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Fall Protection Lanyard Safety: Selection and Care

Fall Protection

The Problem

Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, and improper use or care of fall protection equipment is a significant contributing factor. A damaged or unsuitable lanyard can fail in critical moments, putting your life at risk. Today, we’ll focus on the selection, safe use, and care of fall protection lanyards to ensure they function as intended and keep you safe.

Identify the Hazards

  • Material Compatibility: Using the wrong type of lanyard for specific tasks (e.g., synthetic lanyards near heat sources or sharp edges).

  • Improper Use: Tying knots in lanyards, misusing the shock-absorbing end, or allowing loose ends to create tripping hazards.
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  • Neglected Maintenance: Failing to inspect or properly store lanyards, leading to undetected damage or degradation.

Safety Practices and Preventative Measures

  1. Selecting the Right Lanyard:

    • Material Selection:
      • Use rope or synthetic lanyards for general work environments.
      • Avoid synthetic lanyards near sharp edges or heat sources (welding, cutting).
      • Use wire cable lanyards for tasks involving sharp edges, but avoid these near live electrical conductors.
    • Length Matters:
      • Choose shorter lanyards to minimize free fall distance and reduce the shock load during a fall.
  2. Using Lanyards Safely:

    • Shock-Absorbing Lanyards:
      • Attach the shock-absorbing end to the D-ring on your body harness to ensure proper deployment during a fall.
    • Managing Loose Ends:
      • Hold the loose end in your hand for short movements or secure it to your harness for longer periods to avoid tripping or entanglement hazards.
    • Avoid Knots:
      • Never tie knots in lanyards, as this compromises their strength. Untie any knots before use.
  3. Caring for Your Lanyard:

    • Storage:
      • Store lanyards away from chemicals, direct sunlight, high heat, and sharp objects.
    • Inspection:
      • Before each use, inspect lanyards for:some text
        • Cuts, frays, punctures, or wear.
        • Corrosion or damage to metal components.
      • Replace damaged lanyards immediately.

Real-Life Case or Scenario

Where possible, use an actual incident that you have experienced or been involved in.

E.g. On a construction site, a worker used a synthetic lanyard near a welding area. Sparks from the welding torch weakened the lanyard, and during a fall, it failed to arrest the worker properly. Fortunately, the worker was caught by a secondary safety measure, but the incident highlighted the importance of selecting the correct lanyard for the task. This type of incident is preventable with proper equipment selection and care.

Employee Responsibilities

  • Select the appropriate lanyard for the job.
  • Inspect lanyards before each use for visible damage or wear.
  • Use the shock-absorbing end correctly and avoid introducing hazards like knots or loose ends.
  • Store lanyards properly to prevent material degradation.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Provide certified lanyards that meet OSHA standards.
  • Train employees on the selection, use, and care of fall protection equipment.
  • Replace damaged or defective lanyards promptly and ensure regular inspections are conducted.

Discussion & Questions

  • "Have you encountered issues with lanyards on the job? How were they resolved?"
  • "Do you have any questions about choosing the right lanyard for specific tasks or conditions?"
  • Encourage employees to share their experiences and discuss any concerns they have about fall protection equipment.

Commitment/Action Plan

Let’s commit to inspecting our lanyards before every use and ensuring we use the right equipment for the job. Starting today, make it a habit to handle fall protection equipment responsibly and report any issues immediately.

Wrap-Up

Your lanyard is your lifeline, and taking proper care of it can save your life. By selecting the right lanyard, using it correctly, and maintaining it responsibly, we can prevent falls and stay safe on the job. Thank you for your attention, and let’s work together to keep safety our top priority.

Standards Overview

  • Certified Systems: OSHA requires that lanyards are part of certified fall arrest systems capable of supporting the required loads (OSHA Standard 1926.502).
  • Inspections: Lanyards must be inspected regularly and removed from service if found defective.‍
  • Free Fall Limits: The maximum allowable free fall distance is 6 feet unless otherwise specified by your fall protection plan.
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Legal Disclaimer

This toolbox talk is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The information presented is based on best practices and general industry standards but may not apply to all workplace situations.
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It is the responsibility of the employer, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards. The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
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Participants are encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals to address specific concerns or questions. Always follow your organization's policies and procedures for workplace safety and hazard mitigation.

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