A shock absorbing lanyard (also known as an energy-absorbing lanyard) should be used whenever a worker is exposed to fall arrest forces that could injure them without energy absorption. Keep reading this blog to find out more about when shock absorbing lanyards should be used.
What Is a Shock Absorbing Lanyard?
A shock absorbing lanyard is a device used with a full-body harness to reduce the force on a worker’s body if they fall. When a fall occurs, the lanyard’s energy absorber deploys, slowing the fall and limiting the arresting forces on the body. Without shock absorption, a sudden stop can cause internal injuries and spine damage alongside harness and anchor point failure.
When Are Shock Absorbing Lanyards Needed?
Shock absorbing lanyards should be used in any situation where you are using a personal fall arrest system and are exposed to fall arrest forces that could injure you without shock absorption. Personal fall arrest systems should only be used in situations when a worker is exposed to a fall hazard and the fall cannot be prevented by other means.
If an appropriate fall restraint system prevents you from reaching the fall hazard, a shock absorbing lanyard will not be needed. Equally, if you are using a self-retracting lifeline, a shock absorbing lanyard will not be needed as these lifelines have built in energy absorption.
In short, if a fall can happen and the system you are using arrests the fall, you will need energy absorption, usually in the form of a shock absorbing lanyard.
At Safety Harness Direct, we stock a range of shock absorbing lanyards including both single lanyards for if you are using just one anchor point and twin lanyards for when you need to move between multiple anchor points. Use the button below to browse our collection.
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If you have any further questions about when to use a shock absorbing lanyard, get in touch with us today and a member of our team will be happy to help.
