Shock-absorbing lanyards are designed to help protect workers in the event of a fall. When a worker falls, the shock-absorbing lanyard will stretch to help reduce the forces exerted on the worker’s body. However, there is more than one type of shock-absorbing lanyard out there.
How do shock-absorbing lanyards work?
Shock-absorbing lanyards are designed to reduce the amount of force exerted on a worker in the event of a fall. These lanyards work by stretching and absorbing the energy of a fall, which helps to reduce the risk of serious injury. Shock-absorbing lanyards are typically made from webbing or rope, and they may be equipped with a variety of different attachment points. Some common attachment points include D-rings, snap hooks, and rebar hooks.
Depending on the type of lanyard and the desired application, workers may choose from a variety of different length options. However, it is important to note that these lanyards will not prevent a fall from occurring. Workers who use shock-absorbing lanyards must still take care to avoid working in hazardous situations.
What are the benefits of using shock-absorbing lanyards?
There are many benefits to using shock-absorbing lanyards, including increased safety for workers and compliance with safety regulations. Some of the most common benefits of using shock-absorbing lanyards include:
- Reduced fall distances: Shock-absorbing lanyards can reduce the fall distance for a worker by up to six feet, which can greatly reduce the severity of injuries if a fall does occur.
- Protection from being pulled off balance: If a worker is pulled off balance by a sudden force, such as a snapped rope or falling object, a shock-absorbing lanyard can help prevent them from being pulled completely off their feet. This can reduce the risk of serious injuries, such as head injuries or spinal cord damage.
- Compliance with safety regulations: In many industries, the use of shock-absorbing lanyards are required by safety regulations. By using these lanyards, employers can help ensure that they are in compliance with all relevant safety regulations.
Shock-absorbing lanyards can provide many benefits to workers and employers alike. These lanyards can help reduce the severity of injuries if a fall occurs, and they can also help keep employers in compliance with safety regulations.
What are the different types of shock-absorbing lanyards?
Shock-absorbing lanyards are devices that are attached to a worker’s harness and are designed to stop a worker from falling in the event of a fall. There are three main types of shock-absorbing lanyards:
1. Standard shock-absorbing lanyards – these lanyards have an energy absorbing pack built into them, and are designed to be used with a full-body harness.
2. Retrievable shock-absorbing lanyards – these lanyards have an energy-absorbing pack built into them, but also have a retrieval device attached. This allows the worker to be pulled back to safety if they fall.
3. Self-retracting lanyards – these lanyards have a built-in device that automatically winds up the lanyard when it is not in use, and also has an energy absorbing pack built into it. These lanyards are designed to be used with a full-body harness, and can also be used with a retrievable system.
How to choose the right shock-absorbing lanyard for your needs?
When working at height, the use of a shock-absorbing lanyard can provide fall protection and help to prevent serious injury in the event of a fall. There are several different types of shock-absorbing lanyards available on the market, so how do you know which one is right for your needs? The first thing to consider is the type of suspension device you will be using. There are three main types of devices:
- Anchorages: These are designed to be used with fixed structures such as scaffolding or buildings.
- Body harnesses: These are designed to be worn by the user and can be used with a variety of different systems.
- Mobile work platforms: These provide a mobile working platform and can be used with body harnesses or anchorages. The next thing to consider is the type of lanyard you need.
There are two main types of lanyards: fixed and adjustable. Fixed lanyards are available in a variety of lengths and are permanently attached to the chosen suspension device. Adjustable lanyards can be adjusted to different lengths and can be attached to either anchorages or body harnesses. Once you have considered these factors, you should be able to choose the right shock-absorbing lanyard for your needs.
How to use shock-absorbing lanyards safely?
Shock-absorbing lanyards are an important part of a fall protection system. They are designed to limit the fall arrest forces exerted on a worker in the event of a fall. But, like any fall protection equipment, they must be used properly to be effective. Here are some tips on how to use shock-absorbing lanyards safely:
- Inspect shock-absorbing lanyards before each use and retire them if they show signs of wear or damage.
- Never connect two shock-absorbing lanyards together to create one long lanyard – this could result in serious injury or death if a fall were to occur.
- Make sure the length of the shock-absorbing lanyard is appropriate for the job being performed. The length should allow the worker to move about freely without coming too close to the edge of the work area.
- When using a shock-absorbing lanyard with a harness, always attach it to the D-ring located on the back of the harness (near the worker’s shoulders). This will help to distribute the forces evenly across the body in the event of a fall.
- Never use knots or tape to extend the length of a shock-absorbing lanyard – this could reduce its strength and effectiveness. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your workers are protected from serious injuries in the event of a fall.
What are the potential hazards of using shock-absorbing lanyards?
Shock-absorbing lanyards are designed to protect workers in the event of a fall, but there are some potential hazards associated with their use. If not used correctly, shock-absorbing lanyards can cause serious injury or even death. Shock-absorbing lanyards are made of flexible webbing that is attached to an anchor point and a worker’s harness. The webbing is designed to stretch when a worker falls, absorbing the energy of the fall and limiting the amount of force exerted on the worker’s body.
One of the potential hazards associated with shock-absorbing lanyards is that they can become entangled in equipment or other objects. If a shock-absorbing lanyard becomes entangled, it may not be deployed properly in the event of a fall, which could result in serious injury or death.
Another potential hazard is that shock-absorbing lanyards can be damaged by exposure to harsh chemicals or UV light. Damaged lanyards may not deploy properly in the event of a fall, which could again result in serious injury or death. To avoid these hazards, it is important to inspect shock-absorbing lanyards before each use and to replace them if they are damaged.
How to avoid accidents when using shock-absorbing lanyards?
Shock-absorbing lanyards can be a source of accidents if they are not used correctly. Here are some tips on how to avoid accidents when using shock-absorbing lanyards:
- Inspect the lanyard before each use. Check for any damage such as frayed webbing or ripped stitching. Do not use a damaged lanyard.
- Attach the lanyard to a properly rated anchorage point. The anchorage point must be strong enough to support the weight of the worker in the event of a fall.
- Do not tie knots in the webbing of the lanyard. Knots can reduce the effectiveness of the shock absorber and increase the risk of injury in a fall.
- Do not exceed the maximum working length of the lanyard. Shock-absorbing lanyards are designed to be used at specific working lengths. Using a lanyard at a different length can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of injury in a fall.
- Do not use shock-absorbing lanyards for purposes other than their intended use, such as climbing or tieing off equipment. Doing so can damage the webbing or stitching and reduce their effectiveness in absorbing shock in a fall.
How to inspect shock-absorbing lanyards for damage?
It is critical to inspect all shock-absorbing lanyards for damage before each use. To properly inspect a lanyard, first, visually check the entire length of the lanyard for signs of wear or abrasion. Inspect all stitching for signs of tearing or fraying. Next, check all hardware for cracks, breaks, or distortions. Retire any lanyard that shows signs of damage, as it may fail during use and cause serious injury or death.
How to care for and store shock-absorbing lanyards?
To ensure that your shock-absorbing lanyard lasts as long as possible, it is important to take proper care of it. After each use, inspect the lanyard for any damage. If any damage is found, discard the lanyard and replace it with a new one. To clean your shock-absorbing lanyard, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Do not attempt to machine wash or dry clean your lanyard as this could damage the internal components. Once your lanyard is dry, store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Do not store your lanyard in an area where it could be exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture as this could also damage the lanyard.
In Closing
There is more than one type of shock-absorbing lanyard available to use for a variety of tasks at height. However, regardless of which type you use, it must be used properly to adequately ensure your safety in the event of a fall.
