The execution of Work at Height requires the correct use of all the PPE specific for this type of activity. When the worker is 2 meters or more in height in relation to the base of the place where he is, he needs to be supported by Protection Equipment that will guarantee his physical integrity and minimize the risks of falling. The lanyard is an essential piece of equipment to keep the professional connected and prevent him from falling.
The lanyard is the connecting element between the worker’s Safety Harness and the anchorage point where he will be connected to perform his tasks. Its main purpose is to restrict and prevent the fall of the professional and it is part of the Individual Fall Protection System, formed by an anchorage point, a connecting device, and a Safety Belt.
According to NR-35, the lanyard and the fall arrest device must be fixed above the connection point of the worker’s belt, adjusted so as to restrict the drop and ensure that, in case of occurrence, it minimizes the chances of the worker colliding with a structure below in a fall situation.
The lanyard can be divided into three categories, each of which offers a different level of safety and movement. They can be single leg, twin leg, or work positioning. We will present each of them so that you can understand their main characteristics and have the necessary information when acquiring the ideal PPE for the type of service that the company performs.
Lanyard: get to know the different types
Each lanyard is developed to meet specific demands for Work at Height. It is important to know its main characteristics to understand how to choose the ideal PPE for the area of the company where you work.
The main types of lanyards are
1) Single Leg Lanyard
The Single Leg Lanyard is composed by only one anchorage point and it must be used in situations with lower risk level for the execution of Work at Height. It is recommended for situations in which the worker is able to hold on in a safe way before starting the activities he will perform, such as in elevating platforms and lifelines.
2) Twin Leg Lanyard
The Twin Leg Lanyard is composed of a connection point to the belt and two anchorage connection points. For structures such as scaffolding, the use of the Twin Leg Lanyard is mandatory, as it allows the worker to move while being connected to an anchorage point. This way, he remains 100% connected during his activity and movement.
3) Work Positioning Lanyard
The Work Positioning Lanyard works as a system to position the worker, it is not a fall prevention equipment. Therefore, it must be used together with the lanyard to prevent falls.
The importance of the lanyard
PPE for Work at Height is essential for the execution of tasks in a safe and comfortable way. An important part of this equipment is the lanyard, which has an essential role in the PPE for Work at Height system. The professional needs to have a safe point of connection between the harness and its anchorage point. The lanyard is the connecting element between these two points.
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