he's in town from a job I'll ask what kind of harness he uses for that work.