Lanyard Safety: Why Looping Back Over an Anchor Point Can Be Risky and What to Know About Adjustable Options

Understanding Lanyards: Key Differences and Usage

I hope most of you have experience in the above subject. Let me ask the question: What is the difference between tie-back lanyards and other lanyards? Why should lanyards (except tie-back lanyards) not be looped back over an anchor point and then attached back to themselves? What is meant by shorter or adjustable lanyards for fall restraint?

Please share your expertise with us on this topic.

As I did not have the expertise to provide a solution to the query, I contacted Mr. Rahul Bhatti, a representative of M/s. FALL ARREST SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGIES PVT. LTD. (A subsidiary of Latchways Fall Arrest Systems S.A.) (www.fallarrest.co.za). Please review the comments below from him. Let me know your thoughts on whether this information is helpful or not.

"Hi Dipil,

Thank you very much for the email as below.

Explanation of Lanyard Strength and Suitability

Our explanation is as follows:

A normal lanyard has an anchorage hook with a gate strength of 7KN along the minor axis. The breaking strength of the lanyard is 20 KN. If a lanyard is used as a tie-back lanyard, during static testing, the hook may collapse as its breaking strength is significantly less compared to that of the rope lanyard.

A tie-back lanyard has a hook with a gate strength of 20 KN, the same as that of the rope lanyard. This lanyard, during static testing, will pass as the breaking strength of both the lanyard and the hook is equal, i.e., 20KN.

However, it should be noted that a tie-back lanyard may not be the most suitable solution as a rope, when tied along, for example, a steel beam, can be subject to abrasion from sharp edges. There have been reported cases where the rope was cut when in contact with I beams. For such situations, it is recommended to use an anchor strap with a protective sleeve, tied around an anchorage, and then attach the lanyard.

Understanding Adjustable Restraint Lanyards

An adjustable restraint lanyard is a lanyard without an energy absorber but fitted with a B-ring or rope grab. Its purpose is to control the length of the lanyard in order to prevent a person from getting too close to the edge of a structure, which could result in a fall. You can find numerous images of this type of lanyard on Google.

I hope the above information helps. Please let us know if you need further clarification."

Regards

A normal lanyard has an anchorage hook with a gate strength of 7 kN along the minor axis. The breaking strength (B/S) of the lanyard is 20 kN. If a lanyard is used as a tie-back lanyard, then during static testing, the hook will collapse as its B/S is far less compared to that of the rope lanyard.

As per ANSI Z359

The ANSI Z359 standard, which is widely followed in many countries, has more stringent strength requirements for fall protection. The gate face strength requirements have changed from 220 lbs. (1 kN) (old standard) to 3,600 lbs. (16 kN) (new standard). Now the query is clear.

A tie-back lanyard has a hook whose gate strength is 20 kN, the same as that of a rope lanyard. This lanyard will pass static testing as the B/S of both the lanyard and hook is the same, i.e., 20 kN.

Concerns About Hook Collapse

Yes, I agree with him, but both hooks are the same, and they undergo the same test, so why does it collapse on the rope lanyard? How does the same hook withstand in a tie-back lanyard? My concern is why we're not finding a solution to this issue instead of choosing other options like using an anchor strap, etc. What I'm trying to say is that, as safety professionals, we need to be able to answer these questions if someone raises them at our workplace instead of saying we'll get back to you later.

Having said that, we should still say that a tie-back lanyard is not an appropriate solution if a rope is tied along, say, a steel beam, as it can be subject to abrasion due to sharp edges. There have been reported cases where the rope was cut while rubbing against I-beams. For such situations, it is better to use an anchor strap with a protective sleeve and tie it around an anchorage, then attach your lanyard to it.

Solution Found

Yes, we found the same solution in my workplace.

An adjustable restraint lanyard is a lanyard without an energy absorber but fitted with a B-ring or rope grab. Its purpose is to control the length of the lanyard to protect a person from nearing the edge of a structure, which can lead to a fall. You can find plenty of images of this lanyard on Google.

Ordering for Projects

Yes, I saw those, and I need to order some for my project as well. It's specially designed for roof work, isn't it?

Hope the above helps. Let us know if you need more elaboration.

Thanks for assistance on this query, Mr. Dipil.