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MSA Safety 10163238 Workman Arc Flash Full Body Harness (Standard) — Non-Conductive PPE for Fall Arrest
$199.99
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — MSA Safety 10163238 Workman Arc Flash Full Body Harness, Standard Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published MSA Safety specifications and c...
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — MSA Safety 10163238 Workman Arc Flash Full Body Harness, Standard
Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published MSA Safety specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
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MSA Safety 10163238 Workman Arc Flash Full Body Harness (Standard) — Non-Conductive PPE for Fall Arrest Overview
The MSA Safety 10163238 Workman Arc Flash Full Body Harness in Standard size is the body-holding component of a personal fall arrest system, built specifically for workers exposed to electrical and arc-flash hazards. Within MSA's Workman family, the arc-flash configuration swaps standard exposed steel for non-conductive and corrosion-resistant hardware, making it the choice for electricians, utility linemen, and maintenance crews who tie off near energized equipment.
As a full body harness, it spreads fall-arrest loads across the shoulders, chest, pelvis, and thighs and provides a dorsal (back) D-ring for connecting your shock-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifeline. This is a critical distinction under fall protection rules: OSHA 1926.502 and 1910.140 require a full body harness — never a body belt — as the body support in a complete fall arrest system. Browse the full range of full body harnesses if you need other sizes or non-arc-flash configurations.
A harness alone does not stop a fall. To build a compliant system you pair this harness with a connecting device — either a shock-absorbing lanyard from our lanyards selection or one of our self retracting lifelines — plus an anchorage point. OSHA specifies anchorages for personal fall arrest capable of supporting at least 5,000 lb per attached worker (or a system maintained at a 2:1 safety factor under a qualified person). Confirm the Standard size suits your worker's weight and torso range before ordering, and inspect the harness before every use.
One rule is non-negotiable: any harness or connecting component that has arrested an actual fall must be removed from service and destroyed. WC Safety lists the 10163238 as an Amazon-affiliate product — the linked Amazon page carries current pricing, the manufacturer's complete specification sheet, capacity ratings, and stock status. We do not restate arc-flash ratings or capacities here that are not published on the official datasheet.
What It Is Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical work near energized equipment | Strong fit | The arc-flash build uses non-conductive hardware, making it suited to electricians and utility crews working in arc-flash hazard zones. Verify the manufacturer datasheet for the specific arc rating before relying on it. |
| General construction fall arrest | Workable | Functions as a standard full body harness with a dorsal D-ring, but the arc-flash hardware is overspec for non-electrical work. A standard model from our full body harnesses range may cost less. |
| Connecting to a lanyard or SRL | Strong fit | The dorsal D-ring accepts a shock-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifeline. Match the connector and free-fall clearance to your work height per OSHA 1926.502. |
| Sizing for an average-build worker | Check size | This SKU is the Standard size. Confirm the worker's weight and torso/chest range fall within MSA's published Standard sizing before purchase; size up to the X-Large SKU if needed. |
| Reuse after a fall event | Not suitable | Any harness that has arrested a fall must be retired and destroyed. Do not return a fall-exposed harness to service under any circumstances. |
Fall protection is life-safety equipment. A personal fall arrest system must limit free fall and arrest forces under OSHA 1926.502 / 1910.140 and ANSI Z359: use a full-body harness (never a body belt for fall arrest) with a compatible shock-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifeline and an anchorage rated 5,000 lb per worker (or engineered to a 2:1 safety factor). Inspect every component before each use, immediately retire anything that has arrested a fall or shows damage, and work to a documented rescue plan. Browse fall protection and full-body harnesses.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Arc-flash-specific build with non-conductive, corrosion-resistant hardware for electrical work zones
- Full body design distributes fall-arrest forces across shoulders, chest, pelvis, and thighs as OSHA requires
- Dorsal D-ring accepts standard shock-absorbing lanyards and self-retracting lifelines
- Part of MSA's established Workman fall-protection line with a recognized service and replacement-parts network
- Standard size covers a broad average-build fit range
Cons
- Standard size only — verify torso/weight fit or choose the X-Large SKU for larger workers
- Arc-flash hardware is overspec (and typically pricier) for non-electrical general fall arrest
- Harness alone is not a complete system; lanyard or SRL and a rated anchorage are sold separately
- Must be permanently retired after any fall event, like all fall-arrest harnesses
How It Compares
The 10163238 Standard is one size point in MSA's Workman Arc Flash harness line. The most direct in-family sibling carried here is the larger-size variant of the same arc-flash harness — choose by fit, not by feature, since both share the non-conductive build.
| Model | Line | Size | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSA 10163238 | Workman Arc Flash | Standard | Average-build electrical workers needing arc-flash fall arrest |
| MSA 10162695 | Workman Arc Flash | X-Large | Larger-build workers needing the same arc-flash protection and dorsal D-ring |
Both are arc-flash-configured Workman harnesses; the only difference is the fit range, so select the size that matches your worker. If you do not need arc-flash hardware, compare standard models across our full body harnesses collection, and review complete-system options in fall protection. We do not compare against other brands' harnesses or cross-line lanyards on this page.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | MSA Safety |
| Model / Part No. | 10163238 |
| Product Line | Workman Arc Flash |
| Type | Full body harness (personal fall arrest) |
| Size | Standard |
| Application | Arc-flash / electrical work zones |
| Hardware | Non-conductive, corrosion-resistant (arc-flash configuration) |
| Attachment | Dorsal (back) D-ring |
| ASIN | B016MPYU34 |
Related Resources
fall protection full body harnesses lanyards self retracting lifelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MSA 10163238 a complete fall arrest system on its own?
No. It is the full body harness — the body-holding component only. A compliant personal fall arrest system also needs a connecting device (a shock-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifeline) and a rated anchorage. Browse compatible connectors in our lanyards and self retracting lifelines collections.
What size is this harness?
This SKU (10163238) is the Standard size. Before ordering, confirm your worker's weight and torso/chest measurements fall within MSA's published Standard sizing range on the Amazon datasheet. If your worker is larger, choose the X-Large SKU instead.
What makes this an arc-flash harness?
The Workman Arc Flash configuration uses non-conductive and corrosion-resistant hardware in place of standard exposed metal components, so it is suited to electricians and utility crews working in or near energized equipment. For the specific arc rating, refer to MSA's published datasheet on the linked Amazon page — we do not restate ratings not confirmed there.
Where does the lanyard or lifeline attach?
To the dorsal (back) D-ring, which is the OSHA-designated attachment point for fall arrest. Connect a shock-absorbing lanyard or a self-retracting lifeline there; do not attach fall-arrest connectors to side or front D-rings unless the manufacturer rates them for arrest.
Does this harness meet OSHA requirements?
OSHA 1926.502 and 1910.140 require a full body harness (never a body belt) as the body support in a personal fall arrest system, which this harness provides. Compliance of the overall system also depends on using a rated connector and a proper anchorage, and on correct use and inspection. Verify the product's specific standards conformance on the manufacturer datasheet.
What anchorage strength do I need with this harness?
OSHA requires anchorages used for personal fall arrest to support at least 5,000 lb per attached worker, or to be designed and used under a qualified person with a safety factor of at least two. The harness does not change that requirement — your anchor point and connector must meet it.
Can I use a body belt instead of this harness for fall arrest?
No. Body belts are prohibited for fall arrest under OSHA 1926.502 because they concentrate forces on the abdomen. A full body harness like the 10163238 is required because it distributes arrest forces across the shoulders, chest, pelvis, and thighs.
Can I reuse this harness after it stops a fall?
No. Any harness or connecting component that has arrested an actual fall must be removed from service and destroyed, never reused. Inspect the harness before every use and retire it per the manufacturer's inspection criteria even without a fall event.
Is this harness good for general construction, not just electrical work?
It will function as a standard full body harness for general fall arrest, but the arc-flash hardware is overspec and typically pricier than a standard model. For non-electrical work, compare standard options in our full body harnesses collection.
How often should I inspect this harness?
Inspect it before every use for cut, frayed, or chemically damaged webbing, distorted or corroded hardware, and a deployed load indicator. A competent person should also perform documented periodic inspections per OSHA and the manufacturer's schedule. Remove from service if any defect is found.
Is the price and full spec sheet shown here?
WC Safety lists this as an Amazon-affiliate product, so current pricing, stock, and MSA's complete specification sheet (including capacity and arc-flash details) appear on the linked Amazon page. We avoid restating ratings that are not published on the official datasheet.
What else do I need to buy with this harness?
At minimum, a connecting device and an anchorage. Pair the harness with a shock-absorbing lanyard from our lanyards range or a self retracting lifeline, and tie off to an anchorage rated for at least 5,000 lb. Review full systems under fall protection.
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 product to your specific hazard and follow your site PPE program.
Brand / Vendor
MSA Safety
Model / SKU
10163238
Product Type
Full Body Harnesses
Price
$199.99 (Amazon)
Availability
Check current availability on Amazon
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