HSENI issues lanyard inspection alert

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) have issued an alert to individuals working at height, following new research on lanyard degradation.

The research project, carried out by the Health and Safety Executive in Great Britain investigated the causes and effects of degradation of the man-made textiles used in lanyards, and found that a significant loss of webbing strength could occur in a variety of ways – particularly by the ingress of dirt, minor physical damage and ultra-violet (UV) light exposure.

The project was motivated by two fatalities; one which occurred during work on an overhead tower in Flixton, Greater Manchester, caused by the failure of a work positioning belt in January 2000; and another at Edenderry power station in the Irish Republic in December 1999, which resulted from the failure of an energy-absorbing lanyard. This type of lanyard is a line for connecting a full body harness to an anchorage point with an inbuilt device that reduces the impact of a fall.

Reflecting on the research, Ken Logan, Principal Construction Inspector, HSENI, said: "This research carried out by HSE (GB) shows the vital importance of pre-use checks and regular documented inspections of fall arrest equipment.

"Lanyards are widely used in many industrial sectors and employers must have formal procedures in place to detect damage and defects early. If they don't, they can expect enforcement action by HSENI Inspectors.

He added: "Workers should check their lanyards regularly before use and know what to look for, but if in doubt, they should contact the manufacturer/supplier. Lanyards should be treated with care, not dragged on the ground or allowed to get dirty and must never be wrapped around sharp or angled edges."

(CL)