Fall protection

Responding is Joe Proulx, editor – EHS, J. J. Keller & Associates, Neenah, WI.

When it comes to choosing between a self-retracting lifeline or a shock-absorbing lanyard for a personal fall arrest system, a few factors should be considered. But first, we need to understand the difference in their design intent.

SRLs, as the name implies, have a retractable lifeline that automatically adjusts in length as the worker moves. This allows the worker to move freely within the line’s length, providing flexibility to cover a larger work area. Some manufacturers offer SRLs with lengths ranging from 20 to 100 feet or more.

In addition, SRLs are housed in durable casings and designed to quickly engage and arrest a fall in case of a sudden force or loss of balance. This ensures freedom of movement while still being protected. The retracting lifeline also keeps the worker’s fall distance to a minimum, reducing the forces exerted on the body during a fall.

Shock-absorbing lanyards are designed to reduce the impact forces experienced by a worker during a free fall. They’re typically made of durable materials such as nylon and include an integrated shock absorber. When a fall occurs, the shock absorber in the lanyard deploys and absorbs the energy generated by the fall. This helps minimize the forces exerted on the worker’s body, reducing the risk of injury. However, shock-absorbing lanyards come in specific lengths, with the most common length being 6 feet. This fixed length can potentially limit the available movement area for your workers.

Now that we have a better understanding of the design intent for each of these options, it’s important to consider several related factors. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some key factors to consider.

Advantages of SRLs:

• Shorter free-fall distance because of rapid braking mechanism
• Can stop a fall within a few feet when anchored overhead
• Quick response makes it better suited for aerial lift fall protection
• Automatic retraction reduces slack and minimizes tripping hazards
• Leading edge models
• More durable design

Disadvantages of SRLs:

• Higher cost than shock-absorbing lanyards
• Require more in-depth maintenance and inspection
• Heavier and bulkier than shock-absorbing lanyards

Advantages of shock-absorbing lanyards:

• Much lower cost than SRLs
• Simplicity and ease of use
• Minimal maintenance and inspection
• Lighter and easier to maneuver in tight areas
• Best suited for fall restraint because of fixed length

Disadvantages of shock-absorbing lanyards:

• Fixed length may limit workers’ ability to access larger areas
• Lanyard needs to reach its full extension before fall arrest occurs, resulting in a longer free-fall distance
• More clearance is needed for total fall distance

Regardless of your decision, once you’ve chosen the best solution for your workers, it’s vital to provide proper training on safe use, inspection and maintenance of the equipment.

Finally, it’s important to ensure your workers feel comfortable reporting any concerns about the equipment’s integrity or the need for replacement or repair. They should be aware of the process to bring these issues to the attention of management immediately and, most importantly, know that they must not attempt to use the equipment on the job until any concerns have been addressed.

Editor's note: This article represents the independent views of the author and should not be considered a National Safety Council endorsement.