DeWalt Fall Protection Compliance Kit

Why I picked up the DeWalt kit

I spend enough time on roofs and elevated platforms to know that fall protection is only as good as the gear you’ll actually wear and trust. I grabbed the DeWalt kit because I wanted a straightforward, compliant setup I could toss in the truck and deploy for quick jobs—something that didn’t require mixing and matching parts or guessing about compatibility. This kit bundles a universal 5‑point harness and a 6 ft energy‑absorbing lanyard, all packed in a durable bucket. It’s a simple proposition: anchor, harness, lanyard, go.

What’s in the bucket

The kit includes:
- A universal‑fit, 5‑point harness with pass‑through chest and leg buckles
- A 6 ft lanyard with an internal energy absorber
- A storage/transport bucket with handle

Everything is color‑coded DeWalt yellow/black, which sounds cosmetic, but it helps with orientation when you’re sorting straps. The harness webbing is a heavy‑duty, oil/water/stain‑repellent polyester, and all load‑bearing hardware is steel. The lanyard’s energy absorber is built into its body, rather than a bulky external shock pack. That design choice matters on ladders and tight structures where protrusions snag.

Setup and first use

I started by doing a quick pre‑use inspection—no loose stitches, clear labels, and the energy absorber pouch intact. The harness is universal fit, which means you’ll spend a few minutes sizing it to your body the first time. The pass‑through buckles are the classic, reliable style; they’re not as quick as quick‑connect buckles, but they’re low‑profile and self‑evident once you’ve done it a couple times.

My advice: set your leg straps first, then the chest, then fine‑tune the shoulder lengths so the dorsal D‑ring lands between your shoulder blades. The included keepers do a decent job of corralling extra strap tails. If you can, have a second person confirm there are no twists and that the chest strap sits at mid‑chest. For the lanyard, I clipped the absorber end to the harness D‑ring and the opposite end to an approved overhead anchorage.

Fit, comfort, and mobility

Once adjusted, the harness sits evenly without pinching. The webbing is wide and distributes load nicely over the thighs and shoulders. Breathability is on par for a non‑padded, compliance‑style harness—there are no luxury comfort pads here, but the repellent webbing stays cleaner and dries faster than basic polyester. I worked for a few hours on a 6/12 roof and later on a small tower mast and never felt like the harness fought my movements. The pass‑through buckles lie flat, so there’s minimal interference with tool belts or jackets.

If you’re used to premium harnesses with quick‑connect hardware and cushioned waist/shoulder pads, this will feel more utilitarian. That’s expected at this price point. The trade‑off is weight and simplicity: fewer parts to gum up with grit and tar, and fewer mechanisms to maintain.

The lanyard’s energy absorber in real use

The 6 ft lanyard is a standard length for fixed‑length tie‑off. The internal energy absorber is the star—compact, protected, and less likely to snag. It’s designed to limit arresting force during a fall, and it keeps the overall profile slimmer than old external shock packs. Clip hardware action is smooth and predictable.

That said, a single‑leg, 6 ft lanyard doesn’t fit every scenario. It’s not a twin‑leg for 100% tie‑off during transfers, and it’s not a self‑retracting lifeline. It also isn’t a leading‑edge solution. For many residential roofs, platform work, and maintenance tasks with a suitable overhead anchor, it’s a good match. If your work regularly involves complex transitions, sharp edges, or long horizontal moves, plan to pair this harness with different connectivity hardware.

Build quality and durability

The stitching is clean, the label set is thorough, and the webbing finish really does shrug off grime better than basic harnesses I’ve used. After a few messy days, dirt wiped off with a damp rag and a little mild soap, and the straps didn’t take on that stiff, gritty feel that cheap webbing develops.

Steel hardware adds confidence and some weight, but once it’s on your body, that weight becomes a non‑issue. The adjustment friction bars hold their settings well; I didn’t find myself constantly re‑tightening leg loops. There’s an inspection tag spot where you can note dates—small detail, but it encourages the habit.

Compliance, capacity, and labeling

The kit lists compliance with ANSI Z359.11 for the harness and references ANSI Z359.3 and Z359.13 for connectors and energy absorption. It’s positioned to meet OSHA 1910.66 and 1926.502 requirements when used correctly as part of a complete fall protection system. The rated capacity is 310 lb, which covers the user plus clothing and tools. If you work near that limit—especially with winter gear and loaded belts—do the math and be realistic.

I appreciated that the labels are legible and durable. In practice, inspectors want to see clear markings, condition, and traceability. This kit checks those boxes out of the bucket.

Storage and maintenance

I didn’t think I’d care about the bucket until I did. Tossing a harness and lanyard loose into the truck is a great way to shorten their life. The bucket keeps the kit together, keeps grit off the webbing, and doubles as a staging seat when you’re putting gear on. The handle is adequate; I wouldn’t mind a more robust grip, but it hasn’t failed me.

Maintenance is common sense: hang to dry, keep it out of UV when not in use, wipe off contaminants promptly, and log inspections. The repellent webbing eases the cleaning burden, which means you’re more likely to keep up with it.

What I liked

• Solid, consistent build quality with steel hardware and tidy stitching
• Repellent webbing that stays cleaner and is easier to maintain
• Low‑profile pass‑through buckles that don’t snag on belts or jackets
• Compact internal energy absorber that reduces bulk
• Clear labeling and an obvious place to record inspections
• Bucket storage that actually solves a real problem
• ANSI/OSHA compliance coverage appropriate to a basic harness/lanyard setup
• Two‑year warranty for peace of mind

What could be better

• Pass‑through buckles aren’t as fast as quick‑connects for frequent don/doff cycles
• Single‑leg, 6 ft lanyard limits versatility; no twin‑leg option in the box
• Universal sizing means more initial adjustment; people at the extremes of size may prefer a dedicated size
• The bucket handle could be stiffer
• No comfort padding; long‑duration wearers may want upgraded harness ergonomics

Who it suits best

• Tradespeople and homeowners who need a straightforward, compliant kit for occasional roof, platform, or maintenance work with an overhead anchor
• Crews needing a reliable backup kit that lives in the truck, ready to deploy
• Anyone who values simpler hardware and lower bulk over premium comfort features

If your day‑to‑day involves continuous tie‑off, sharp edges, or frequent transitions, pair the harness with specialized connectors (such as a twin‑leg lanyard or SRL) or consider a higher‑end harness with padding and quick‑connect hardware.

Final thoughts

The DeWalt kit does the basics right: trustworthy harness, compact shock‑absorbing lanyard, clean labeling, and storage that keeps the gear intact. It’s not aiming to be a deluxe setup, and it doesn’t need to be. After multiple days of use across roof work and light tower tasks, I found it reliable, comfortable enough for the category, and easy to keep clean.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit for users who need a compliant, ready‑to‑go fall protection solution without fuss. It’s a strong value as a first kit or a fleet backup, with thoughtful touches like repellent webbing and a compact energy absorber that matter on real jobs. If you require advanced comfort features or specialized connection configurations, you’ll want to supplement or step up, but as a baseline harness and lanyard combo, this is a solid, dependable choice.