In the last Safety Talk, we discussed how to inspect your harness. In this Safety Talk we are going to discuss how to inspect your lanyard. If you can, grab your lanyard right now so that you can inspect it as we discuss how to do that properly.
Start by inspecting the lanyard’s hardware (snaps and thimbles). When inspecting snaps, look for hook and eye distortions, cracks, corrosion, or pitted surfaces. The keeper (latch) should seat into the nose without binding and should not be distorted or obstructed. The keeper spring should exert sufficient force to firmly close the keeper. Keeper locks must prevent the keeper from opening when the keeper closes. When inspecting thimbles, ensure that they are firmly seated in the eye of the splice, and that the splice has no loose or cut strands. Be certain that the edges of the thimble do not have any sharp edges, distortion, or cracks.
As you know, there are several different types of lanyards (web lanyards, rope lanyards and wire rope lanyards). Each of these is unique with respect to how you should inspect them, so we will discuss each one separately.
To inspect a web lanyard, bend it over a curved surface such as a pipe, and look at both sides of the lanyard for cuts or breaks. Also look for swelling, discoloration, cracks, burns, or breaks in the stitching. If the web lanyard is a shock absorbing lanyard, look for the warning flag or signs of deployment. If the flag has been activated, remove the shock-absorbing lanyard from service.
To inspect a rope lanyard rotate it slowly while inspecting it from end to end. Rotating it will bring to light any fuzzy, worn, broken, or cut fibers. Weakened areas from extreme loads will appear as a noticeable change from the original diameter. The rope diameter should be uniform throughout. Make sure the rope has no knots tied in it, as knots can reduce the strength of the rope by up to 60%.
DISCUSSION NOTES:
Have you been inspecting your lanyards as thoroughly as you should?
Have you been inspecting them as often as you should (every day)?
What defects have you found while inspecting a lanyard (either recently or in past years)?
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