A Simple Guide To Shock Packs & Lanyards

During fall arrest your body needs a way to reduce the amount of force, and that happens through a shock pack. Shock packs can be added to your personal fall protection system as an extension lanyard, and as part of a single or double leg lanyard. In addition, shock packs can also be integrated with a retractable. Here are some questions to help you determine if you need a shock pack and which one will work best for your intended use.

Shock Pack Basics

• A shock pack can be part of a shock absorbing lanyard
• This part of the lanyard is deployed during fall arrest
• Shock packs must be inspected after each deployment
• Shock packs can be purchased for different weight types (Heavy Duty, etc)

Does your fall protection plan require you to wear fall restraint or fall arrest equipment?

A non-shock absorbing lanyard is only good for restraint. A lanyard needs a shock pack when it will be used for fall arrest. The shock pack helps absorb the kinetic energy that is created by a body in freefall.

What is the weight limit for shock absorbers?

Shock packs are designed for different types of weight. A standard shock absorbing lanyard (lanyard with a shock pack) is made from 1'' nylon or kevlar webbing which is both lightweight and durable. The maximum weight limit for a standard shock absorbing lanyard is 310lbs. All Guardian shock absorbing lanyards have a clear shock pack for instruction and inspection.

A heavy duty shock pack or HD is required for heavy users (>310 lbs with tools) up to 420 lbs. HD shock packs are also needed when you are tying off at foot level (Normal 310 lbs user only) with a 12' Max freefall.

Shock Absorbing Lanyards

A shock absorbing lanyard is a staple of any personal fall arrest system. Shock absorbing lanyards are designed to keep arresting forces on the body to 900 lbs. or less. In addition to the configurations shown below, lanyards are available in almost any length up to 6' and with nearly any hook combination.

General contracting company Rudolph and Sletten put together a video that demonstrates how a shock absorbing lanyard can help during fall arrest. The first test included a 6 foot shock absorbing lanyard, 220 lbs of dead weight, attached to a top cable with a 7 foot freefall.

The second test included 2 shock absorbing lanyards, 440 lbs of dead weight, also attached to a top cable. This test simulates 2 employees at the center span falling at the same time. On test #3, the two shock absorbing lanyards were hooked to the bottom cable with 440lb deadweight. For test #4, one four foot lanyard was attached to the top cable with 220lb deadweight.

Do you need a new lanyard?

All fall protection equipment should be inspected prior to each use. In addition, you will need to get your shock absorbing lanyard inspected after a fall has occurred. According to Guardian Fall Protection, some areas that will be checked during the inspection are listed below.

Shock Pack Basics

• A shock pack can be part of a shock absorbing lanyard
• This part of the lanyard is deployed during fall arrest
• Shock packs must be inspected after each deployment
• Shock packs can be purchased for different weight types (Heavy Duty, etc)

Webbings

• Broken, Missing, or Loose Stitching
• Termination (stitch or splice or swage)
• Webbing Length
• Cuts
• Burns
• Holes
• Deterioration
• Paint Damage

Shock Pack

• Integrity of Cover
• Signs of Deployment
• Signs of Damage

Connectors & D-Rings

• Function of Connector Locking Gate
• Body of Hook or Rivets
• Corrosion
• Pitting
• Nicks

Label & Markings

• Legible Label
• Appropriate ANSI/CSA/OSHA Markings
• Date of First Use

During fall arrest, having the right equipment can decrease risk and potential injury. To find out more about equipment options for fall arrest, please contact our sales and support team at Simplified Safety. We have a variety of shock absorbing lanyards to fit your individual needs.