Akula™ Series Harness 5pt., Padded Back/Legs, QCB, Positioning Belt Side D-Rings, Back and Dual Front D-Rings, Black

Akula™ Series 5-Point Full Body Harness — Padded, Multi-D-Ring Configuration for Fall Arrest and Work Positioning

The Palmer Safety Akula™ Series H22312162 is a 5-point full body harness engineered for contractors and trades professionals who require versatile fall protection across multiple work modes. Constructed with all-black aluminum hardware and 1.73 in. polyester webbing rated to 5,000 lbs. breaking strength, this harness supports fall arrest, work positioning, climbing, and controlled descent applications. The integrated padded back and padded leg straps, combined with quick-connect buckles on all leg straps, allow for rapid donning and doffing on the job site. It meets or exceeds ANSI Z359.11-2021 and A10.32-2012 standards and is available in Small/Medium and Large/X-Large sizing to accommodate users from 130 to 420 lbs.

Technical Specifications

The Akula™ Series distinguishes itself from standard single-D-ring harnesses by providing five attachment points — dorsal, dual front, and dual side hip D-rings — enabling a single harness to serve fall arrest, work positioning, climbing, and controlled descent roles without swapping equipment. The all-black aluminum hardware and sewn-in padded back and leg straps reflect a purpose-built design for professionals who need durability, comfort, and compliance in one unit.

Key Features & Benefits

5-Point Adjustment System

Five independent adjustment points allow the harness to be dialed in for a secure, snug fit across a wide range of body types. Proper fit is critical to ensuring the harness performs as designed during a fall arrest event and reduces fatigue during extended wear.

Quick-Connect Buckles (QCB) on Leg Straps

Quick-connect buckles on all leg straps allow workers to don and doff the harness rapidly, reducing downtime between tasks. The H-style leg strap configuration provides additional stability and prevents the straps from shifting during movement.

Multi-D-Ring Configuration with SRL Back Plate

One dorsal D-ring for fall arrest, two front D-rings (one for climbing, one for rope access/ventral), and two side hip D-rings for work positioning give this harness the versatility to serve multiple fall protection applications. The integrated SRL back plate provides a dedicated, reinforced attachment point for self-retracting lifelines.

Integrated Work Positioning Belt with Side D-Rings

The built-in positioning belt with two side D-rings allows workers to connect a positioning lanyard and maintain a hands-free work position at height. Per ANSI Z359.11, side D-rings must never be used for fall arrest — they are rated for work positioning only, keeping the system application-specific and compliant.

Sewn-In Padded Back and Leg Straps

Padding sewn directly into the back and leg strap areas reduces pressure points during prolonged suspension or extended wear, improving worker comfort and reducing fatigue on long shifts. Sewn-in construction prevents the padding from shifting or being removed in the field.

Lanyard Keeper

One integrated lanyard keeper is incorporated into the harness to store the unused leg of a Y-lanyard, keeping it out of the way and reducing trip and snag hazards on the job site.

All-Black Aluminum Hardware

All metal components are constructed from black aluminum, providing a lightweight yet strong hardware solution. The uniform black finish gives the harness a professional appearance and reduces glare in bright work environments.

Common Applications

Personal Fall Arrest

Connect a fall arrest subsystem (energy-absorbing lanyard or SRL) to the dorsal D-ring on the back, between the shoulder blades, for use as a Class A personal fall arrest system. The system must be rigged to limit free fall to 6 feet per ANSI Z359.11.

Work Positioning

Connect a positioning lanyard to the two side hip D-rings to support the worker at a fixed position on structure. Work positioning systems must be rigged so that free fall is limited to 2 feet or less, and a backup fall arrest system must always be used in conjunction.

Ladder Climbing

For fixed ladder climbing applications, the front sternal D-ring may be used for connection to a vertical cable or rail climbing sleeve system. Climbing systems must be rigged so that free fall is limited to 18 inches or less.

Controlled Descent / Rope Access

The ventral front D-ring supports connection to a descender or evacuation system for controlled descent applications, consistent with Class D harness use as defined in the instruction manual.

Restraint Systems

The harness can be used as a component of a restraint system to prevent a worker from reaching an unprotected edge or floor opening, using a lanyard or restraint line connected to an appropriate anchorage.

Compatible Materials

• Concrete structures and elevated decks
• Steel framing and structural ironwork
• Fixed ladders and climbing structures
• Scaffolding and elevated platforms
• Rope access and controlled descent systems
• Confined space entry and egress (with appropriate rescue configuration)

Product Documents

• Download Tech Sheet
• Download Instruction Manual
• Download Harness Sizing Chart
• Download Declaration of Conformance
• SRL170 Dual Leg SRD Converter Installation Guide

Application Instructions

Pre-Use Inspection

1. Inspect all webbing for cuts, fraying, burns, chemical damage, or unusual wear before each use.
2. Inspect all hardware (buckles, D-rings, back plate) for deformation, corrosion, or damage.
3. Inspect all stitching for broken or pulled threads.
4. Remove the harness from service immediately if any defect is found or if the harness has been subjected to a fall arrest event.

Donning the Harness

1. Hold the harness by the dorsal D-ring and allow it to hang freely to identify all straps.
2. Slip the shoulder straps over each shoulder so the dorsal D-ring is centered between the shoulder blades.
3. Connect and adjust the chest strap at mid-sternum level.
4. Connect the quick-connect leg strap buckles and pull each strap snug — straps should be snug but allow a flat hand to pass underneath.
5. Adjust the torso/waist adjustment points for a secure, snug fit.
6. Adjust shoulder straps so the dorsal D-ring sits between the shoulder blades.

Making Connections

1. Use only self-locking connectors with this harness.
2. For fall arrest, connect the subsystem (lanyard or SRL) to the dorsal D-ring only.
3. For work positioning, connect the positioning lanyard to the side hip D-rings only — never use side D-rings for fall arrest.
4. For climbing, connect the climbing sleeve to the front sternal D-ring.
5. Ensure all connectors are fully closed and locked before use. Visually inspect each connection.
6. Do not connect two active components (snap hooks or carabiners) to a single D-ring simultaneously.
7. Store the unused leg of a Y-lanyard in the integrated lanyard keeper.

Post-Use / After a Fall

1. Remove the harness from service immediately if it has been subjected to fall arrest forces.
2. Contact Palmer Safety or your distributor regarding replacement policies for components involved in a fall.
3. Do not attempt to repair the harness in the field — repairs must be performed only by the manufacturer or entities authorized in writing by the manufacturer.

Safety Data Summary

Hazard Information

• Equipment subjected to a fall arrest event must be immediately removed from service — continued use after a fall may result in serious injury or death.
• Do not use around moving machinery or electrical hazards.
• Avoid contact with sharp edges and abrasive surfaces that may damage webbing.
• Do not expose webbing or synthetic components to slag, hot sparks, open flames, or other heat sources.
• Do not expose equipment to UV light beyond normal use — UV degradation weakens synthetic webbing over time.
• Do not expose to chemicals, caustic environments, or high levels of organic acids or bases without confirming compatibility with Palmer Safety.
• Swing falls — where the anchorage is not directly above the fall point — significantly increase fall clearance requirements and risk of striking an object; minimize by working as close to the anchorage as possible.
• Extended suspension in a full body harness is not intended for prolonged periods — have a rescue plan in place before beginning work.
• Pregnant women and minors should not use this equipment.
• Consult a physician if there is any reason to doubt a user's ability to safely withstand fall arrest forces.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Use in conjunction with a complete personal fall arrest system including a compatible anchorage, connecting subsystem, and self-locking connectors.
• Additional PPE appropriate to the work environment (hard hat, gloves, eye protection) should be worn as required by site conditions.
• Heat-resistant materials are recommended when working near heat sources that could damage synthetic webbing.

Safe Handling

• Inspect the harness before each use and have it inspected by a qualified person on a regular basis.
• Do not alter the equipment in any way.
• Store away from UV light, chemicals, heat sources, and sharp objects when not in use.
• Do not use natural fiber materials (manila, cotton) as part of the fall protection system.
• Ensure all components in the system are rated for the application and are compatible with each other before use.
• Have a rescue plan and the means to implement it before beginning work at height.
• Never use fall protection equipment for towing or hoisting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What D-rings are approved for fall arrest on this harness?
A: Only the dorsal (back) D-ring, located between the shoulder blades, is approved for fall arrest. The side hip D-rings are for work positioning only, and the front D-rings are for climbing and rope access/ventral applications respectively. Never connect a fall arrest subsystem to the side or front D-rings.

Q: Can this harness be used after a fall arrest event?
A: No. Any harness subjected to the forces of a fall arrest must be immediately removed from service. Contact Palmer Safety or your distributor regarding their replacement policy for components involved in a fall.

Q: What is the maximum free fall distance allowed with this harness?
A: For personal fall arrest systems, the system must be rigged to limit free fall to 6 feet (1.8 m) per ANSI Z359.11. Work positioning systems must limit free fall to 2 feet (0.6 m) or less. Climbing systems must limit free fall to 18 inches (0.46 m) or less.

Q: What sizes are available and what are the part numbers?
A: The harness is available in two size ranges: Small/Medium (Part No. H22312162.S/M) and Large/X-Large (Part No. H22312162.L/XL). Refer to the Palmer Safety Harness Sizing Chart (available for download above) to determine the correct size for your measurements.

Q: Are repairs or modifications permitted in the field?
A: No. The harness must not be altered in any way. Repairs must be performed only by Palmer Safety or entities authorized in writing by the manufacturer. Any harness exhibiting deformities, unusual wear, or deterioration must be immediately discarded.

Q: What standards does this harness meet?
A: The Akula™ Series H22312162 meets or exceeds ANSI Z359.11-2021 and A10.32-2012.