Working at heights comes with several risk hazards that relate to falling. However, it’s not all about the worker fixing the roof or working on scaffolds, as those working or simply passing below are also at risk. This is due to the fact that height workers still need various tools and equipment, and a hammer falling on a person can cause significant injury or even death.
Whether you are working on a DIY project or are a professional, you need to ensure that you don’t pose a danger to other people by securing your tools using tool lanyards.
What are Tool Lanyards?
Tool lanyards, also known as tool tethers, are safety devices designed to prevent tools from falling when being used at heights. Essentially, a tool lanyard consists of a cord with attachments on two sides – one to the tool and the other to the worker’s belt or a secure anchor point. The goal of the lanyard is to ensure that the tool can’t fall to the ground if it’s dropped accidentally, and the worker also doesn’t need to stretch out and risk themselves to prevent the tool from falling. If it falls, they can retrieve it by just pulling the lanyard.
There are different types of tool tethers, as they are designed in various shapes and sizes to accommodate the wide range of tools used in construction. These range from small and lightweight tools such as screwdrivers to heavier equipment such as drills and hammers.
Why are Tool Lanyards Important?
The functionality of tool lanyards makes them quite crucial for all height work.
Preventing Injuries
One of the main reasons you need to use a tool lanyard is to prevent injuries. When working from heights, a tool you are using can easily fall down and cause harm to another worker or passer-by. This can be quite serious, especially when it’s a heavy tool such as a hammer or a wrench, and it can cause serious head injuries or lacerations. On top of that, a falling tool can also pose a fall risk to the worker using it as they can subconsciously react to save it.
When you tie the equipment using a tool tether, you eliminate these two risk hazards. You protect other people from head injuries while also protecting yourself from a fall accident. If you are an employer, this will also shield you from injury claims.
Protecting Equipment
If your drill or other power tool falls down from a significant height, you can expect it to suffer damage from the impact. This can lead to costly repairs or even require a replacement.
When you use a tool lanyard, you protect your tools from plummeting to the ground. You’ll therefore maintain their condition and prolong their lifespan.
Maintaining Productivity
Say you are working on a roof and your hammer falls down. In that case, you’ll need to climb down your ladder to retrieve it and then climb back up. Inevitably, that will disrupt your work and cause delays. And if it’s in the workplace, such cases will lead to decreased performance and efficiency.
A tool lanyard helps avoid this, as all tools are attached to the worker or nearby anchor points. When you need it, you can just reach out and grab it.
Compliance with Safety Regulations
The UK government put in place The Work at Height Regulations 2005 to prevent height deaths and injuries at the workplace. If you are an employer, these regulations require you to implement various measures that ensure all employees working in your organization are safe. This means that you need to use various protection equipment, and tool lanyards are a part of this.
By ensuring that all your employees use tool lanyards and other height safety equipment, you will protect all people at the site. Compliance with these rules will also ensure you avoid hefty fines and foster a culture of safety and responsibility within the organization.
Images supplied. Feature image courtesy of unsplash.com
