DeWalt Fall protection compliance kit (5-point harness with pass‑through chest and tongue‑buckle leg connections)

First impressions and setup

I strapped into the DeWalt kit on a cool, breezy morning before heading up a 6/12 roof. As bundled compliance sets go, this one is straightforward: a universal full‑body harness, a 6 ft energy‑absorbing lanyard, and a sturdy storage bucket. You bring the approved anchor and the training; the kit covers the bodywear and connecting device.

Out of the bucket, the webbing feels robust but not stiff—heavy‑duty polyester with a water/oil‑repellent finish that resists grime and sheds drizzle. The hardware is plated/forged steel, the snap hooks are double‑action with a positive interlock, and the stitching is clean and consistent. It looks like something meant to be grabbed day after day without babying it.

Fit and adjustability

This is a universal‑fit, 5‑point harness with a pass‑through chest buckle and tongue‑buckle leg straps. The leg buckles are glove‑friendly and quick; the chest pass‑through takes a little more attention, especially the first time. My advice is to lay out the harness flat, find the dorsal D‑ring, and “jacket” it on from there. Having a second set of eyes helps to spot twists and check that the chest strap sits mid‑chest, not up on the throat or sagging low.

I’m an average build, and I could dial in torso length, chest, and leg adjustments without hitting the limits of the webbing. Universal fit is always a compromise, though: smaller users may find they’re near the end of the take‑up on some straps, and larger users should verify they’re within the 310 lb rated capacity (worker, clothing, and tools combined). Once adjusted, the harness stayed put. The shoulder webbing distributes load comfortably, and the wide leg straps don’t “rope” into the thighs when you squat or reach. The dorsal D‑ring sits where it should when the sub‑pelvic strap is correctly placed—critical for fall arrest geometry.

The lanyard and energy absorber

The included 6 ft (1.8 m) lanyard is the right pick for basic fall arrest. The energy absorber is internal, so there’s no bulky external shock pack flopping around. That keeps the profile cleaner when moving around rafters or ladder rails and helps prevent snagging. The label set is thorough with inspection instructions and a fall indicator—if that indicator shows deployment, it’s time to take the lanyard out of service and replace it.

One practical note: a 6 ft lanyard demands adequate fall clearance below the working level. Your actual requirement depends on anchor height, stretch, deceleration distance, dorsal D‑ring shift, and a safety margin. Plan your work with these numbers in mind and check the lanyard label for the manufacturer’s deceleration and clearance guidance. When in doubt, a shorter connection or SRL might be more appropriate for your site.

The snap hooks have a 0.71 in gate opening, which fits typical roof anchors and D‑rings. If you regularly clip onto oversized structural members, you’ll want a rebar‑hook variant or a proper anchor strap with a compatible D‑ring. As always, don’t choke this lanyard around anchors and don’t “tie‑back” unless the gear is specifically rated for it—this one isn’t.

Build quality and durability

The webbing’s repellent finish isn’t a gimmick. Dust wipes off, and water beads rather than soaking in. That matters on a roof or steel where grime and moisture are constant. Stitching is generous at high‑load points, and the hardware finish shrugged off a week of abuse against shingles and galvanized anchors without burring or flaking.

At a listed net kit weight of about 13.5 lb, the bundle feels substantial in hand, but once you’re wearing just the harness and lanyard, the load disappears. The bucket adds bulk in transport, but it pays off by keeping the webbing clean, coiled, and ready to go. My only nitpick is the bucket handle, which flexes a bit under the full kit weight; it hasn’t failed, but I’d prefer a more rigid grip.

Comfort in use

After the initial adjustment, I could climb, kneel, and reach with minimal strap creep. The leg tongue buckles are secure yet quick to cinch or release, and they’re easier to manage with gloves than many pass‑through styles. The chest strap holds position without constant re‑tensioning.

Hanging comfort is not something I’m eager to test in the field, but the sub‑pelvic strap placement and shoulder geometry are in line with other quality 5‑point harnesses, and pressure distribution during suspension drills felt as expected for this class of gear. For long workdays, I’d love lightly padded shoulder yokes, but that would add bulk and cost; the webbing itself is wide enough to distribute load acceptably for typical roof and ladder tasks.

Standards, labeling, and capacity

Compliance is table stakes on a jobsite. The harness is labeled to ANSI Z359.11, and the lanyard conforms to the relevant sections for energy‑absorbing lanyards (Z359.13). Manufacturer documentation also references applicable OSHA provisions (1910.66 and 1926.502). Labels are legible, and there’s a convenient area to record inspection dates. The rated capacity is 310 lb (141 kg) for the system—remember to include your clothing, tools, and any carried materials in that total.

Compatibility and use cases

The DeWalt kit is a solid match for:

• Residential roofing with a fixed roof anchor
• Ladder‑to‑roof transitions where a dorsal connection to an overhead or ridge anchor is available
• Basic maintenance tasks with a compatible anchor point

What it is not: a positioning or restraint system, a tie‑back lanyard, or a solution for tight fall‑clearance environments. If you need dual‑leg mobility, a rebar hook, or a self‑retracting lifeline, you’ll want different or additional gear. Also note that the kit doesn’t include an anchor; plan and procure a rated anchorage (5,000 lb static or as part of a properly engineered system) ahead of time.

Inspection and storage

Fall protection lives or dies by inspection discipline. The lanyard’s fall indicator provides a clear pass/fail cue, and the stitched terminations and hardware make daily visual checks straightforward. The storage bucket is more than a nice‑to‑have; it prevents UV and shop grime from prematurely aging the webbing and makes it easy to keep the harness and lanyard together. I’d label the lid with the kit ID and inspection cadence and keep it in a climate‑controlled space when not in use.

Manufacturer warranty is two years. In practice, service life hinges on use, environment, and inspection results—retire components early if they show wear, contamination, or if the lanyard has arrested a fall.

What could be better

• Buckle mix: The tongue‑buckle legs are excellent, but I’d prefer a quick‑connect chest buckle over the pass‑through for faster donning with gloves.
• Hook size options: The 0.71 in hooks are standard, yet many trades benefit from a larger rebar hook. A variant or upgrade path would broaden use cases.
• Bucket handle: A stiffer handle would inspire more confidence when carrying the full kit up and down stairs.

None of these are dealbreakers; they’re refinements that would make a good kit even better.

The bottom line

This DeWalt kit gets the fundamentals right: a comfortable, durable universal‑fit harness; a compact, energy‑absorbing lanyard with a clear fall indicator; and practical storage that keeps everything clean and ready. Adjustability takes a few minutes the first time, and you’ll want a helper to confirm strap routing and anchor connection, but once set, the system is unobtrusive and confidence‑inspiring.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit for homeowners, maintenance techs, and trades who need a compliant, no‑nonsense harness and lanyard for basic fall‑arrest scenarios with sufficient clearance and a proper anchor. It’s robust, clearly labeled to the right standards, and comfortable enough for a full day’s work. If your tasks demand specialized connectors, dual‑leg mobility, or minimal fall clearance, consider complementing or upgrading the connecting device, but as a foundation for safe work at height, this kit is a smart, dependable choice.