Choosing a Safety Lanyard For Your Job

A safety lanyard is the key link between a worker and an anchor point.safety lanyard They are typically a length of webbing, rope or cable with hardware connections at both ends. Lanyards can be used for fall arrest, work positioning or for travel restraint applications (holding back a worker to prevent them from reaching a fall hazard). They may also have an energy-absorbing system built into them which is either internal or external. They can be single or double leg in design and have many different anchor connection hook options including tie-backs.

The type of lanyard you choose depends on not only the anchor points but the type of work that will be done.safety lanyard For example, if your job involves welding or other hot work that can burn through nylon webbing, you will need to use a fire retardant lanyard. A Kevlar or wire rope lanyard will be more durable and provide the extra strength needed for these applications.

If your job involves working on an elevated structure, you will need a shock-absorbing lanyard.safety lanyard These lanyards are designed to safely arrest a fall when anchored at or above your dorsal D-ring by limiting the free fall distance and reducing the impact forces on the worker. These lanyards are ideal for construction crews, roofers, tower climbers and industrial technicians.

There are different types of shock-absorbing lanyards as well.safety lanyard Internal energy-absorbing lanyards have the shock-absorption component built into the lanyard so there is no visible shock pack. These lanyards are lighter and more streamlined than those with an external shock absorber.

External energy-absorbing lanyards have the energy-absorption component located outside of the lanyard material in a shock pack or pouch.safety lanyard These lanyards are heavier than those with internal systems and may not be as streamlined.

Some workers will prefer a positioning lanyard which is a fixed-length lanyard that doesn’t have any shock-absorption system at all. This is the type of lanyard you will see workers using when working on a boom lift. There are some concerns that a shock-absorbing lanyard or SRL could cause the basket of a boom lift to tip over if it is not protected from falling objects.

Whether you are navigating rooftops, climbing towers or working on elevated industrial structures, Madaco shock absorbing lanyards offer the strength, reliability and OSHA/ANSI-compliant performance you need to get the job done right. Our lanyards can be paired with our full body harnesses, anchorage connectors and vertical lifeline systems to provide maximum fall-arrest safety, controlled deceleration and work positioning for professionals working at height. Our lanyards are available in single-leg, double-leg (100% tie-off), internal shock-absorbing and elastic/stretch configurations that integrate seamlessly with our full-body harnesses, anchorage connectors and work at height systems. Contact us today to learn more about how our lanyards can benefit your team. We serve clients across the country and internationally.

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