Lanyards are an essential part of any fall protection system, and there are many different ways to use them. In this article, we will explore 10 different ways that lanyards can be used to increase safety and improve productivity in a variety of work environments.
Introduction
Lanyards are one of the most versatile and commonly used pieces of personal fall protection equipment. While their primary purpose is to act as a lifeline in the event of a fall, they can also be used for tasks such as tying off to an anchor point, descending a fixed ladder, or securing tools and equipment.
10 uses for lanyards
Here are 12 of the most popular uses for lanyards:
1. Anchoring yourself to a safe spot while working on a high scaffold or platform.
2. Keeping your tools close by and within reach while working at height.
3. Connecting multiple pieces of fall protection equipment together.
4. Attaching safety lines to posts or other anchor points.
5. Creating a temporary lifeline when working alone.
6. Serving as a personal escape line in the event of an emergency.
7. Rappelling down from a height in a controlled manner.
8. Tethering equipment or materials to prevent them from falling.
9. Arresting a fall before it becomes serious or fatal.
10. Holding onto someone who has fallen until help arrives.
11.”In the event of an emergency, break glass”
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The different types of lanyards
Fall protection lanyards come in a variety of designs to suit different conditions and applications. The most common type is the shock-absorbing lanyard, which is used to protect workers in case of a fall. These lanyards are made with a webbing material that can stretch to absorb the impact of a fall, and they are equipped with either a snap hook or a carabiner to attach to a harness.
Other types of lanyards include positioning lanyards, which are used to keep workers in a certain position; restraint lanyards, which are used to prevent workers from reaching an edge; and rescue lanyards, which can be used to save someone who has already fallen.
Why use a lanyard?
A lanyard is an important safety device that connects a worker to an anchorage point. A lanyard can be used as part of a personal fall arrest system or as part of a work positioning system. There are many different types and sizes of lanyards available, and choosing the right one is important for ensuring safety while working at heights. Lanyards are typically made from strong materials such as nylon, polyester, or Kevlar, and they are designed to withstand large amounts of force.
Lanyards are available in a variety of lengths, ranging from a few feet to several hundred feet. The length of the lanyard will depend on the height of the work being done and the type of anchorage point that is being used. It is also crucial to ensure that the lanyard is properly attached to both the worker and the anchorage point.
When choosing a lanyard, it is important to select one that is appropriate for the job that will be done and the environment in which it will be used.
The benefits of using a lanyard
Most of us are familiar with lanyards as the strap worn around the neck to hold a badge or ID card. They are also commonly used to hold keys, whistles, and small tools. But did you know that lanyards can also be used for fall protection? Fall protection lanyards are an important part of any safety system because they provide a secure connection between the worker and the structure or equipment they are working on. Lanyards can be made from a variety of materials, including nylon, polyester, and Kevlar, and they come in a variety of sizes and styles. There are many benefits to using a lanyard for fall protection, including:
- They provide a secure connection between the worker and the structure or equipment they are working on.
- They can be used with a variety of safety systems, including personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), work positioning systems (WPS), and travel restraint systems (TRS).
- Lanyards can be made from a variety of materials, including nylon, polyester, and Kevlar, which makes them durable and abrasion resistant.
- They come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different applications.
- Lanyards can be fitted with a variety of connectors, such as snap hooks, carabiners, or D-rings
The different types of fall protection
There are many different types of fall protection available, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The type you choose should be based on the specific needs of your job and the environment you’ll be working in. Fall arrest lanyards are designed to stop a fall, and are typically used by construction workers or anyone working at heights. They can be attached to a variety of different anchors, such as a fascia board or an I-beam.
Shock-absorbing lanyards are designed to reduce the force of a fall, and are typically used by climbers or workers who need added mobility while working at heights. They’re usually attached to a Harness D-ring. Retractable lanyards are designed to allow workers to move freely while working at heights, and can be used with a variety of different anchors. They usually have a built-in shock absorber to reduce the force of a fall.
Restraint lanyards are designed to keep workers from reaching an edge, and are typically used by roofers or anyone working near an edge. They can be attached to a variety of different anchors, such as parapets or guardrails.
The importance of fall protection
Most people are aware of the dangers of falling, but many don’t realize that fall protection is essential in a wide variety of industries and activities. Lanyards are one of the most important pieces of fall protection equipment, and they are often required by law. Here are 12 uses for lanyards that you may not have thought of:
1. Construction workers rely on lanyards to prevent falls from scaffolding, roofs, and other heights.
2. Tree climbers use lanyards to keep from falling out of trees.
3. Utility workers use lanyards to prevent falls from power lines and poles.
4. Window washers use lanyards to prevent falls from high-rise buildings.
5. Rock climbers use lanyards to keep from falling off cliffs.
6. Hikers use lanyards to prevent falls off steep trails and cliffs.
7. Skiiers use lanyards to keep from falling off lifts or slopes.
8. Boaters use lanyards to keep from falling overboard.
9. Hunters use lanyards to keep their firearms within reach while climbing trees or hillsides.
10. Paintball players use lanyards to keep their markers within reach while crawling through the woods or under fences.
11. Warehouse workers use lanyards to stay safe while working on high shelves or mezzanines.
12. Film crews use lanyards to keep camera equipment safe while shooting on location.
The benefits of using a lanyard for fall protection
When working at heights, it is extremely important to have a fall protection system in place. A lanyard is an important part of that system, as it helps to keep you tethered to a secure point. This gives you the security of knowing that if you happen to fall, you will not plummet to the ground. There are many different types of lanyards available on the market, and they all have their own specific benefits.
Here are 12 of the most important benefits of using a lanyard for fall protection:
1. Prevents falls: This is the most obvious benefit of using a lanyard. By keeping you tethered to a secure point, it prevents you from falling and potentially sustaining serious injuries.
2. Reduces fall distances: If you do happen to fall, a lanyard will help to reduce the distance that you fall. This can be extremely important in preventing injuries.
3. Absorbs shock: In the event of a fall, a lanyard can help to absorb some of the shock that would otherwise be transmitted to your body.
This can help to reduce the severity of any injuries that you might sustain in a fall.
4. Easy to use: Lanyards are extremely easy to use, even for those who are not particularly experienced with working at heights. They can be quickly and easily attached to your harness or other fall protection gear, and they require no special training or knowledge to use effectively.
5. Lightweight and portable: Lanyards are very lightweight and portable, so they can easily be taken with you wherever you go.
This makes them an ideal solution for those who work at heights on a regular basis.
6. Affordable: Lanyards are very affordable, especially when compared to other types of fall protection gear such as safety nets or lifts. This makes them an excellent solution for those who are on a budget but still need effective fall protection.
7. Versatile: Lanyards can be used in a variety of different situations and applications, making them one of the most versatile pieces of safety equipment available today.
Whether you need fall protection while working on a construction site or while hiking in the mountains, a lanyard can provide an effective solution.
8. Adjustable: Most lanyards come with some kind of adjustment mechanism that allows you to lengthen or shorten the tether as needed. This makes them very versatile and gives you the ability to use them in a variety of different situations..
9. Rescue-friendly: In the event that someone does happen to fall while using a lanyard, they can be easily rescued thanks to the fact that most lanyards are designed with rescue-friendly features such as ID tags and breakaway points..
10. Comfortable: Unlike some other types of safety gear, lanyards are generally very comfortable to wear and use..
11. Durable: Lanyards are built tough and designed to withstand tough working conditions..
12. Compliant with safety standards: All lanyards sold today must meet stringent safety standards set forth by OSHA and other organizations.
How to use a lanyard for fall protection
Most full-body harnesses have built-in lanyard keepers, or you can add a lanyard keeper to the D-ring on the back of your harness. A lanyard keeper is a small loop or sewn sleeve that you thread your lanyard through to keep it close at hand and prevent it from dangling after use. Lanyards are lengths of webbing, rope or cable with snap hooks or carabiners on each end for connecting the lanyard to your harness and an anchor point.
OSHA requires that fall arrest systems have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN), and our lanyards have a minimum breaking strength of 6,000 pounds (26.7 kN). There are three primary types of lanyards:
1. Tie-back lanyards: Used to attach yourself to an anchor point above you. Must be long enough to allow you to reach the work area, plus 12 inches (0.3 m) for adjustment; typically range from 6 feet to 30 feet (1.8 m to 9 m) in length.
2. Retrieval lanyards: Used to attach yourself to an anchor point below you so you can be pulled back up if you fall; typically range from 20 feet to 150 feet (6 m to 45 m) in length. Retrieval lanyards must be used with a self-retracting lifeline (SRL).
3. Shock-absorbing lanyards: Used to attach yourself to an anchor point and minimize the force applied to your body in the event of a fall; typically range from 2 feet 6 inches (0.8 m)to 6 feet (1.8 m) in length and have an elasticized webbing core that stretches under loadto dissipate kinetic energy.
The importance of properly using a lanyard
Most people are aware of the general use for a fall protection lanyard. It is a device used as part of a personal fall arrest system that connects an individual to an anchor point. Lanyards are also referred to as lifelines. There are, however, a variety of different types and uses for fall protection lanyards that go beyond the simple connection to an anchor point.
Here are 12 ways that fall protection lanyards can be used:
1. Securing Ladders: Ladders can be secured at the top or bottom using a lanyard to help prevent them from slipping or falling over.
2. Pole Climbing: A lanyard can be attached to a climbing belt and then wrapped around a pole to help support the climber’s weight in case of a fall.
3. Window Washing: Window washers typically use a lanyard connected to their belt as well as an additional one connected to the window washing platform they are using. This provides two points of support in case of a fall.
4. Tree Trimming: Tree trimmers often use lanyards when working on tall trees. The lanyard is generally attached to their belt as well as the tree they are working on, providing support in case of a fall.
5. Roofing: Roofers typically use lanyards when working on steep roofs. The lanyard is generally attached to their belt as well as the roof they are working on, providing support in case of a fall.
6. Construction Sites: There are many construction site applications for lanyards including securing scaffolding, supporting workers during demolition, and more.
7. Mining Operations: Mine operators often use multiple lanyards for various applications including securing equipment, supporting workers during tunneling operations, and more.
8. Oil Rigs: Lanyards are commonly used on oil rigs for various purposes including securing equipment, supports workers during maintenance operations, and more.
9. Power Lines: Utility workers often use lanyards when working on power lines. The lanyard is generally attached to their belt as well as the power line they are working on, providing support in case of a fall
In Closing
Fall protection lanyards can be used in a variety of ways, but the most common is to prevent injuries during falls on the job. Make sure to select the lanyard that is the right type and length for the work you will be doing.
