Experimental investigation of the dynamic behaviour of flat and tubular full-body harness webbing during the action of tensile impact force

Purpose This study is a part of preliminary research conducted to enhance the dynamic performance of webbings used in full-body harnesses. This study aims to explore the mechanical characteristics of full-body harness webbing subjected to dynamic loading conditions (tensile impact force), emphasizing the peak impact force and dynamic elongation. The outcomes of this research work can be used to develop advanced webbing with a higher energy absorption capacity and minimal dynamic elongation. Design/methodology/approach The dynamic performance of six commercially available full-body harness webbings (flat and tubular) was evaluated in this study. In this study, the basic test procedure given in the standards BS EN 361:2002 and BS EN 364:1994 was used on a tensile impact tester with an 8 kgf dead weight. Findings In the case of the same webbing width and construction particulars, tubular webbing exhibited an 8% higher peak impact force and 13% lower dynamic elongation than flat webbing. On comparing the average results of all samples of flat and tubular webbings, Tubular webbing exhibited a 6% higher peak impact force and 3% lower dynamic elongation than flat webbing. During repeated impact testing, a sharp increase in peak impact force was observed during the second test, and minor changes were observed in further tests. Originality/value Full body harness webbing is the least explored component of a personal fall protection system, compared to the other components such as energy absorbers and lanyards. Performance improvement of webbings can further reduce the overall fall arrest force (peak impact force) acting on the user’s body in a personal fall protection system during fall arrest.