Which NFPA standard designation describes a harness designed for rescue that fits around the waist and thighs?

The NFPA standard designation that describes a harness designed for rescue, which fits around the waist and thighs, is accurately identified as Class II harness. This type of harness is specifically designed for scenarios where both fall protection and rescue capabilities are paramount, allowing the user to be secured around the waist and thighs.

Class II harnesses provide a secure fit essential for both safety and comfort during vertical activities, such as rescue operations or work at height. The design ensures that users can be suspended comfortably while awaiting rescue or being hoisted from a confined space, thus minimizing the risk of injury from suspension trauma.

In terms of context, Class I harnesses are typically buckled only around the waist and are more suitable for positioning rather than rescue, while Class III harnesses are more commonly used for full-body support and fall arrest scenarios, providing security from all angles. Class IV harnesses, on the other hand, are not standard classifications in confined space rescue contexts and serve different applications. Understanding the specific design and application of these harness types is crucial for ensuring safety and effectiveness in rescue operations.