The Importance of Double Tie Off Lanyards

Double Tie Off Lanyards

One of the most versatile pieces of fall protection equipment is the double tie off lanyard, also known as the Y-lanyard. This new breed of lanyard has become a popular choice among safety professionals in recent years. The Y-lanyard attaches two lanyard legs to a shock absorber and snap hook, which can allow for workers to move horizontally from one area to another while being continuously attached.

Advantages of using Y-lanyards

  • Ability to bypass obstructions while remaining attached
  • Avoidance of attaching two separate lanyard snap hooks to a single harness D-ring
  • A one-piece device with easy handling
  • Has one shock absorber for both legs
  • The second leg can be stowed to avoid dragging or hanging when attached

Why Double Tie Off Lanyards are so Important

Recently a high steel rigger fell to his death at the AT&T Center Arena in San Antonio, TX while striking a show at 2:00 AM. Witnesses said he had detached himself from the fall safety line while repositioning himself and lost his footing while moving around a beam. A late load-out can be dangerous as fatigue can play a factor in clarity of thought and situational awareness.

The rigger was identified as Dean Williams, 44, from Houston, Texas. He leaves behind a wife and 3 month old daughter.

Accidents like this can be avoided if you wear a double tie off lanyard.

Y-Lanyard Safety Features:

  • Reduced Fall Risk - Lanyards are designed to reduce the impact from a fall. They come in a variety of features. They may be single or double leg, shock absorbing, self retracting, and fall restraint. By adding a second leg to the device, there is a reduced risk of falling.
  • Constant Attachment - A worker using this device can be constantly attached to an anchorage point.
  • Bypass of Obstructions - Since both legs of the double tie-off Y-lanyard are utilized, a worker can maneuver around obstacles easily without having to be detached and risk falling.

Reminders on the Use of the Y Lanyard

  • The snap hook at the Y lanyard's stem should always be attached to the harness attachment or D-ring.
  • One should not try to extend the lanyard's reach by attaching a leg to the harness and the other end to the anchor. This will just result to greater fall distances that may cause serious injury or even worse, death.
  • The leg of the lanyard that is not in use should only be connected to the harness' attachment points, which have only been approved by its manufacture for its intended use. This unused leg should not be parked in the harness D-rings. This can add to the body's load in case of an accidental fall.
  • While in use, the Y-lanyard, or any lanyard for that matter, should not be passed between legs, around the neck, or under the arms.

Conclusion

Serious injuries and death from falls can be minimized if employers will practice strict safety measures in a workplace. Falls can efficiently be prevented by means of double tie off lanyards that come with additional protection.

 

 

Shopping Cart

Show Pricing

Option available in footer.