OSHA Fall Protection 101: Are Your Safety Lanyards Up to Code?

📋 A Practical Guide for Safety Managers, Site Supervisors, and New Workers

When it comes to fall protection, safety lanyards are more than just a strap and hook—they’re a critical part of a life-saving system. If your job site involves working at heights, OSHA and ANSI standards require that your lanyards—and how you use them—meet strict performance and inspection guidelines. But how do you know if your lanyards are up to code?

In this blog, we’ll break down the key OSHA standards related to safety lanyards, highlight when and how to use them, and explain what to look for during inspections.

___________

🧰 When Are Safety Lanyards Required?

Safety lanyards are required as part of a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) in any situation where a worker is exposed to a fall hazard of:

Workers must be protected whenever they are exposed to unprotected sides or edges, leading edges, holes, or other fall hazards. A safety lanyard connects the harness to an anchor point and helps arrest the fall before it becomes fatal.

___________

🏗️ Minimum Performance Requirements (Per OSHA & ANSI)

Lanyards used in fall arrest systems must meet specific performance criteria:

• Maximum arresting force: Must not exceed 1,800 lbs (8 kN) on the worker.

• Free fall limit: Must not allow a free fall of more than 6 feet.

• Total fall distance: Must factor in deceleration distance, lanyard length, harness stretch, and worker height.

Most compliant lanyards incorporate a shock-absorbing feature to reduce impact. ANSI Z359.13 provides additional testing and labeling requirements for energy-absorbing lanyards, ensuring durability and consistency across brands.

___________

🧩 Anchorage & Compatibility: What OSHA Says

Per OSHA 1926.502(d)(15), anchor points used with safety lanyards must be:

• Capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached, or

• Designed and installed as part of a complete PFAS by a qualified person to maintain a safety factor of at least two times the intended load.

Additionally:

• Lanyards must be compatible with the anchorage and harness used.

• Snap hooks and D-rings must be self-locking and not prone to rollout.

• Avoid mixing components from different manufacturers unless explicitly rated for compatibility.

Improper combinations can invalidate compliance and increase risk—so always confirm that all parts work together as a tested system.

___________

🔍 Why Inspections and Proper Use Matter

Even the most high-performance lanyard is useless (or dangerous) if not properly inspected or used.

🛠️ Daily Visual Inspection Checklist:

• Frayed webbing or broken stitching

• Rust or deformation in hooks and hardware

• Burn marks, chemical stains, or discoloration

• Labels and serial numbers still legible

🗂️ Annual Competent Person Inspection:

OSHA and ANSI recommend that a qualified person inspects all fall protection equipment at least annually, with documentation kept on file.

✅ Tip: If you can’t 100% confirm the condition of a lanyard—retire it immediately.

___________

📌 Key Takeaways

___________

🧯 Stay Compliant, Stay Safe

Whether you're outfitting new hires or reviewing your current fall protection gear, ensuring your lanyards are OSHA- and ANSI-compliant is non-negotiable. Use this guide as a reference during safety audits, toolbox talks, and worker training.

Need help choosing the right safety lanyard for your crew? Our safety specialists are here to help you pick the perfect system that meets both standards and site needs.

Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on new products and much more!