Working at height can be dangerous if you don't have the right safety equipment. Tool lanyards are a must for anyone who uses tools while working at height – even the smallest tools can cause severe injuries if dropped on someone from a great height, so it is essential that every tool is securely tethered to your person.
This blog will explore everything you need to know about tool lanyards including how to choose the right one for your job, how to use it safely and other general tips to keep in mind when using a tool lanyard at height.
What Are Tool Lanyards?
A tool lanyard, or tool tether, is a device workers use to attach tools to themselves while working at heights. This in turn prevents accidents in the workplace caused by unsecured falling tools. These lanyards help ensure that if your tool does happen to fall, it won’t reach the ground or hit someone below. Failure of a tool lanyard, or failing to use a tool lanyard, can result in serious injury or even death to the workers in the immediate vicinity of the work at height activity.
Tool lanyards are available in a variety of lengths and styles and are generally comprised of the following elements:
1. Connection to the user.
For small tools weighing less than 1kg, the tool lanyard can be attached to the user’s wrist. For larger tools weighing up to 3kg, the lanyard should be attached to a stronger connection point on the user’s body, like their belt or full-body harness.
2. Connection to the structure.
Heavy tools falling on a lanyard can inflict large impact forces on the user, putting them at risk of falling from height. For this reason, tools weighing more than 3kg should be attached to a permanent anchor point or structure like a guardrail.
3. Lanyard element.
Tool lanyards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from retractable to elasticated lanyards. It is important to choose a design that is well suited for the task at hand: your tool lanyard should be long enough that you can carry out your task unhindered, but as short as possible to reduce the fall distance in the event of the tool being dropped.
4. Connection to the tool.
These can be the same form as the connection to the tool operator, though in some instances strong attachment elements should be fitted to the tool before the connection to the lanyard can be made secure.
Important Things to Consider Before Using a Tool Lanyard
- Always inspect your lanyard prior to use for signs of deformities, unusual wear or deterioration. If your lanyard exhibits any of these signs it should be immediately discarded and replaced.
- Always ensure that the lanyard at full extension will not impact the workers below you.
- Never attach a tool lanyard to a structure without making sure the strength and shock-load capability of the anchor point is verified.
- Always use a retractable lanyard where there is a risk of entanglement or snagging or if multiple tools are being used.
- Remember that the longer the lanyard, the greater the forces that may be impacted on the user.
- Always use a certified tether that is suitable for the marked recommended tool weight. The lanyard must be able to retain this force in the event of a dropped tool from its most onerous working position, typically above head height.
For more advice on which tool lanyard is best for your task, please don’t hesitate to contact Safety Harness Direct and a member of our team will be happy to help!
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