How to Choose a Firefighting Harness

When you’re on the fireground, you need to trust that every piece of your equipment is going to work properly. From hoses to flashlights, a single piece of gear that doesn’t work can jeopardize your safety.  

This is perhaps most true of harnesses and escape belts. These devices are designed to keep you (and potentially a victim) safe and get you out of danger.  

While these tools are useful, they require adequate training and understanding to be used properly. So how do you know what to look out for?  

Belts vs. Class II Harnesses 

Understanding the difference between belts and Class II harnesses is crucial for selecting the right equipment. There are three main categories that most firefighters will encounter: 

• Belts: These are designed to be worn around the waist for a single person load. There are two main types of belts, though some belts (including all belts available from Fire-Dex) are dual-certified for both uses.  

• • Ladder Belts: Made to connect to climbing and aerial ladders 

• • Escape: Made for jumping out of windows and can handle a high shock load 

• Class II Harnesses: Harnesses consist of a belt around the waist and two smaller belts that loop around the thighs. Note that there is no such thing as a Class I harness! Class II harnesses are used for two-person loads, such as needing to help a victim out of a window. 

• Class III Harnesses: These are full body harnesses with even more straps and materials than a Class II harness and are also designed for rescue operations. 

What Type of Egress Equipment is Right for Me? 

When selecting harnesses and escape belts, it's important to consider the specific needs of your fire department. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and different features and options are available to fit various requirements. Factors such as the type of rescue operations you perform most often, the environment, and your budget should all be taken into account. 

You should also take materials into consideration. What types of loads do you need for your belt/harness to carry? What level of fire resistance do you need? Is saving weight on buckles important?  

You should also take proper training into consideration when purchasing a new belt or harness; without it, you are much more likely to put yourself (and potentially a victim) in danger.  

Just like with turnouts or any other PPE, it makes sense to consider your needs and then do research on what types of belts or harnesses make the most sense for your department.  

Turnout Integration 

One key factor when determining what egress system to choose is how it integrates with your harness. All of the harnesses and belts available through Fire-Dex are made to integrate seamlessly with our turnouts. Some of these systems can be used with internal or external configurations (i.e., straps underneath turnout pants or on top).  

For others, ensure that turnout pants are customized to work with your chosen setup. If pants do not seamlessly integrate with the belt or harness, they are more likely to require extra work to use (or they may not work at all). Manufacturers like Fire-Dex can work to ensure that your turnout gear and harness work together to keep you safe on the fireground.  

Safety for All 

Firefighter harnesses and escape belts are indispensable tools that significantly enhance safety and efficiency during rescue operations. By understanding the different types of harnesses and belts available and selecting the right equipment for your needs, you can ensure that you are well prepared for any emergency situation.