Fall Protection Lanyard Safety: Selection and Care
The Problem
Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, and improper use or care of fall protection equipment is a significant contributing factor. A damaged or unsuitable lanyard can fail in critical moments, putting your life at risk. Today, we’ll focus on the selection, safe use, and care of fall protection lanyards to ensure they function as intended and keep you safe.
Identify the Hazards
- Material Compatibility: Using the wrong type of lanyard for specific tasks (e.g., synthetic lanyards near heat sources or sharp edges).
- Improper Use: Tying knots in lanyards, misusing the shock-absorbing end, or allowing loose ends to create tripping hazards.
- Neglected Maintenance: Failing to inspect or properly store lanyards, leading to undetected damage or degradation.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Selecting the Right Lanyard
- Material Selection:
- Use rope or synthetic lanyards for general use.
- Avoid synthetic lanyards near sharp edges or hot work areas (e.g., welding).
- Use wire lanyards for sharp-edge protection, but never near live electrical sources.
- Length Matters:
- Choose the shortest suitable lanyard to minimise fall distance and reduce forces in the event of a fall.
Using Lanyards Safely
- Shock-Absorbing Lanyards:
- Always attach the energy absorber end to the dorsal D-ring on your harness.
- Always attach the energy absorber end to the dorsal D-ring on your harness.
- Managing Loose Ends:
- Secure excess lanyard length to prevent tripping or snagging.
- Secure excess lanyard length to prevent tripping or snagging.
- Avoid Knots:
- Never tie knots in lanyards—this weakens the material and compromises safety.
Caring for Your Lanyard
- Storage:
- Store lanyards in a clean, dry location, away from direct sunlight, chemicals, and heat sources.
- Store lanyards in a clean, dry location, away from direct sunlight, chemicals, and heat sources.
- Inspection:
- Before each use, inspect for cuts, fraying, broken stitching, corrosion, or deformities in metal fittings.
- Immediately remove damaged lanyards from service.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
A worker used a synthetic lanyard in an area where welding was taking place. Hot slag weakened the lanyard, which failed during a fall. Fortunately, a backup system prevented serious injury—but this incident could have been avoided by using the correct type of lanyard for the environment.
Employee Responsibilities
- Choose the correct type of lanyard for the task and environment.
- Inspect lanyards before every use.
- Use lanyards as intended—never tie knots or use damaged gear.
- Store lanyards properly to avoid premature degradation.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide certified fall arrest systems and lanyards suitable for all working conditions.
- Train workers in the selection, use, and care of fall protection gear.
- Remove and replace damaged or expired lanyards promptly.
- Ensure a Competent Person performs regular inspections of fall protection systems.
Discussion & Questions
- Have you ever encountered a damaged lanyard on-site? How was it dealt with?
- What do you look for during a lanyard inspection?
Encourage workers to share their knowledge and experiences to reinforce correct practices.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to inspecting lanyards before every use and selecting the right equipment for each job. Starting today, report any damage, and store gear correctly to ensure long-term safety and performance.
Wrap-Up
Lanyards are essential parts of fall arrest systems, and their failure can result in life-altering injuries. Selecting the correct type, inspecting before use, and caring for them properly can prevent accidents. Let’s stay vigilant and prioritise safety.
Standards Overview
Under Canadian workplace health and safety regulations, employers must ensure that fall arrest equipment is appropriate for the task and maintained in good condition. CCOHS and provincial authorities require the following:
- Fall arrest equipment must be regularly inspected by a Competent Person.
- Workers must be trained in the correct use of personal fall protection systems.
- All equipment must be used according to the manufacturer’s specifications and meet applicable CSA standards (e.g., CSA Z259 series).
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.
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