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MSA Gravity Utility Full Body Harness, Small, 3 D-Rings (10162117)
$249.99
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — the MSA Gravity Utility full body harness Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published MSA specifications and category fit. We did not laborat...
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — the MSA Gravity Utility full body harness
Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published MSA specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
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MSA Gravity Utility Full Body Harness, Small, 3 D-Rings (10162117) Overview
The MSA Gravity Utility full body harness (part 10162117, size Small) is a utility and positioning harness with back, front, and hip PVC-coated D-rings, a Kevlar back pad, and nylon webbing tested to ASTM F887 with a minimum webbing static strength of 7,000 lbf. The back D-ring handles fall arrest, the front D-ring is for ladder climbing or controlled descent, and the hip D-rings are for work positioning only.
As the MSA 10162117 Small, this Gravity Utility harness targets rugged utility and lineman-style work. The PVC-coated D-ring harness resists abrasion and corrosion, and as a Kevlar back pad harness it adds durability where gear rubs. Confirm the full standard markings on the label, since this is an ASTM F887 utility harness and the listing does not state an ANSI rating.
Like any item in full-body harnesses, the harness is only one part of the system. Pair the back D-ring with a rated self-retracting lifeline or lanyard, and browse complete fall protection kits before ordering.
What This Harness Is Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Work positioning (hands-free) | Purpose-built | Hip D-rings let you lean back to work; positioning only. |
| Fall arrest at height | Strong | Back D-ring is the fall-arrest point; use a rated connector. |
| Ladder climbing / descent | Strong | Front D-ring supports ladder-climb and controlled descent. |
| Rugged utility / lineman work | Strong | PVC-coated D-rings and Kevlar pad resist abrasion. |
| Electrical / arc-flash hazards | Verify first | No dielectric/arc rating stated; use a labeled harness. |
Fall protection only works as a complete, rated system. This harness is one component of a personal fall arrest system, so the back D-ring must connect to a rated energy-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifeline and a compliant anchorage — never rig fall arrest from the hip D-rings, which are for work positioning only. Verify the harness label and MSA manual for the full standard markings, including any ANSI rating, since this listing references ASTM F887 testing; size and adjust the straps so the back D-ring sits centered between the shoulder blades; inspect the webbing, D-rings, and buckles before each use; and retire the harness after any fall or when inspection finds damage. Compare full systems in our fall protection equipment guide and best fall protection kits guide.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Back, front, and hip D-rings for arrest, climb, and positioning
- PVC-coated D-rings resist abrasion and corrosion
- Durable Kevlar back pad
- Nylon webbing tested to ASTM F887 (7,000 lbf minimum)
- Utility and lineman-oriented design
Cons
- Listing does not state an ANSI or dielectric rating — verify on label
- Hip D-rings are positioning only, not fall arrest
- Size Small only on this listing; other sizes are separate parts
- Requires a separate rated connector and anchorage
How It Compares
The 10162117 is the Small, three-D-ring Gravity Utility. Weigh it against the alternatives before ordering:
| Option | D-rings | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravity Utility 10162117 (this page) | Back, front, hip | Utility / positioning | Lineman and positioning work |
| Back-D-ring-only harness | Back only | Basic fall arrest | General construction fall arrest |
| Suspension / rope-access harness | Back, front, hip, seat | Suspension work | Long-duration suspension tasks |
Choose the Gravity Utility for positioning plus fall arrest in utility work, a back-D-ring-only harness for simple fall arrest, or a suspension harness for rope access. See our fall protection equipment guide, and pair it using the best self-retracting lifelines and best fall protection lanyards guides.
Specifications
| Brand | MSA Safety (Gravity) |
| Part Number / Size | 10162117; Small |
| Type | Utility / positioning full-body harness |
| D-Rings | Back (arrest), front (climb/descent), hip (positioning); PVC-coated |
| Webbing / Pad | Nylon web, ASTM F887 (7,000 lbf min); Kevlar back pad |
| Standards | ASTM F887 referenced; confirm ANSI markings on the label |
Related Guides
fall protection equipment guide, best fall protection kits, best self-retracting lifelines, best fall protection lanyards, best vertical lifelines and rope grabs.
Related Resources
full-body harnesses self-retracting lifelines lanyards and lifelines fall protection kits
Frequently Asked Questions
What D-rings does the MSA Gravity Utility 10162117 have?
It has back, front, and hip D-rings, all PVC-coated. The back D-ring is the fall-arrest attachment, the front D-ring is for ladder climbing or controlled descent, and the hip D-rings are for work positioning only, never fall arrest.
Can I use the hip D-rings for fall arrest?
No. Hip D-rings are rated only for work positioning, where you lean back against the harness to work hands-free. They are not fall-arrest connections. Use the back D-ring for fall arrest, always with a rated energy-absorbing connector and anchorage.
What standard is the harness tested to?
MSA lists the Gravity Utility with nylon webbing tested to ASTM F887 and a minimum static webbing strength of 7,000 lbf. Confirm the full set of standard markings, including any ANSI rating, on the harness label and the MSA manual before relying on it.
Why are the D-rings PVC-coated?
The PVC coating protects the D-rings from abrasion and corrosion and helps prevent them from scratching equipment or surfaces. It is a common feature on utility and lineman-style harnesses that see rugged outdoor use.
What is the Kevlar back pad for?
The Kevlar back pad adds durability and abrasion resistance at the back where the harness contacts the worker and gear. Kevlar aramid is tough and heat-resistant, which suits utility work, though the pad is a comfort and wear feature, not a fall-arrest rating.
What size is this listing?
This listing is the Small size (part 10162117). MSA offers the Gravity Utility in other sizes under different part numbers. Choose the size that lets you adjust the straps snugly with the back D-ring centered between the shoulder blades.
Is this a positioning harness or a fall-arrest harness?
It is both, by attachment point: the back D-ring provides fall arrest and the hip D-rings provide work positioning. Use each connection only for its intended purpose, and never substitute a positioning D-ring for fall arrest.
What connector do I use with it?
For fall arrest, attach a rated self-retracting lifeline or an energy-absorbing lanyard to the back D-ring, connected to a compliant anchorage. For positioning, use a positioning lanyard between the hip D-rings. All connectors and anchors must be rated and compatible.
Is the harness rated for electrical or arc-flash work?
This listing does not state a dielectric or arc-flash rating, so do not assume one. If you need electrical or arc-rated fall protection, select a harness specifically labeled for that hazard and confirm the rating on the manufacturer documentation.
How do I fit and adjust the harness?
Put it on, connect the chest and leg buckles, and adjust the straps so the harness is snug but allows movement, with the back D-ring centered between the shoulder blades and the chest strap at mid-sternum. A loose harness increases injury risk in a fall.
How do I inspect the harness before use?
Inspect the webbing for cuts, fraying, burns, or chemical damage, check the D-rings and buckles for cracks or distortion, and confirm the labels are legible. Remove the harness from service if you find any damage or after it has arrested a fall.
When should the harness be retired?
Retire it after any fall-arrest event, if inspection finds webbing or hardware damage, or per MSA's stated service life and your program. A harness that has taken a fall load must be removed from service even if damage is not visible.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from MSA Safety published data. Compare the range in full-body harnesses.
WC Safety is an independent PPE retailer and Amazon Associate; no paid placement. Match the equipment to your specific application and follow your site fall-protection program and the manufacturer manual.
Brand / Vendor
MSA Safety
Model / SKU
10162117
Product Type
Full Body Harnesses
Price
$249.99 (Amazon)
Availability
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