How to Tie a Safety Harness

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By Greg Johnson
eHow Contributing Writer

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An improvised safety harness can turn a bad downclimb into a quick rappel, provide a belaying system to an injured climber or turn a bouldering session into a low-level top rope climb. Improvised harnesses such as the diaper sling are fast and easy to tie and require minimal materials, making them excellent wilderness safety tools as well as an expedient seat harness for the days you forget your climbing bag at the crag.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

10 feet of one-inch tubular webbing
Locking carabiner

Step 1

Tie the webbing into a loop or runner using a water knot or other suitable climbing knot.
Step 2

Wrap the loop around your waist, and secure with a locking carabiner.
Step 3

Pull the bottom piece of the loop from your back up through your legs. Clip the webbing into the locking carabiner.
Step 4

Tie another short piece of webbing around your waist, and clip it into the carabiner. This will provide an extra measure of safety during a fall.

Tips & Warnings

You might need to adjust the length of the runner to accommodate your body size. Do not use a diaper sling that is loose.
Diaper slings are uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. If you use a harness frequently, purchase a quality commercial seat harness.
Improvised safety harnesses are best suited to rappelling and should be used with caution during climbs. Never substitute an improvised device for a quality seat harness if one is available.