Proper installation and use of a racing harness
04-11-2008, 11:08 AM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Proper installation and use of a racing harness
In a discussion on the C5 Z06 forum, there was a classic example of how NOT to install a racing harness. The pictures showed the harness attached to the small loops used to keep the harness in place rather than around the bar. Plus, the buckle on the strap was installed wrong, presenting a risk that it would slide in the event of a crash, making the belts worthless.
Some time ago, I came across an excellent guide to the proper installation and use of safety harnesses.
http://www.hmsmotorsport.com/docs/Co...structions.pdf
Scroll down through the guide and you will find a wealth of information on the proper installation of racing harnesses. It shows how to install the anchors, where they need to be installed, how to properly thread a belt around various kinds of anchors, and how to thread those adjustable slides that we so often see. Proper threading and placement of those slide buckles is critical, otherwise they can slide under strain and allow you to be seriously injured or killed in a crash.
I recommend that anyone who is using a safety harness in a car look at this information carefully. It also explains why racing harnesses should not be used with the Corvette sports seats that do not have shoulder harness holes. There are good pictures and explanation of the need for a HANS device as well, and the proper installation and use of a HANS and the shoulder harnesses for the HANS to be effective.
Bottom line -- either do it right or stick with the stock seat belt. Using an improperly installed harness system can be more hazardous that just sticking with the stock setup.
p.s. If this is a repost of this link, so be it. At the beginning of the season, it's a good refresher on how to do it right. Have a fun and safe racing season!
Some time ago, I came across an excellent guide to the proper installation and use of safety harnesses.
http://www.hmsmotorsport.com/docs/Co...structions.pdf
Scroll down through the guide and you will find a wealth of information on the proper installation of racing harnesses. It shows how to install the anchors, where they need to be installed, how to properly thread a belt around various kinds of anchors, and how to thread those adjustable slides that we so often see. Proper threading and placement of those slide buckles is critical, otherwise they can slide under strain and allow you to be seriously injured or killed in a crash.
I recommend that anyone who is using a safety harness in a car look at this information carefully. It also explains why racing harnesses should not be used with the Corvette sports seats that do not have shoulder harness holes. There are good pictures and explanation of the need for a HANS device as well, and the proper installation and use of a HANS and the shoulder harnesses for the HANS to be effective.
Bottom line -- either do it right or stick with the stock seat belt. Using an improperly installed harness system can be more hazardous that just sticking with the stock setup.
p.s. If this is a repost of this link, so be it. At the beginning of the season, it's a good refresher on how to do it right. Have a fun and safe racing season!
