Steps to Mitigate Risk in the Use of Dual Leg Lanyards
The Association for Challenge Course Technology has issued a safety advisory notice to address a recent incident involving dual leg, or y, lanyards. The risk present is head and neck entrapment once a participant has fallen and is caught by the lanyards. The notice summarizes some key risk management considerations involved in the design of a ropes course or adventure park and factors for selecting compatible equipment.
Risks like these are often inherent to the activity. But, its a great case for why facilities should perform risk assessments and outline steps to mitigate risks identified - even if they are inherent. We have provided an excerpt of key considerations the ACCT has outlined. The full article can be read here: ACCT Advisory Notice for Dual Leg Lanyards
We are suggesting the following when using or designing a Dual Lanyard system:
- Do not assume the lanyard manufacturer has eliminated the possibility of this risk in its design
- Understand the harness and lanyard manufacturer's instructions when designing the Life and Personal Safety Systems and the parameters for use of their products. Consult the lanyard manufacturer if clarification is needed regarding any compatibility issues with the harness.
- Ensure that the dual lanyard junction is a fixed and understood distance from the harness connection hard point with respect to participant size and harness design
- Carefully consider this critical distance in the total Life Safety System design and equipment selection
- Consider all shapes and sizes of the expected users
- Fit harness so that the harness hard connection point cannot migrate beyond its intended point, unless this is an intended action of the total system
- Consider the effects that a helmet may have in the system