Reasons Why Safety Tool Lanyards are Crucial in 2024
The benefits of using a tool tethering lanyard
Tool lanyards are a form of PPE and play a crucial role in workplace safety. When working at height, they not only prevent tools from dropping and causing harm or damage, but they also help save companies money in replacing broken tools. By securing tools to a worker, tool tethering lanyards reduce the risk of a falling object, which is a major concern in many industries especially in construction.
The increased use of tool tethering lanyards has helped to boost efficiency by ensuring tools are always close at hand, cutting down on time wasted searching for lost items. The use of tool tethering lanyards is a simple yet effective way to enhance safety and productivity. That sounds like a win-win for companies and employees alike.
What is the British standard for tool lanyards?
Before purchasing a tool tethering lanyard we advise people to check that the product contains a CE mark of approval, is individually serial numbered and has been static, dynamic and tensile tested. There are unfortunately many cheaper replicas on the market which do not pass rigorous testing regimes and would therefore fail safety standards. The safe working load (SWL) should be clearly marked on all tool lanyards. If this information is missing, do not purchase the product.
How to select the best tool tethering lanyard for the job.
Tool tethering lanyards come in several different lengths and materials however they usually consist of an elastic webbing or flexible length of material with a captive, locking carabiner fastened to either end. It’s critical that the karabiner locks and it is an integral part of the lanyard so that this does not become loose and drop and cause damage.
It is crucial to select a tool lanyard with a load rating that is sufficient for the tool you need to work with and the job that needs completing. You do not want to select a tool lanyard that is too long and interferes with completing the task in hand.
Tool lanyards come with a variety of features to cater to various working environments. The retractable tool lanyard is small, compact, and easy to carry making it ideal for working at height. It can be attached to a work belt or safety harness to safely secure your tools.
The 2-metre heavy-duty coil lanyard comes with a stainless steel swivel lockable karabiner and is suitable for your heavier tools, while the standard coil elastic lanyard has a shorter length of 1.5 metres.
How to inspect the efficiency of a tool lanyard
Regularly inspecting your tool lanyard is crucial to ensure safety and efficiency, as there is a chance of damage occurring with everyday use. When carrying out inspections you should follow the following checklist:
- Check for webbing, stitch defects, cuts, tears, heat and chemical damage on all material sections of the tool lanyard.
- Check for rust, corrosion, breaks and dents on all metal sections of the tool lanyard.
- Inspect all carabiners and gates to ensure they are free from damage and functioning correctly.
- Finally, inspect the tool lanyards for clear product markings and labels.
Not feeling confident enough to carry out your own inspections? As part of our ongoing commitment to the maintenance and safe use of products, we provide a full retest and annual certification process for all products that we supply. Find out more and view our annual testing and certification advice.