Safety Lanyards: Which One is Right for Your Job?

Safety lanyards are an essential piece of equipment for workers who need to be secured to a fixed point while working at heights. These lanyards are designed to prevent falls and keep workers safe while working in elevated areas. There are several types of safety lanyards available, including single-leg and double-leg lanyards with an external shock absorber or an internal shock absorber, flat safety lanyards, and positioning lanyards.

If you have questions such as:

"What is a safety lanyard?"

"How to use a double lanyard on a safety harness?"

"What is the purpose of a safety lanyard?" or more - then be sure to keep reading to learn about the differences between each type of safety lanyard!

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SINGLE-LEG SAFETY LANYARDS

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DOUBLE LEG SAFETY LANYARDS

A double-leg safety lanyard, also known as a twin-leg, are made of two separate webbing straps that are connected to a central connector. The worker's harness is attached to the central connector, and the two webbing straps are attached to separate anchor points.

Double-leg lanyards are used by workers who need to be attached to two anchor points at once. This type of lanyard provides added security when working and moving around if a fall were to occur. For example, when working on a scaffold, the worker can be connected to two different points on the scaffold, providing a secure fall protection system.

Double-leg safety lanyards are 6 feet long which allows a reasonable and safe amount of room for workers safety incase a fall is to occur. They are typically equipped with either an internal or external energy shock absorber that helps to reduce the force of a fall and protect the worker.

It's important to note that double-leg lanyards are typically bulkier and heavier than single-leg lanyards, and are not suitable for use in situations where the worker only needs to be connected to one anchor point at a time. Additionally, it's important to use the double-leg lanyard as it was intended, connecting both legs to different anchor points for proper use.

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INTERNAL VS. EXTERNAL SHOCK ABSORBERS

As mentioned above, safety lanyards typically come with either an internal or external shock absorber. Below you can read the differences between internal vs external to find out what is the best option for you!

Internal Shock Absorbers:

An internal shock absorber is a device that is built into a safety lanyard, it is designed to reduce the force of a fall and protect the worker in the event of a fall. These shock absorbers are typically made of a special material that is designed to stretch and absorb the energy of a fall.

When a fall occurs, the internal shock absorber stretches and slows down the worker's descent, reducing the force of the impact on the worker. This helps to prevent injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures, which can occur if the worker falls from a significant height.

Internal shock absorbers are typically more compact and lightweight than external shock absorbers, and are less likely to get caught on obstacles. This makes them well-suited for use in tight spaces or areas with a lot of obstacles. They also tend to be more durable, as they are protected from the elements and wear and tear.

It's important to note that not all lanyards come equipped with internal shock absorbers, and that it's important to check the specifications of the lanyard before using it. Additionally, it's important to check the lanyard for any signs of damage before each use and replace it if needed, as the shock absorber can lose its effectiveness over time.

External Shock Absorbers:

An external shock absorber is a device that is designed to reduce the force of a fall and protect the worker in the event of a fall. These shock absorbers are typically made of webbing material and are attached to the lanyard outside of the webbing. They are designed to absorb the energy of a fall, reducing the force of the impact on the worker.

When a fall occurs, the external shock absorber stretches and slows down the worker's descent, reducing the force of the impact on the worker. This helps to prevent injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures, which can occur if the worker falls from a significant height.

External shock absorbers are typically larger and bulkier than internal shock absorbers, and are more susceptible to getting caught on obstacles. They also require more maintenance as they are exposed to the elements, they need to be inspected regularly to ensure that they are in good working condition.

It's important to note that not all lanyards come equipped with external shock absorbers, and that it's important to check the specifications of the lanyard before using it. Additionally, it's important to check the lanyard for any signs of damage before each use and replace it if needed, as the shock absorber can lose its effectiveness over time.

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FLAT SAFETY LANYARDS

Flat safety lanyards are another type of lanyard that is designed to be more compact and lightweight than traditional lanyards.

These types of safety lanyards are typically used in applications where space is limited or where traditional lanyards would be difficult to use. For example, they are often used by workers who need to access tight spaces, such as ductwork or piping, or by workers who need to move through areas with a lot of obstacles, such as in a construction site.

The flat design of these lanyards makes them less likely to snag or get caught on equipment or other obstacles, which helps to reduce the risk of falls. They are also more comfortable for the worker to wear, as they do not have the bulk of traditional lanyards.

Flat safety lanyards have a connector at each end, one end attaches to the harness and the other end attaches to the anchor point, this allows the worker to move freely within a specific area while being connected to a secure point. Some of them are equipped with energy absorbers, this helps to reduce the force of a fall and protect the worker.

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POSITIONING LANYARDS

A positioning lanyard is a type of safety lanyard that is used to keep a worker in a specific position while working at height. These lanyards are typically made of a durable webbing material and have a carabiner or snap hook at one end that attaches to the worker's harness, and a snap hook or carabiner at the other end that attaches to the anchor point. The lanyard is designed to allow the worker to move freely within a specific area, but prevents them from going beyond that area and falling.

Positioning lanyards are often used by workers who need to work on a vertical surface such as a wall or a building. These lanyards are designed to keep the worker in a secure, upright position, which allows them to work comfortably and safely. They also allow the worker to move around the work area without having to detach and reattach their lanyard to different anchor points.

Positioning lanyards come in different designs and lengths, some are adjustable and can be lengthened or shortened as needed, while others have a fixed length. Some of them are equipped with a built-in energy absorber that helps to reduce the force of a fall and protect the worker.

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Safety lanyards are an essential piece of equipment for workers who need to be secured to a fixed point while working at heights. There are several types of safety lanyards available, and each type of lanyard has its own unique features and benefits! The best one for a particular job will depend on the specific needs of the worker and the nature of the work being done.

For more information on our Single-Leg and Double-Leg Safety Lanyards, please read our "Single-Leg Safety Lanyard VS. Double-Leg Lanyard" Blog Here!

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