The Uses of a Retractable Lanyard During Roofing

Overview

• A retractable lanyard acts as a connective device, bridging the personal protective device the roofer is wearing and the anchor point. The lanyard’s retracting makes moving around the roof easier, as the roofer does not need to reposition the lanyard as he moves about the roof. Since the lanyard retracts, it also does not have any slack in the line. Slack in the connective device could allow a roofer to fall off a roof and strike the ground below.

Strength

• Not all retractable lanyards have the same strength, or the ability to sustain a certain amount of weight. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that retractable lanyards be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds. The retractable lanyard has to be capable of supporting this much weight when it is fully extended, such as when a roofer falls off the roof and is hanging by only the lanyard. OSHA also requires that all straps or ropes used as part of the lanyard be made of synthetic fibers to prevent breaking.

Free-Fall Distance

• Different retractable lanyards have varying free-fall distances. The free-fall distance is the maximum length a roofer can fall while properly secured to the lanyard, when the lanyard is properly anchored. OSHA requires that retractable lanyards have a maximum free-fall distance of 2 feet. The short free-fall distance on a retractable lanyard helps keep workers from coming close to the ground after falling off the roof.

Anchor Points and Harness

• Like the retractable lanyard, the anchor point used with it must be able to support at least 5,000 pounds per OSHA’s standards. The anchor point cannot be used to hold up a work platform or be used to anchor any other lanyards or other devices. Since January 1998, OSHA has banned the use of a body belt with a retractable lanyard. Instead, roofers must use a full body harness to safely connect them to the retractable lanyard.