Following their successful launch into the Working at Heights category in 2019, BOVA Safety Wear shows that this is a category that they are taking seriously with the recent launch of their mid-tier Working at Heights range that is simplifying the category with their fit for purpose approach.

September 2020 saw the launch of BOVA’s new range of locally manufactured Fall Arrest Equipment that has extended the brand from an entry level category player into the mid-tier working at heights category. Featuring three harnesses and a range of lanyards and accessories, BOVA combined the research and in-depth understanding of the category gained from their position on the SABS Working from Heights Technical Committee, with real-time industry insights and best practice knowledge gained through their membership with the Institute for Working at Heights. The result is a range of products that cater to all non-fire/heat related working at heights requirements.   

In designing the new harnesses, Ruaan Breedt, Working at Heights Technical Specialist at BBF Safety Group stated, “There are a large number of harness options in the working at heights category, and this can be confusing to end-users, with the multiple variations in hardware and padding. We wanted to focus on designing harnesses that meet the requirements of Rope Access & Rescue, Multi-purpose use and undergrounding mining, thereby covering all the functionalities of non-fire / heat related working at heights harnesses with just three styles.”

The three harnesses in the range:

• Excavo, an under-ground mining harness compatible with all functionalities for underground mining: fall from heights, rescue and equipment;
• Agilis, a multi-purpose a rescue harness engineered to perform in a range of different environments: fall arrest, working positioning, basic rescue;
• Gordian, a rope access and advanced rescue harnesses design to perform the functions of rope access and rescue, whilst stilling providing solutions to fall arrest and work positioning requirements.

With careful consideration of both the requirements and challenges of individuals working from heights in these environments, BOVA paid attention to the placement of padding as well as the types of hardware fitted on each harness to ensure the perfect balance between functionality and safety that is so common in their fit for purpose philosophy.

“There is often a misconception that the more padding featured on a harness, the better. This is not necessarily the case. Padding, if not serving a purpose to displace pressure over a wider-area thereby improving comfort in a highly dangerous position, can lead to a heat build-up in that area that results in damp and uncomfortable equipment for the wearer” adds Breedt.

The harness range is complemented by industries most commonly used lanyards  in the mid-tier category:

• A double leg shock absorbing lanyard with Scaffolding hooks;
• An elasticated double leg shock absorbing lanyard that prevents the lanyard legs from dragging on the floor and endangering the wearer if caught in machinery or an elevator door;
• An adjustable double leg shock absorbing lanyard that allowS the user to reduce the length of the lanyard, thereby reducing the fall factor.

The range also features a work positioning lanyard and endless round climbing sling.

Senior Brand Manager, Vanessa Roland says, “We are proud of the consideration that was put into the work positioning lanyard and the endless round sling. Our work positioning lanyard features a PVC protector that protects the webbing against abrasive edges and liquids that could be found on the element that it is being wound around.”

“Our endless round slings are manufactured from seat belt webbing that is then encased into a tubular webbing to enhance the performance and improve the safety of the product. Not only is our endless round sling manufactured in accordance with SANS 50797 standards, but unlike many products in the market, it has also been tested and certified according to those standards,” adds Ronald.

Every item in the new range is packaged in a reusable drawstring bag that provides a protective storage solution. As multiple size options and product types can be available on a site at any time, each bag features a full colour tag with product graphic and colour coded sizes for easy stock identification.

Further included in the drawstring bags are a comprehensive full colour user manual and inspection sheet.

“We put a great deal of thought into the design and layout of our user-manual. We wanted to create something that would easily communicate the legal requirements as well as best in practice principals to encourage users to revisit the manual and keep the information top of mind. We also trust that the professionally laid out inspection sheets will further encourage individuals to perform their checks when required, which will ultimately create a safer working environment for all,” adds Roland

Proudly manufactured in South Africa, in their ISO 9001 accredited facility in Johannesburg, the new Artisan range by BOVA Safety Wear is available to order now through your local distributor from a fully stocked warehouse.

Additional Information on the 3 Harness:

EXCAVO: The Mining Specialist:

• 3 Attachment points
• The dorsal D-Ring enables the wearer to select the lanyard that is best suited to their requirements.
• Two shoulder D-rings to assist with easy evacuation of the wearer in the event of an underground rescue.
• A moulded rescue belt and battery strap easily hold the equipment and keep it firmly in place.
• Strategically placed padding in the waist and shoulder areas displace pressure caused by the battery and rescue pack.
• Stand with a suspension trauma strap that can be deployed in the event of a fall, providing the wearer with a standing step to maintain healthy blood flow while awaiting rescue.  
• Available in four sizes: S | M | L |XL

AGILIS: The Everyday Hero:

• 4 Attachment points
• The dorsal D-Ring enables the wearer to select the lanyard that is best suited to their requirements.
• The sternal D-ring enables the wearer to attach to a vertical or retractable life line, as well as perform a basic rescue.
• Two side D-rings are compatible with work positioning requirements
• Strategically placed padding on around the waist area to absorb and spread pressure from the wearer leaning back against the harness in a work positioning stance.
• Stand with a suspension trauma strap that can be deployed in the event of a fall, providing the wearer with a standing step to maintain healthy blood flow while awaiting rescue.  
• Available in four sizes: S | M | L |XL

GORDIAN: The Heights Expert:

• 5 attachment points
• The dorsal D-Ring enables the wearer to select the lanyard that is best suited to their requirements.
• The waist D-Ring acts as the main rope anchor point and the chest D-ring performs the function of a back-up rope anchor point or attachment point for a vertical or retractable lifeline
• The waist belt contains two gear loops where the wearer can attach tools and two D-Rings that enable the wearer to attach a work positioning belt, thereby freeing up the wearer’s hands and improving safety whilst working at heights.
• Available in four sizes: S | M | L |XL