Self-Retracting Lifeline Vs. Lanyard: Which is Right for You?
Posted by Premier Safety on Mar 29th 2024
Personal safety at home or work is something we all strive to maintain to help us get through a busy workday or an entire weekend doing repairs around the house. If you work in construction or some other industry where you work off the ground or are constantly moving around, you may already be familiar with different forms of safety harnesses and other personal fall limiters.
Additionally, if you’re looking to start a new project at home where you’ll need to climb or be up in the air, exploring different types of safety gear can help protect you and make your project go a whole lot smoother. At Premier Safety, we want to ensure you and your crew have the proper protective equipment so you can get the job done safely.
Here, we’ll examine two types of fall protection gear: self-retracting lifelines (SRL) and lanyards, so you can decide which is best for you.
Self-Retracting Lifelines Vs. Lanyards - Key Differences
| Feature | Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL) | Lanyard |
| Function | Automatically retracts and extends to minimize fall distances | Provides a fixed-length connection between the user and the anchor |
| Work Radius | Offers greater mobility due to retractable line | Fixed length limits movement |
| Fall Arrest | Designed for active fall arrest; can reduce fall arrest forces | Primarily used for fall arrest, but with less dynamic adjustment to fall forces |
| Compatibility | Must be used with a full-body harness; specific models for specific applications | Must be used with a full-body harness; more universally compatible |
| Cost | Generally costs more than other safety gear | Less expensive as it involves simpler technology |
Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL)
What is a Self Retracting Lifeline (SRL)?
A self-retracting lifeline is a safety device that stops a fall while allowing the user to move freely about the workspace.
How Self-Retracting Lifelines Work
Self-retracting lifelines function like car seat belts. They are vertical spring-loaded cables that activate in the event of a fall to stop the wearer mid-fall.
Types of Self-Retracting Lifelines
There are three main types of self-retracting lifelines:
- Webbing or rope horizontal lifelines
- Vertical lines where users work in upright positions
- Cable lifelines are used in construction and utility environments where abrasive materials and sharp edges are prevalent
Pros and Cons of Using SRLs
Pros
- Limits the distance a user can fall
- Allows greater mobility than a fixed-length lanyard
- Easy to use
Cons
- More expensive than other personal protective equipment
- Only useful in situations where falls can occur
Fall Protection Lanyards
What is a Fall Protection Lanyard?
A fall protection lanyard is a length of cable or rope that attaches to a safety harness and attaches to an anchor to prevent a user from falling from an elevated space.
How Fall Protection Lanyards Work
Fall protection lanyards have two attachment points–one end attaches to the user’s safety harness, generally on the dorsal D-ring, which is between the shoulder blades, and the other end attaches to a secure anchor point. If the user falls, the safety lanyard will prevent the wearer from falling any further than the length of the fixed length, which is typically six feet. Many lanyards are equipped with shock-absorbing materials like tear-away stitching or elastic to absorb energy, thus reducing the impact force of the fall on the wearer and the anchor point.
Types of Lanyards and Their Uses
There are two types of lanyards: shock-absorbing and positioning. Shock-absorbing lanyards are usually six-feet fixed-length lanyards designed to keep you in place in the event of a fall. A positioning lanyard is generally wrapped around a pole and allows users to lean back, freeing up their hands for work.
Pros and Cons of Using Lanyards
Pros
- Allow for more types of uses
- Less expensive than other safety equipment
- Allows users to use both hands
Cons
- Limits the movements of the user
- Must have an anchor point
When to Choose a Lanyard Over an SRL
When it comes time to decide whether a lanyard or an SRL is right for your situation, several things should be considered. If your work or home situation is at a constant height, a fixed-length lanyard is probably your best option. However, if your situation goes up higher, like working on separate floors or up and down on scaffolding, then an SRL could be a better option.
How to Select the Right Equipment for Your Needs
If you’re new to safety gear and the personal protective equipment industry, you’ve come to the right place to find quality equipment at affordable prices. Our fall-limiting equipment can keep you safe at home or on the job, and we’re proud to offer a complete line of safety products. From safety harnesses to hard hats, Premier Safety is your go-to source for protective equipment. Call us today, and let us show you how our products can keep you safe at home and on the job.
FAQs:
What is the Primary Difference Between Lanyards and Srls?
The primary difference between lanyards and SRLs is that lanyards offer a fixed length of safety protection. In contrast, SRLs offer more mobility due to the retractable lines used to arrest a fall.
How Long Are Self-Retracting Lanyards Good for?
Generally, SRLs don’t have an expiration date as long as they are correctly maintained and pass mandated inspection deadlines. However, some manufacturers suggest replacement timelines of 5-10 years to protect against unforeseen wear.
Can a Self-retracting Lifeline Be Used With a Shock Absorbing Lanyard?
Due to the components of each device, it’s not advisable to use a self-retracting lifeline with a shock-absorbing lanyard. When combined, the locking systems and fixed length of the lanyard could cause mechanical issues.
How Often Should Safety Lanyards and SRLs Be Inspected?
According to OSHA guidelines, safety lanyards and SRLs should be inspected by a qualified inspector before each use and at least once per year.
Can a Self-Retracting Lifeline Be Used for All Types of Work?
Self-retracting lifelines can be used for all types of work, including construction, tree cutting, and other forms of elevated work where safety is a concern.
