Please view our range of
energy absorbing lanyards.
Should you have any
questions regarding the use
or limitations of these
lanyards please conatct
us.
These must conform to EN355
For fall arrest, only lanyards
with an energy absorber may
be used. Lanyards are usually
made from webbing or rope.
These are designed to absorb
energy in a fall. This is done
by a built in energy absorber.
This energy absorber
will 'deploy' and extend. It is
very important to note that
the maximum allowed length
of lanyard before deployment
including connectors, is 2m.
Hence the maximum free fall
is 4m. But the lanyard itself
can deploy as much as
1.75m. Therefore it is
important to have a clear
distance (free fall) of 6.25m
below an anchor point
assuming they have attached
at foot level and have a 2m
long lanyard. They will not be
protected below this height. It
is possible to drastically
reduce this by using shorter
lanyards and keeping
attachments above head
height. The maximum impact
allowed on a 100kg worker is
6kN (approximately 600kg)
Petzl manufacture single and
twin lanyards. The twin
lanyard enable permanent
attachment when moving on a
structure. The twin lanyard
has only one energy
absorber. Petzl lanyards
generally deploy at 4.5 kN.
Remember that if two single
lanyards are used at the
same time and are both
clipped in it is possible to
generate twice the impact
load than if only attached by
one. The maximum length
(including connectors) is 2 m
overall. NEVER extend them.
The maximum impact force
allowed in a fall is 6 kN
(approximately 600 kg, as 1
kN / 100 kg). Limiting the
force to 6 kN is achieved by
the lanyard deploying and
extending. This extension
needs to be known to ensure
that there is enough free
space below the worker.
Manufacturers have
to give the extension
information in the product
instructions - therefore it is
vital these are read, kept in a
safe place and referred to
regularly. Wherever possible,
the lanyard should be
anchored as high as possible
to reduce potential fall
distance. To maintain
permanent attachment when
moving around structures, a
double or twin lanyard must
be used.
NEVER use two separate
lanyards each with its own
energy absorber. In a fall the
load would be shared between
both energy absorbers,
preventing them from
deploying correctly and
increasing the impact up to 12
kN. When using a double
lanyard NEVER clip one leg of
the lanyard to the structure
and the other to the harness
(see left). In the event of a
fall occurring, the lanyard
would deploy and extend and
very shortly after the load
would be taken on the lanyard
clipped to the harness,
preventing the energy
absorber deploying further.
Work positioning lanyards
These must conform to
EN358. They are adjustable
lanyards that allow the worker
to rest or lean in a
position 'hands free'. They
must be used with a separate
safety system where the user
would be supported wholly by
the work positioning lanyard.
