How to Choose Between Self-Retracting Devices and Energy-Absorbing Lanyards for Personal Fall Arrest Systems

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How to Choose Between Self-Retracting Devices and Energy-Absorbing Lanyards for Personal Fall Arrest Systems

Self-Retracting Devices (SRDs) and Energy-Absorbing Lanyards (EALs) serve different functions in personal fall arrest systems, with factors such as mobility, cost and maintenance influencing their use in various work environments.

Falls account for four of the top 10 OSHA Citations and Fall Protection – General Requirements remain top of the list for the 14th year in a row.

We’ve prepared this brief to help you better understand the design and use of common fall protection devices and encourage you to visit our web page for additional guides on Ladder Safety, Fundamentals of Fall Protection, and Gear Inspection Tips, please visit our Fall Protection Solutions Page.

Understanding the Design Intent of SRDs and EALs

Self-Retracting Devices (SRDs) and Energy-Absorbing Lanyards (EALs) are two common options for personal fall arrest systems. However, they have unique design intents that affect their performance and suitability for different work scenarios. Therefore, it is important to understand how they work and what factors to consider when choosing between them.

How Self-Retracting Devices Work

SRDs have a lifeline that retracts and extends automatically as the worker moves, allowing for greater mobility and flexibility. The lifeline is housed in a durable casing and has a braking mechanism that quickly engages and arrests a fall in case of a sudden force or loss of balance. This minimizes the free-fall distance and the impact forces on the worker's body. SRDs can have various lengths, from 6 to 100 feet or more, depending on the manufacturer and the model. Some SRDs are also designed for leading edge applications, where the lifeline may come in contact with a sharp or abrasive edge during a fall. Check out the following popular Honeywell Self-Retracting Devices from Honeywell Miller®: 

  • TurboLite+™ Personal Fall Limiter – compact and lightweight shock absorbing lanyard that instantly arrests a free fall within inches. Class 1
  • Falcon+ Edge 20FT Self-Retracting Lifeline – designed to protect a worker in applications where the lifeline could come in contact with an edge. When your anchor point is below your back d-ring, it can also be used in overhead applications as a traditional SRL. Class 2

How Energy Absorbing Lanyards Work

EALs have a fixed-length lifeline that connects the worker to the anchor point. The lifeline has a shock absorber that deploys and absorbs the energy generated by a fall. This reduces the impact forces on the worker's body and the risk of injury. However, EALs have a longer free-fall distance than SRDs, as the lifeline needs to reach its full extension before the fall arrest phase starts. This also means that more clearance is needed for the total fall distance. EALs are usually 6 feet long, which can limit the worker's movement area and access to larger work zones. Here are two notable EALs from Honeywell Miller®:

  • Stretchstop® 6FT SofStop® Shock Absorbing Lanyard Double leg lanyard with locking rebar hooks and locking snap hook combined. This unique stretchable lanyard is designed to help reduce tripping, snagging and dragging hazards.
  • Manyard™ shock absorbing lanyard 6FT twin legs with rebar hooks, features a special woven shock-absorbing inner core that helps reduce fall arrest forces. It expands up to an additional 42” to reduce fall arrest forces and help protect the body. Bright red warning flag deploys in a fall for visual proof that it should be taken out of service.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between SRDs and EALs

Both SRDs and EALs have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the work environment and the specific needs of the workers. Here are some key factors to consider:

Cost

  • EALs are much cheaper than SRDs, which can be a significant factor for budget-conscious employers

Maintenance and inspection

  • EALs are simpler and easier to maintain and inspect than SRDs
  • SRDs require more in-depth and frequent checks (before each use) and repairs when available

Free-fall distance and clearance

Mobility and flexibility

  • SRDs have a retractable lifeline that adjusts to the worker's movement, allowing for more mobility and flexibility
  • SRDs can also cover a larger work area than EALs, which have a fixed length lifeline

Leading edge applications

  • SRDs have models that are designed for leading edge applications, where the lifeline may come in contact with a sharp or abrasive edge during a fall
  • According to latest version of international standards for EALs in Fall Protection, these products are not suitable for leading edge applications as they may get damaged or severed by the edge

Travel Restraint

  • EALs are best suited for fall restraint, where the worker is prevented from reaching the fall hazard by the fixed length lifeline

Training and Reporting

It is essential to provide adequate training on the safe use, inspection and maintenance of SRDs and EALs. Workers should also be encouraged to report any concerns about the equipment's integrity, fall arrest events, rescue plans, or the need for replacement or repair. They should be familiar with the process of bringing these issues to the attention of management promptly and, most importantly, know that they must not attempt to use the equipment on the job until any concerns have been addressed.

For more information on Honeywell fall protection training solutions, visit the Honeywell Safety Training website.

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