What are the two major types of fall protection harness buckles?

The two major types of fall protection harness buckles are tongue buckles and friction buckles.

Tongue buckles consist of a metal tongue that is threaded through a buckle and secured in place, making them simple to use and ensuring a secure fit on the harness. They are commonly used due to their reliability and straightforward design. This type of buckle typically requires the user to pull the strap tight to secure it, providing an effective method for adjusting the fit while ensuring that the harness is properly secured.

Friction buckles, on the other hand, work by allowing the strap to slide through the buckle and then being held in place by friction, which means they are also easy to adjust. Their design allows for quick adjustments, giving users the flexibility to tighten or loosen the harness as needed while still maintaining a secure hold when weight is applied, such as during a fall.

Knowing these two types of buckles is essential for understanding how to properly use and secure fall protection harnesses on construction sites, as the choice of buckle can impact the effectiveness and reliability of the safety equipment used to prevent falls.