Lanyards

About Lanyards

Tool lanyards are essential safety devices designed to prevent dropped objects when working at height or in hazardous environments. By securely tethering tools and equipment to the operator or a fixed anchor point, lanyards provide critical protection against tools falling onto colleagues, members of the public, or sensitive equipment below. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of lanyards from trusted brands including Portwest, Facom, Draper, and Kunys, featuring wrist straps, belt clips, retractable designs, and heavy-duty steel cable options.

Modern tool lanyards feature sophisticated safety lock systems, weight ratings typically ranging from 2kg to 5kg, and durable materials including elasticated cables, steel wire cores, and abrasion-resistant webbing. Whether you need a simple wrist lanyard for lighter hand tools or a heavy-duty retractable system for power tools, MyToolShed offers tethering solutions that comply with HSE guidelines for work at height, helping tradespeople maintain site safety standards and prevent costly accidents.

Applications

Tool lanyards are essential equipment across numerous trades and work environments:

• Scaffolders and Roofers: Working at height requiring constant tool access whilst preventing dangerous dropped objects
• Electricians and Sparkies: Carrying hand tools on ladders, towers, and overhead installations
• Steel Erectors and Construction Workers: Multi-storey building projects where dropped object risks are strictly managed
• Maintenance Engineers: Servicing machinery, HVAC systems, and industrial plant equipment at height
• Window Fitters and Façade Specialists: Working from platforms and cradles on building exteriors
• Telecoms and Antenna Installers: Working on towers, masts, and telecommunications infrastructure
• Offshore and Marine Workers: Where dropped tools could damage equipment or fall into water
• Railway Maintenance Crews: Working over tracks where foreign object damage is a critical concern

Choosing The Right Lanyards

Weight Rating: Always select a lanyard with a maximum rated load exceeding your heaviest tool's weight. Standard capacities at MyToolShed.co.uk include 2kg, 3kg, and 5kg ratings. Factor in additional force from potential drops when calculating requirements.

Attachment Method: Wrist straps offer convenience for lighter tools under 1kg, whilst belt clips and D-ring attachments distribute weight better for extended use and allow multiple tools to be tethered simultaneously.

Cable Type: Elasticated lanyards absorb shock and provide flexibility for dynamic work. Steel cable lanyards offer superior cut and abrasion resistance in harsh environments. Webbing-style lanyards provide a balance of durability and cost-effectiveness.

Retractable vs Fixed Length: Retractable lanyards automatically take up slack, reducing trip hazards and tangling. Fixed-length lanyards are simpler, more economical, and suitable for tools in constant use.

Connection System: Look for secure locking mechanisms such as Facom's SLS system or carabiner-style clips that cannot accidentally open during work.

Safety Information

Tool lanyards are critical components of a comprehensive work at height safety system and must be used in accordance with HSE regulations. Always inspect lanyards before each use for signs of wear, fraying, or damage to connection points. Any lanyard showing deterioration should be immediately withdrawn from service and replaced.

Never exceed the manufacturer's maximum rated load, and remember that tools subjected to drops generate forces significantly higher than their static weight. Ensure all tethering points—whether on tool belts, scaffolding, or the tools themselves—are secure and rated for the loads involved. Replace lanyards immediately if damaged, or annually under normal use conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What weight capacity lanyard do I need for power tools?
Most cordless power tools weigh between 2-4kg, so a 5kg rated lanyard provides an appropriate safety margin. Always check your specific tool's weight including battery, and select a lanyard rated at least 1kg above this weight.

Can I tether multiple tools on one lanyard?
No. Each tool should have its own dedicated lanyard attached to an appropriate anchor point. Using multiple tools on a single lanyard compromises safety, creates tangling hazards, and likely exceeds the weight rating.

Are lanyards a legal requirement on UK construction sites?
Whilst not universally mandated by law, the HSE's Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to prevent objects falling and causing injury. Many sites enforce tool tethering policies as part of their risk assessments, making lanyards effectively mandatory for compliance.