Petzl VOLT International Version Tower Work Harness

A five-point harness built for tower and structure work

The Petzl VOLT international version (reference C072CB) is a fall-arrest and work-positioning harness with five attachment points, designed by Petzl for work-at-height professionals who work on towers and metal structures. FAST opening buckles on the waistbelt, sternal point and leg loops let the user don it with both feet on the ground, and DOUBLEBACK self-locking buckles on the shoulder straps and waistbelt keep the adjustment from slipping.

Its distinguishing feature is the LADDER CLIMB ventral attachment point. It takes a fall-arrest trolley for progression along a vertical rail or cable-based fall protection system, a positioning lanyard in single mode or a descender, and it moves automatically to a sternal position in a fall, giving a vertical post-fall body position.

Technical specifications

Sizes and part numbers

The VOLT family as listed by Petzl:

Selecting and inspecting the VOLT harness

Select the VOLT when the job involves repeated climbing of a fixed vertical system and the crew also needs to work positioned on the structure. Where the crew only needs fall arrest, a simpler harness is lighter, and the LADDER CLIMB point should be used only with a compatible rail or cable system and trolley. The fall indicator shows after a shock load greater than 400 daN, and Petzl gives a lifespan of 10 years with a detailed inspection by a competent person at least once every 12 months. Anchor points for fall arrest must meet EN 795 (12 kN minimum strength), and the clearance calculation must include the 45 cm elongation of the fall-arrest attachment point.

Features and construction

The VOLT is a five-point harness made from nylon and polyester webbing with aluminum and steel hardware. Petzl states that the textile parts contain at least 55 percent recycled materials. Both the waistbelt and the leg loops can be adjusted, and the harness can be put on and removed with both feet on the ground thanks to the FAST buckles. Two equipment loops, slots for a CARITOOL holder and TOOLBAG pouch and parking spots for MGO connectors on the shoulder straps help keep tools and connectors organised during a climb.

• Lateral attachment points allow a positioning lanyard in double mode and can be folded down when not needed.
• The textile dorsal point takes a self-retracting fall-arrest system.
• The rear waistbelt point is for a restraint lanyard.
• Two side slots accept the optional VOLT work seat for longer periods suspended at a workstation.

Typical applications

The harness is aimed at technicians who climb lattice towers, telecom masts, pylons and other metal structures and who must work positioned once at height. In the Gulf, tower work often takes place in high ambient temperature and dust, so weight, buckle handling with gloves and the ability to stay comfortable during long tasks are practical selection points. The VOLT family also includes a four-point lighter version and a wind turbine version, so it is worth confirming the application before choosing the five-point international model.

Fitting and pre-use checks

1. Choose the size from the table using waist, leg and stature, and adjust the belt so that it sits on the hips and not on the stomach.
2. Close and test every buckle, and confirm the DOUBLEBACK buckles on the shoulders and waist are correctly threaded and the strap tails are held.
3. Look over webbing, stitching and hardware for cuts, abrasion, heat or chemical damage, and check the fall indicator has not been exposed.
4. Verify that every connector, lanyard and lifeline used with the harness is compatible and meets the standard required on site.
5. Plan the rescue before work starts, including how a suspended worker will be reached and lowered.

Care and storage

Clean the harness with lukewarm water and a mild soap, rinse well and dry it away from direct sun and heat. Store it in a cool, dry, dark place away from sharp objects, fuel and chemicals. A harness that has arrested a fall must be removed from service unless the manufacturer and a competent person say otherwise. Keep a record of the serial number, inspection dates and user for each harness.

Information needed for a quotation

• Reference and size (0, 1 or 2) and quantity of each
• Whether CE, ANSI or CSA marking is required by the site or client
• Accessories wanted, such as the work seat, tool holder or compatible connectors
• Intended anchor system, for example a rail, cable or conventional anchors
• Destination in Oman or the GCC and required delivery period

Documents and quotation

The attached Petzl instructions for use cover VOLT and VOLT WIND international versions. Confirm the exact reference, size or length, the standard required on site (CE, ANSI or CSA) and the compatibility of every component before ordering. For a quotation, send the reference, quantity and intended use. Browse more Safety and PPE products on this site.