Which type of fall-arrest lanyard to choose?
Fall-arrest lanyards come in many versions: double, single, and in various lengths. Various types of connectors may be used on the ends, depending on the work situation. Selection must be made according to the application, but the risk assessment of the work situation is the most important factor in choosing your lanyard.
Warnings
- Carefully read the Instructions for Use used in this technical advice before consulting the advice itself. You must have already read and understood the information in the Instructions for Use to be able to understand this supplementary information.
- Mastering these techniques requires specific training. Work with a professional to confirm your ability to perform these techniques safely and independently before attempting them unsupervised.
- We provide examples of techniques related to your activity. There may be others that we do not describe here.
1. Choice of arms: single or double?
The single-arm versions are only for stationary work (e.g. work on a platform) or on a section of a lifeline without the need to pass intermediate anchors.
The double versions enable progression on a lifeline with passage of intermediate anchors or progression on a vertical or horizontal structure.
2. Choice of lanyard length
The choice of length for a fall-arrest lanyard depends on two parameters:
- The user’s mobility needs in the work situation
- The clearance to be considered in the event of a fall
The longer the lanyard, the more freedom of movement the user has around the anchor to which it is attached.
Long lanyards (150 cm) have an elastic design that makes them more compact when not under load.
On the other hand, the longer the lanyard, the greater the potential fall distance and therefore clearance. The technical tip Understanding and optimizing clearance with ABSORBICA-I and Y provides more detail on the variance in clearance needed depending on the situation.
The ABSORBICA VARIO has an adjustment system that allows the lanyard length to be adjusted, and thus the potential fall distance.
3. Choice of lanyard-end connectors
Some lanyards come without connectors, giving the user great flexibility in tailoring their lanyards to various work situations, especially with regard to the available anchors.
Gated connectors may also be re-used, provided they are still in good condition when the textile part of the lanyards are ready for retirement, for example.
The Instructions for Use for the lanyards along with the technical tips Choice of lanyard-end carabiner for a fall-arrest lanyard and Choice of carabiner for connecting the fall-arrest lanyard to the harness provides details on the factors related to connector selection.
4. Specifics on the use of ABSORBICA-Y TIE-BACK lanyards
Some anchors cannot be clipped with a connector, but may be slung with the lanyard. The ABSORBICA-Y TIE-BACK lanyard is designed for slinging an anchor.
The technical tip Slinging an anchor with ABSORBICA lanyards gives more detail on the specifics of slinging an anchor and the benefits of TIE-BACK lanyards in that application.
Find more information about all fall arrest lanyards in our Accessbook, Fall Arrest Lanyards: selection and use, available for download at petzl.com
