News

How to Find the Right Fall Arrest Lanyard

Published

2 years ago

May 20, 2024

When thinking about a fall arrest system, we tend to put the focus on the anchors and the actual harness itself. They are obviously very important, but there is a little piece of the system that is oftentimes overlooked: the lanyard.

In order to ensure proper fall protection, each component has to be right. Choosing a fall arrest lanyard is more involved than it might seem. If you are in the market for a new fall arrest lanyard, here are a few things worth taking into consideration.

Fall Force

Among the most important factors when choosing fall arrest lanyards is the specified fall force. Being educated on these components ultimately leads to improved safety. Knowing fall force before making your choice can mean the difference between life and death depending on the job.

Each fall arrest lanyard is rated to support a certain amount of force. For instance, a worker that is about 200 pounds will be subject to as much as 8,000 pounds of force from a fall of 10 feet on abrupt force. There are other factors (including the next one) that play a role in fall force, so be aware of them before comparing fall force parameters.

Length

Choosing fall arrest lanyards isn’t just done on a whim. A critical aspect of getting the right lanyard is ensuring that you have the proper length. In order to limit free falls, it is advised that no more than six feet in length be available when using a fall arrest lanyard. The more room there is to fall, the greater the potential force and impact.

Though there are different fall arrest lanyards featuring different lengths, the idea is to keep things shorter. Some systems are not meant to prevent falls, but rather prevent impact. It may be a better idea to look into a lanyard that helps to prevent falls altogether rather than simply softening the blow.

Compatibility

Though it might go without saying, you can’t necessarily just plug and play every lanyard and connector. Connectors, like snap hooks, scaffold hooks, web loops, or carabiners, should be appropriate at the connection point. Having a less than secure connection point compromises the safety of the worker in the event of a fall.

Many components aren’t interchangeable even if they come from the same manufacturer. It is crucial to evaluate the compatibility of each component to ensure a proper, secure fit. Proper manufacturers even put out technical bulletins to educate the use of each component. Connectors need to remain solid and in place, especially against the excess force exerted in the event of a fall.

Connector Specifications

OSHA is the regulatory firm that issues safety standards and regulations that businesses must follow. OSHA requires that all carabiners and snaphooks be self-closing and self-locking, for instance. Opening and releasing snap hooks need to have two deliberate actions so that it doesn’t open randomly or by accident.

Take the time to inspect all fall safety equipment, not just harnesses and lanyards. Look for signs of wear and tear, replacing components if there is any noticeable damage. Even seemingly miniscule wear and tear can result in a catastrophic failure. It is a risk that is not worth taking.

Fall safety equipment may not be the most complicated to use, but it requires attention to detail in order to ensure that it serves its purpose. Having as much information going into the situation as possible will ensure that every component works the way it was meant to, and that each worker wearing it will remain as safe as possible.

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

5 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.

The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.