Lanyards

Lanyards are the flexible connecting line between the worker's harness and the anchor point, lifeline, or self-retracting device. In a personal fall arrest system, shock-absorbing lanyards are the standard — they include an integrated energy absorber (typically a woven pack that tears open in a controlled manner) to decelerate the fall and reduce the arrest force transmitted to the worker's body.

OSHA limits lanyard length to 6 feet maximum, which corresponds to the maximum allowable free fall distance. Shorter lanyards (3, 4, and 5 feet) are available for applications where reduced free fall distance is needed or where fall clearance is limited. The energy absorber deploys during a fall, adding to the total fall distance — this deceleration distance must be factored into fall clearance calculations.

Lanyards are governed by ANSI/ASSP Z359.13 (energy absorbing lanyards) and ANSI/ASSP Z359.3 (lanyards and positioning lanyards). Single-leg and twin-leg (Y-style) configurations are available. Twin-leg lanyards allow 100% tie-off, enabling the worker to remain connected to an anchor at all times when moving between anchor points.

Amick Rigging and Racing offers a selection of fall protection lanyards, including the Powerstop Lanyard and the TyBak® Series from SafeWaze®.

Amick supplies lanyards and provides inspection services from our Pittsburgh facility.

The critical connection — shock-absorbing lanyards from Amick in Pittsburgh. Call 412-429-1212.

Type

Shock-absorbing lanyards — single-leg and twin-leg (Y-style).

Applications

Any personal fall arrest system where the worker connects to an anchor point or horizontal lifeline. Used across construction, steel erection, rooftop work, industrial maintenance, and all elevated work requiring fall protection. Twin-leg lanyards are required for 100% tie-off applications where the worker must transition between anchor points without disconnecting.

Exceptions

Maximum lanyard length is 6 feet per OSHA. The shock absorber pack must be intact and show no signs of deployment — a deployed absorber means the lanyard has arrested a fall and must be removed from service immediately. Inspect webbing, stitching, snap hooks, and the energy absorber pack before each use. Never connect two snap hooks to the same D-ring unless both are specifically designed for that configuration. After any fall arrest event, remove the lanyard from service permanently. Factor deceleration distance (up to 3.5 feet) into fall clearance calculations in addition to lanyard length.