HSE ISSUES WARNING ON CORRECT USE OF TWIN TAILED LANYARDS
8 Dec 2004 05:15 PM
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning on the
importance of following manufacturers' instructions on the use of
fall arrest equipment, in particular systems based on twin tailed
energy absorbing lanyards. The warning has been prompted by a recent
incident in Australia, where a worker was killed when his lanyard
failed.
Martin Holden, Principal Specialist Inspector with HSE's Construction
Division Technology Unit, who deals with technical issues concerning
work at height, said:
"It is vital that everyone using fall arrest systems based on twin
tailed lanyards understands and follows the manufacturer's
instructions. Remember that when one of the lanyard legs is
connected to the anchor point, the second leg should not be attached
to the user's harness, or to their belt or clothing, as this could
limit the extension of the energy absorber in the event of a fall.
"If this happens, excessive arrest forces will be applied to both the
user and to the system, which could lead to equipment failure with
potentially fatal consequences. Unless the harness has been provided
or retro fitted with lanyard "parking" points, which are specifically
designed to break away in the event of a fall, the second leg should
be left to hang free. Alternatively, on this and only this specific
type of lanyard, the second leg can also be connected to the anchor
point.
"Lanyards are widely used in a variety of industries and employers
must have formal procedures in place to ensure that equipment is used
correctly. Workers must know how to use lanyards properly and should
check them regularly before use. If in doubt, employers should
contact the manufacturer or supplier. Lanyards should be treated with
care, not dragged on the ground or allowed to get dirty, and must
never be wrapped around sharp or angled surfaces."
Notes to Editors
1. An energy-absorbing lanyard is a line for connecting a full body
harness to an anchorage point with an inbuilt in line device that
reduces the impact of a fall. Twin tailed lanyards enable users to
move freely whilst remaining clipped on at all times. However, their
incorrect use can result in the protection afforded by the energy
absorbance being by-passed and the full force of a fall transmitted
to the body. This may also cause equipment failure, with potentially
fatal consequences.
2. A twin tailed energy absorbing lanyard specifically comprises two
lanyards, each terminated at one end with a connector for attachment
either to an anchor point or directly to a structure. The other end
is attached to a single energy absorber in such a way that either
lanyard can transmit a load to the energy absorber. The energy
absorber is fitted with a connector for attachment to the user's
harness. This type of lanyard is sometimes referred to as a
"Y-shaped" energy absorbing lanyard. Important Note: Twin tailed or
"Y shaped" lanyards must not be confused with lanyard systems which
use two lanyards, each equipped with a shock absorber ("double
lanyards"). Following the advice to clip both lanyards to the
anchorage at the same time when using a double lanyard could double
the shock load on the human body in the event of a fall.
3. The requirement for formal procedures to ensure lanyards are used
correctly is contained in Regulation 10 of the Personal Protective
Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPE Regs), which states:
"(1) Every employer shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that
any personal protective equipment provided to his employees by virtue
of regulation 4(1) is properly used.
(2) Every employee shall use any personal protective equipment
provided to him by virtue of these regulations in accordance both
with any training in the use of the personal protective equipment
concerned which has been received by him and in the instruction
respecting that use which have been provided to him by virtue of
regulation 9."
4. Regulation 9 of the PPE Regs states:
"(1) Where an employer is required to ensure that personal protective
equipment is provided to an employee, the employer shall also ensure
that the employee is provided with such information, instruction and
training as is adequate and appropriate to enable the employee to
know -
(a) the risk or risks which the personal protective equipment will
avoid or limit;
(b) the purpose for which and the manner in which the personal
protective equipment is to be used; and
(c) any action to be taken by the employee to ensure that the
personal protective equipment remains in an efficient state, in
efficient working order and in good repair as required by regulation
7(1)."
5. The most common kinds of fatal injury to workers in recent years
are falls from a height, being struck by a moving vehicle and being
struck by a moving or falling object. In 2003/04 these accounted for
60% of all fatal injuries to workers. The number of deaths due to
falling from a height rose in 2003/04 from 50 to 67. This is the
first increase since 2000/01 and comes after a general downward trend
since 1997/98.
6. Falls from Height is a priority programme for the Health and
Safety Commission (HSC). HSE has set up a group to provide technical,
professional and engineering expertise to industry (and HSE) at a
national level. Martin Holden is part of this group. Further
information on HSE's Fall from Height programme is available at
http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/plans.htm
7. The background and preliminary investigation work into the
incident in Australia which prompted this warning is contained in
"Twin tail fall arrest lanyards (interim advice)", issued by
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. This document is available at
http://www.whs.qld.gov.au/alerts/04i13.pdf
8. Other physical defects and damage which have the potential to
result in the degradation and/or weakening of lanyards leading to
possible failure are:
(a) knots in the lanyard, other than those intended by the
manufacturer;
(b) surface abrasion across the face of the webbing and at the
webbing loops;
(c) abrasion at the edges of the webbing;
(d) cuts to the webbing, rope or stitching;
(e) contact with chemicals which can result in local weakening and
softening;
(f) heat or friction damage;
(g) damaged or deformed fittings; and
(h) partially deployed energy absorber (e.g. short pull-out of tear
webbing).
Further advice on inspection and deterioration of lanyards can be
found in HSE leaflet 'Inspecting fall arrest equipment made from
webbing or rope' (Ref.INDG367), which is available free at
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg367.pdf
PUBLIC ENQUIRIES: Call HSE's InfoLine, Tel: 08701 545500, or write
to: HSE InfoLine, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.
HSE information and press releases can be accessed on the Internet:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/