safety harness - choosing best type

[mikemc]

I have read from various sources that it is best to have a shackle that can be released under load on the "person" end of a tether . The "boat" end (or ends if a triple tether) should have safety hooks such as the "Gibb" type.

But who stocks them? All of the usual advertisers seem to have only "safety hooks" on all ends.

 

[wooslehunter]

Should be able to get lines made up with Gibb type from any swindery or on-line swindlery.

I'd always recommend the "Gibb" type. The clips cannot open without first releasing so they should not release on their own. Also what some people don't consider is that simple clips can clip themselves on at the worst time as well.

 

[Keen_Ed]

http://www.southernrigging.co.uk/tether.htm

No connection, so no idea about the company. If you search for ORC tethers, you might have some luck.

In case you're interested: ORC requirements for tethers:

5.02 Safety Harness and Safety Lines (tethers)
5.02.1 Each crew member shall have a harness, and a safety line not more than 2m long with a snaphook at each end
a) Warning it is possible for a plain snaphook to disengage from a U-bolt if the hook is rotated under load at right-angles to the axis of the U-bolt. For this reason the use of snaphooks with positive locking devices is strongly recommended
5.02.2 At least 30% of the crew shall each, in addition to the above be provided with either:-a) a safety line not more than 1m long, or
b) a mid-point snaphook on a 2m safety line MoMu0,
5.02.3 A safety line purchased in 1/01 or later shall have a coloured flag embedded in the stitching, to indicate an overload. A line which has been overloaded shall be replaced as a matter of urgency.
5.02.4 A crew member's lifejacket and harness shall be compatible
5.02.5 It is strongly recommended that:-
a) a harness and safety line should comply with EN 1095 (ISO 12401) or near equivalent
b) static safety lines should be securely fastened at work stations
c) a harness should be fitted with a crotch strap or thigh straps
d) to draw attention to wear and damage, stitching on harness and safety lines should be of a colour contrasting strongly with the surrounding material
e) snaphooks should be of a type which will not self-release from a U-bolt (5.02.1(a)) and which can be easily released under load (crew members are reminded that a personal knife may free them from a safety line in emergency)
f) a crew member before a race should adjust a harness to fit then retain that harness for the duration of the race

 

[dickh]

I believe it the US standards that recommend a 'snapshackle' at the person end. Not sure if its a requirement in the UK. It is recommended that either the Wichard type(illustrated above by keen_ed - the ones with yellow bits) or GIBB type. I prefer the GIBB type, neither myself or my crew seemed to be able to 'work' the Witchard type easily. DON'T go for the carinibinier (cheap) type(the other illustrations) as they can come unclipped in certain circumstances when used with 'U' bolts. An interesting article is from the US:- http://www.ussailing.org/safety/H&T/harness_study.htm
which makes one think twice about cheap 'hooks'!!

 

[wooslehunter]

None of the pics above show a Gibb Hook so here's one I found. You need to pull back the bit that goes across the clip to then open the gate. It's an easy one handed job but does prevent the gate openning accidentally. Incidentally, divers refer to the non-locking type as "suicide clips".

A quick look around showed up some surveys like this It's where the pic of the Gibb came from.

Interesting to see what happens to the various lines when they're tested.

 

[Cobra25]

You can buy a proper fall arrest harness and lanyard from Cosalt in Portishead. The caribinier is attached at the back and has a screw down safety lock as do the other two; being attached at the back you should be towed backwards if you fall in thus avoiding being dragged into waves and spray-

speak to Kevin 01275 848488 he is very helpful and does good prices for professional quality gear. Needs some thinking about to overcome the 'I can't see where I'm going' reflex!

I would rather be towed around backwards all day, avoiding the continuous duckings, while waiting for rescue than be dragged into every short chop that happens along and have to fight to breathe and cause my back strain or worse. BOL

 

[mikemc]

Thanks for these comments - it's very interesting what different aspects crop up when discussing this subject with real users. One can see how difficult it must be for the authorities to be too prescriptive:-

Do I want to be tied tightly to the boat come what may?
Or do I want to be towed?
If so - front or back!?
Which product will achieve my chosen preference?
If I get a really strong tether will it just rip out the attachment point?

Oh well, back to sailing to get my mind off such complexities