Which of the following is an acceptable fall arrest attachment point on a full-body harness?

• A. Sternal D-ring
• B. Shoulder D-ring
• C. Web loop
• D. Dorsal D-ring

Answer: (D)

The main idea is where a fall-arrest lanyard should attach on a full-body harness. The dorsal D-ring on the back is designed to bear arrest forces and keep you oriented properly during a fall, with the line running close to your center of gravity so deceleration is controlled and the risk of head and neck injuries is minimized.

Front attachments like a chest (sternal) D-ring can pull you forward and place unusual loads on the chest and neck during a fall, increasing injury risk and potentially compromising the harness geometry. Shoulder D-rings are typically for positioning or specialized rope work, not for fall arrest, and a web loop isn’t rated to withstand arrest loads. That’s why the dorsal D-ring is the acceptable fall-arrest attachment point.