FAA Policy Allows for OSHA-approved HEC Harnesses

The FAA recently implemented a policy that expands the kinds of harnesses that can be used when utility line workers perform human external cargo (HEC) activities. According to Vertical Aviation International (VAI), this now covers “U.S. government-accepted harnesses that meet standards recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and accepted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).”

VAI explained that the new policy, updated on September 8, “permits helicopter operators to use ANSI/ASSP Z359.11-compliant full-body harnesses for Class B human external cargo under…[FAR] Part 133. It permits operators to use these harnesses as an alternative to TSO-C167-approved harnesses when they are listed in the operator’s Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual (RLCFM).”

Operators will need to update their RLCFM to reflect use of these harnesses and include inspection, care, retirement, and life-limit procedures, and make sure crew training and preflight checks match the new RLCFM language.

“VAI has pushed for this flexibility since 2017,” said Chris Martino, VAI’s senior director of operations and international affairs. “It improves safety, reduces friction for operators, and supports the skilled teams who keep critical infrastructure running.”