5 Important Considerations When Choosing and Using Fall Protection Lanyards

5 Important Considerations When Choosing and Using Fall Protection Lanyards

When working at height, fall accidents are one of the greatest risks and can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Therefore, it is crucial to know and understand how to use fall protection equipment to ensure maximum safety. With the right fall protection system, dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations can be avoided.

To minimize the risk of life-threatening situations, it is not enough to simply have the right equipment—it must also be used correctly. Factors such as fall height, anchor points, lanyard selection, and rescue plans play a central role in preventing accidents. By understanding how fall protection equipment works and recognizing its limitations, the best safety measures can be taken, creating a safer workplace for everyone.

1. Understanding Fall Height, Clearance, and Fall Factors

To ensure effective and safe fall protection, it is essential to understand the various factors that affect both fall height and clearance. Correct calculation of these elements can mean the difference between a successful and a hazardous fall protection system.

Fall height is the distance a person falls from the point where the fall protection system is anchored to the point where the system arrests the fall. It is a key parameter in fall protection planning, as it directly relates to how long it takes for the system to stop the user's fall and prevent contact with the ground or other obstacles. Fall height depends on several factors that must be considered when calculating the required clearance.

Fall height is calculated as the sum of:

• Length of the fall protection lanyard
  This is the original length of the lanyard to which the user is attached, and it determines how far a person can fall before the fall protection system begins to arrest the fall.
• Extension of the energy absorber
  If the fall protection system includes an energy absorber, it will extend as the fall is being arrested, and this extension must be included in the fall height calculation.
• Elasticity in the anchor point
  If the anchor point (the point where the fall protection system is secured) has any elasticity, it may stretch under load, which can increase the total fall height.
  
• User’s body height
  The worker’s height must also be considered, as it represents the distance from the user’s attachment point (usually at the D-ring) to either their head or feet.

2. Understanding Dynamic Forces in Fall Protection and Load Tolerance

When discussing dynamic forces in fall protection, it is also important to consider how much force a person and the fall protection equipment can withstand. Generally, a person can be subjected to a maximum force of around 6 g (six times their body weight) during a sudden fall, depending on the design of the equipment and the fall velocity. However, fall protection systems are designed to minimize this load by extending the fall over time (for example, with an energy absorber or elastic lanyard in the harness straps), which reduces the sudden impact on the body.

Fall protection equipment, such as shock absorbers or lanyards, is often tested to withstand forces up to 12 kN (kilonewtons), equivalent to approximately 1,200 kg. This is designed to ensure the system functions effectively and safely, even under extreme conditions.

3. Choosing the Right Equipment for the Job

Choosing the right fall protection lanyard is crucial for safety when working at height. First and foremost, the work environment and the nature of the task must be assessed. If the worker needs to move between multiple anchor points, a double fall protection lanyard is ideal, as it allows for continuous attachment throughout the work. This is especially important in environments with a risk of falling, such as scaffolding, roofs, or towers.

A single fall protection lanyard, on the other hand, is best suited for stationary tasks where the worker does not need to change anchor points frequently. It is important to ensure that the lanyard has the correct length and shock absorption to minimize the load in the event of a fall.

Manufacturers like Petzl offer a wide range of fall protection lanyards for different working conditions. Their lanyards are designed with a focus on ergonomics, durability, and safety, often featuring elastic elements or integrated shock absorbers for increased comfort and protection.

Regardless of the type of fall protection lanyard chosen, it should always be inspected before use and employed in accordance with applicable safety standards to ensure maximum protection for the worker.

Check out our range of Fall arrest lanyards.

Single-leg version
Single-leg versions are suitable for stationary work, such as working on a platform or in a position where movement is limited. They are also used on sections of an anchor line where there is no need to pass intermediate anchors. Ideal for tasks at height with limited movement – providing the user with optimal safety and stability. Likewise, single-leg versions are perfect for situations that require precision and control, without the risk of tangling or obstacles.

Double-leg version
The double-leg versions enable safe progression along an anchor line, even when passing intermediate anchors or when working on vertical or horizontal structures. This type of fall protection equipment provides increased freedom of movement and continuous protection, as the user remains attached to the anchor point at all times, even when switching between anchor points.

One of the major advantages of the double-leg versions is the enhanced safety, as the user is always connected to at least one anchor point, reducing the risk of falls. They are highly versatile and can be used on both horizontal and vertical structures such as ladders, towers, and scaffolding. Additionally, they offer greater mobility, allowing the user to move along an anchor line without having to disconnect the safety line. This type of equipment is therefore especially suited for tasks requiring movement and continuous protection, while contributing to a more efficient and safer work process.

4. Choice of length of the fall protection lanyard

The length of the fall protection lanyard is an important factor that must be adapted to the working height and the required clearance. It is crucial to ensure that the worker does not risk hitting the ground or other obstacles in the event of a fall.

A longer lanyard provides greater freedom of movement but also requires more space to absorb the energy of the fall. Additionally, one can choose between an elastic lanyard and a rope lanyard. An elastic lanyard improves mobility and reduces the risk of tripping, whereas a rope lanyard may offer greater stability in certain work situations.

The choice of length depends on two parameters:

• The user's mobility needs in the work situation
  If the job requires a high degree of freedom of movement, a longer lanyard is advantageous as it provides greater reach around the anchor point. Conversely, a shorter lanyard may be more suitable for stationary tasks, as it reduces the risk of loose-hanging lines and tripping hazards. An adjustable fall protection lanyard can be a flexible solution that can be adapted to the task as needed.
• The required clearance in the event of a fall
  Clearance refers to the necessary distance below the user to prevent collision with obstacles during a fall. A longer lanyard increases the fall distance, as both the lanyard and any shock absorbers add to the total length of the fall. In situations with limited clearance, a shorter lanyard or a fall protection system with a self-retracting lifeline should be chosen to minimize the fall distance.

We always recommend consulting an expert before selecting equipment. At ccbsafety, our specialists are ready to provide guidance and share their expertise to ensure that you get the right equipment for your specific task.

5. Fall Protection Courses

Working at height involves significant risks, making proper fall protection training essential for safety. A fall protection course ensures that employees understand how to correctly use safety equipment, identify hazards, and follow best practices to minimize the risk of accidents.

A comprehensive fall protection course covers key topics such as risk assessment, equipment selection, proper harness fitting, and emergency rescue procedures. Employees learn how to effectively use fall arrest systems, positioning lanyards, and anchor points. Understanding clearance requirements and the potential dangers of swing falls can help prevent serious injuries.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, hands-on training is crucial. Employees get the opportunity to practice using fall protection equipment through exercises in realistic work scenarios. This builds confidence and ensures they can respond appropriately in an emergency.

An important part of fall protection training is knowing how to act in the event of an accident. If someone falls and is left suspended in their harness, dangerous complications such as suspension trauma can develop quickly, impairing blood circulation. It is therefore essential that workers know how to swiftly and safely rescue a possibly unconscious person from suspension. Proper rescue procedures can mean the difference between life and death, and all workers should be trained to handle such situations.

Employers benefit from offering fall protection training to their employees, as it reduces workplace accidents, ensures compliance with safety regulations, and improves overall efficiency. Many industries, including construction, wind energy, and industrial maintenance, require fall protection certification before employees are permitted to work at height.

Regular refresher courses are also important to keep employees up to date with the latest safety standards and techniques. As equipment evolves, ongoing training ensures that workers are using the most effective and legally compliant safety gear.

Investing in fall protection training not only saves lives but also fosters a safety culture in which everyone understands their role in preventing fall-related accidents and workplace injuries.

At ccbsafety, we offer training in the correct use of fall protection equipment and prepare you thoroughly for safe work at height.

You can read more about our courses here.

Safety Starts with the Right Equipment – That’s Why We Choose Petzl

At ccbsafety, safety isn’t just part of our name – it’s at the heart of everything we do. When it comes to fall protection, it’s crucial to choose equipment that is both reliable and thoroughly tested. That’s why we’ve chosen to partner with Petzl, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of equipment for working at height. Petzl is renowned for its high quality, innovative solutions, and uncompromising approach to safety, making them a natural choice for us and our customers.

We offer a wide selection of Petzl products, including fall arrest lanyards, harnesses, carabiners, and much more. When you choose Petzl through ccbsafety, you not only gain access to top-tier equipment – you also receive guidance from specialists who understand your challenges and can help you find the optimal solution.

After reading about the five key considerations when using a fall arrest lanyard, we hope you feel better equipped to make the right choice for your team.

Do you have any questions or want to explore our product range? Visit our webshop or contact us directly – your safety starts here.