Energy Absorbers & Energy Absorbing Lanyards

Energy-absorbing lanyards: the essential link between the operator and their anchor point

The lanyard is the central connecting element of any fall protection system. Combined with an energy absorber, it does more than just hold the operator in the event of a fall: it dissipates the energy generated by the impact to limit the forces transmitted to the body. At Kratos Safety, our range of lanyards with energy absorbers covers all professional needs, from the single lanyard with energy absorber for everyday work to specific configurations such as the twin lanyard allowing movement with tie-off transfer, or the adjustable lanyard with absorber for work requiring great adaptability.

The different types of fall arrest lanyard and their uses

Not all fall arrest lanyards meet the same requirements. Choosing the right model depends on the nature of the work, the working environment and the range of movement required.

Single lanyard with energy absorber

This is the most common configuration on sites. A rope or webbing of fixed length, fitted with an integrated energy absorber, connects the dorsal attachment point of the harness to the anchor point. Light and quick to deploy, it is suited to fixed work positions or those with little movement.

Twin lanyard with energy absorber

With its two legs, each terminated by a connector, the twin lanyard allows transfer from one anchor point to another without ever becoming detached. Essential for continuous movement on a structure or at height, it guarantees permanent protection at every stage of the route.

Adjustable lanyard with absorber

The adjustable lanyard offers the possibility of adapting its length according to the distance to the anchor point or the constraints of the work position. Particularly useful when the site configuration changes during the work, it combines ease of use with energy absorption in the event of a fall.

Energy absorber with connecting lanyard: understanding the mechanism

The energy absorber is the component that makes all the difference between a simple restraint lanyard and a true fall arrest device. In the event of a fall, it deploys progressively to lengthen the deceleration time and reduce the impact force transmitted to the harness, and therefore to the operator's body, below the 6 kN threshold required by the EN 355 standard.

The energy absorber with connecting lanyard thus forms an integral assembly whose components have been tested together to guarantee performance that complies with regulatory requirements. This is why it is strongly advised against combining lanyards and absorbers of different brands or references without first checking their compatibility.

Maintenance and service life of lanyards and absorbers

A fall arrest lanyard must be inspected before each use: condition of the webbing or rope, integrity of the absorber (no partial deployment), operation of the connectors. Any component that has undergone an arrested fall must be taken out of service immediately, even if no damage is visible — a partially deployed absorber can no longer guarantee its original performance.

The indicative service life of our lanyards is specified in each product manual and is around 10 years from the date of first use, but it may be increased or reduced depending on the intensity of use and/or the results of periodic inspections. An annual periodic examination by a competent person is mandatory in accordance with the French regulations in force.

To build a complete protection system, combine your lanyards and absorbers with a suitable fall arrest harness and approved anchor devices, available in our dedicated collections.