Choice of carabiner for connecting the fall-arrest lanyard to the harness
Warnings
- Carefully read the Instructions for Use used in this technical advice before consulting the advice itself. You must have already read and understood the information in the Instructions for Use to be able to understand this supplementary information.
- Mastering these techniques requires specific training. Work with a professional to confirm your ability to perform these techniques safely and independently before attempting them unsupervised.
- We provide examples of techniques related to your activity. There may be others that we do not describe here.
Key issues and risks
Fall-arrest lanyards are worn all day without being under tension, but must be able to stop a fall at any time.
Monitoring during use is difficult, especially when connected to the dorsal point.
The most important risks to consider
Recommendation on carabiner and accessories
Semi-permanent connection
Whenever possible, use a semi-permanent connector that locks with a tool.
- Circular, equal strength in all axes (unless loaded over an edge).
- No weak point like a carabiner’s locking sleeve.
- Solves the twisting and tangling problems with lanyards
- Simplicity
Frequent attachment
If your equipment must be attached frequently, use a locking carabiner with a STRING or CAPTIV positioning system.
- Simplicity of connection/disconnection
- Solves the twisting problems with lanyards
Specific case of attachment to the dorsal point:
Monitoring the carabiner during use is especially difficult when the fall-arrest lanyard is connected to the dorsal point.
In this case, the use of a RING OPEN is especially recommended.
Usage precautions
- Take every precaution when making the connection to the harness:
- analyze the situation to anticipate risks (for example moving through tight places that can cause rubbing on the carabiners)
- verify that the carabiners are correctly positioned and locked before using the system - With an auto-locking carabiner, each time it is opened and closed, check that the sleeve is completely locked.
- Before and during work sessions, organize equipment inspection sessions with your coworkers to compensate for the lack of monitoring during use.
