Which of the following is true regarding body belts in a Personal Fall Arrest System?

In the context of a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS), body belts are not considered suitable for use in fall protection. The primary reason for this is that body belts do not provide adequate support to the upper body in the event of a fall. Unlike full-body harnesses, which distribute the forces of a fall across the body and prevent serious injuries, body belts can lead to severe injuries, including suspension trauma. This concept is reinforced by industry standards and safety regulations, which emphasize the use of full-body harnesses for proper fall protection.

A full-body harness is designed to secure the wearer effectively and keep them upright if a fall occurs, whereas a body belt can potentially allow for harmful body positions upon a fall. Therefore, the statement regarding the unsuitability of body belts is crucial for ensuring that workers are equipped with the appropriate safety gear designed to protect them during elevated work.

This understanding is essential for ensuring safety compliance in various work environments where fall hazards are present.