Dynamic self-retracting lanyard
Dynamic self-retracting lanyards (DSL) are safety devices used for working at height. They work by minimising the fall distance, which in turn reduces the distance taken to dissipate the energy while keeping the forces created to a safe and acceptable level. This ensures that users are protected against falls from height, the injuries resulting from collisions with hazards and the forces exerted by the safety equipment.
A new milestone was achieved by SpanSet UK, with their 2016 launch of DSL 2. This delivers a 50% improvement compared to the fall clearance requirements set out in BS EN 355:2002 Personal protective equipment against falls from a height – Energy absorbers.
The product builds upon the original DSL by reducing safe clearance heights even further.
The problems associated with falling relate to both the freefall distance and the arrest distance.
The greater the freefall distance, the longer the arrest distance, but the more likely it is that there will be collisions with obstacles or a surface. Previously, lanyards could only provide the choice of freedom of movement or security, but were incapable of providing the right length for each task that would keep the potential fall to the minimum.
The DSL 2 is suitable in situations where there is low clearance and a lack of overhead anchorages (such as scaffold construction). It retracts exactly like a Fall Arrest Block but can be used as an Energy Absorbing Lanyard, anchored anywhere from below foot level to overhead. As a hybrid of Fall Arrest Blocks and Energy Absorbing Lanyards, the DSL 2 provides a balance in that the risks of stopping too quickly or too slowly are ameliorated.
In testing, the DSL 2 arrested falling completely before a conventional lanyard even became taut. The DSL 2 has been tested for users up to 140 kg.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
No Falls Week. The importance of safe working at height
What to expect and what is on offer to avoid accidents.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
Mental Health Awareness Week with ABS
Architects Benevolent Society programme of activity.
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
May 13-19: Moving more for our mental health.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.