Why This Guide?
As a reseller, you’re often asked for "a lanyard" with very few details. However, selecting the right lanyard is critical for worker safety, compliance, and effectiveness. This guide will help you ask the right questions and confidently recommend the best lanyard for your customers.
Step 1: What Type of Work Are They Doing?
Before recommending a lanyard, determine the application:
| Work Type | Best Lanyard Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Restraint Technique (No Fall Risk) | Adjustable Lanyard | Limits movement to stop falls |
| Restrained Fall (Pole Work) | Pole Strap | Supports worker during tasks |
| Limited Free Fall (<600mm) | Short Energy-Absorbing Lanyard | Reduces impact forces |
| Free Fall (>600mm) | Shock-Absorbing Lanyard or Retractable SRL | Minimizes force during a fall |
| Continuous Connection | Twin-Leg (Y) Lanyard | Ensures 100% tie-off |
Step 2: What Type of Connector Is Needed?
What will they be attaching the lanyard to?
| Connector Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Snap Hook | General applications |
| Scaffold Hook | Larger openings (scaffolding, beams, rebar) |
Step 3: What Lanyard Material Is Best?
| Lanyard Type | Best Use Case | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Webbing Lanyard | Lightweight & general use | Cost-effective |
| Elasticated Lanyard | Reducing trip hazards | Contracts when not in use |
| Adjustable Lanyard | Restraint technique | Customizable length |
| Rope Lanyard | Work positioning | Strong & flexible |
| Steel Rope/Chain Lanyard | Work near cutting tools or flames | Requires energy absorber |
| Retractable Lanyard (SRL) | Minimizing fall distance | Self-adjusting length |
Step 4: What Is the Fall Risk? (Fall Factor Guide)
Why It Matters: The higher the fall factor, the greater the force on the body. Lanyards must limit fall force to 6kN.
| Fall Factor | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Worker cannot reach a fall hazard | Restraint System (Adjustable Lanyard) |
| 1 | Lanyard attachment is above harness D-ring | Energy-Absorbing Lanyard |
| 2 | Lanyard attachment is below harness D-ring | Twin-Leg Lanyard or SRL |
Ensure fall clearance is checked before choosing a fall-arrest lanyard.
Quick Reference: What to Recommend Based on the Job
| Application | Best Lanyard Type | Connector |
|---|---|---|
| Preventing access to a fall hazard | Adjustable Lanyard (Restraint) | Snap Hook |
| Work positioning on poles | Pole Strap | Snap Hook |
| Limited free fall (<600mm) | Short Energy-Absorbing Lanyard | Scaffold Hook |
| Free fall (>600mm) | Shock-Absorbing Lanyard or SRL | Scaffold Hook |
| Moving between anchor points | Twin-Leg (Y) Lanyard | Scaffold Hook |
| Reducing trip hazards | Elasticated or Retractable (SRL) | Snap Hook |
Final Checklist for Resellers
- Ask the customer what type of work they are doing.
- Determine the fall risk and required clearance.
- Choose the right lanyard type based on application.
- Ensure the lanyard limits fall forces to 6kN.
- Encourage training for correct use and inspection.