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Professional Positioning Lanyards

Key Characteristics of Positioning Lanyards

• Work Positioning: Designed to support worker weight during normal work activities
• Adjustable Length: Can be shortened or lengthened to position worker optimally
• Hands-Free Support: Allows use of both hands for work tasks
• Durable Construction: Built to withstand abrasion and repeated use
• Quick Adjustment: Easy to reposition as work location changes
• Safety Rated: Meets applicable standards for work positioning equipment
• Versatile Attachment: Compatible with various harness configurations
• Professional Grade: Trusted by arborists, linemen, and rope access workers

Important Safety Note: Positioning lanyards are work positioning devices, not fall arrest equipment. Workers must use a separate fall arrest system (climbing line, SRL, or fall arrest lanyard) as primary fall protection when using positioning lanyards.

Wire Core Positioning Lanyards (Flip Lines)

Wire core lanyards, commonly called flip lines, feature a steel wire core covered by a protective sheath. The wire core provides rigidity that allows the lanyard to be "flipped" around a tree or pole without sagging, making repositioning quick and efficient. Popular with arborists and utility workers.

Key Features:

• Steel wire core maintains shape for easy flipping
• Quick repositioning around trees and poles
• Durable protective cover resists abrasion
• Available in various lengths (typically 8'-16')
• Adjustable with rope grab or prusik
• Ideal for arborist and utility line work
• Swivel snaps prevent twisting

Rope Positioning Lanyards

Rope positioning lanyards use high-strength synthetic rope (typically polyester or nylon) for flexibility and lighter weight. They're adjustable using friction hitches, rope grabs, or mechanical adjusters, providing precise positioning control.

Key Features:

• Lightweight and flexible
• Adjustable length with friction devices
• High-strength synthetic rope construction
• Comfortable to carry and use
• Available in various diameters and lengths
• Good for applications requiring flexibility
• Easy to inspect for wear

Webbing Positioning Lanyards

Webbing lanyards use flat nylon or polyester webbing with adjustable hardware. They're lightweight, compact, and easy to adjust, making them popular for rope access work and situations where minimal bulk is desired.

Key Features:

• Flat webbing construction
• Lightweight and compact
• Adjustable with buckles or rope grabs
• Easy to pack and transport
• Good for rope access applications
• Available in various lengths
• Durable and abrasion-resistant

Chain Saw Lanyards

Specialized positioning lanyards designed for arborists using chain saws aloft. These lanyards are cut-resistant and provide secure positioning while operating power equipment in trees.

Key Features:

• Cut-resistant construction for chain saw use
• Extra durability for demanding arborist work
• Secure positioning during power tool operation
• Meets ANSI Z133 standards for arborist equipment
• Adjustable length for optimal positioning
• Heavy-duty hardware and connections

Key Safety Standards

• ANSI Z133: Safety requirements for arboricultural operations, including positioning lanyards
• ANSI Z359: Fall protection and fall restraint equipment standards
• OSHA 1910.269: Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution requirements
• OSHA 1926 Subpart M: Fall protection in construction
• EN 358: European standard for work positioning systems
• CSA Z259.1: Canadian standards for body belts and saddles for work positioning

Critical Safety Requirements

• Backup Fall Protection: Always use a separate fall arrest system when using positioning lanyards
• Proper Training: Workers must be trained in proper use and limitations of positioning lanyards
• Regular Inspection: Inspect before each use and maintain detailed records
• Manufacturer Guidelines: Follow all manufacturer instructions for use and maintenance
• Compatibility: Ensure lanyard is compatible with harness and work application
• Working Load Limits: Never exceed rated capacity or use for purposes other than intended

Key Considerations

• Work Application: Arborist work, utility line work, rope access, or construction
• Lanyard Type: Wire core for easy flipping, rope for flexibility, webbing for compactness
• Length Requirements: Consider diameter of structures you'll be working around
• Adjustment Method: Rope grab, prusik, mechanical adjuster, or fixed length
• Hardware: Snap hooks, carabiners, or other connectors appropriate for your harness
• Durability Needs: Standard duty vs. heavy-duty for demanding applications
• Special Requirements: Cut resistance for chain saw work, specific certifications
• Comfort: Weight and bulk considerations for all-day use

Safe Usage Guidelines

• Always Use Backup Protection: Positioning lanyards are not fall arrest devices; use separate fall protection
• Proper Attachment: Connect to designated attachment points on work positioning harness
• Correct Positioning: Adjust length to maintain proper working position without overreaching
• Avoid Free Falls: Position lanyard to prevent free fall distance if primary protection fails
• Inspect Before Use: Check entire lanyard, hardware, and adjustment mechanisms
• Proper Wrapping: Ensure lanyard wraps completely around structure without gaps
• Avoid Sharp Edges: Use edge protection or reposition to avoid cutting hazards
• Stay Within Limits: Never exceed manufacturer's rated capacity or specifications

Inspection Checklist

• Wire Core Lanyards: Check for kinks, broken wires, damaged sheath, or core exposure
• Rope Lanyards: Inspect for cuts, abrasion, soft spots, discoloration, or contamination
• Webbing Lanyards: Check for cuts, tears, abrasion, burns, or stitching damage
• Hardware: Inspect snaps, carabiners, and connectors for cracks, deformation, or malfunction
• Adjustment Devices: Ensure rope grabs, prusiks, or adjusters function properly
• Stitching: Check all stitched areas for damage, wear, or separation
• Labels: Verify identification and certification labels are legible

Retirement Criteria - Retire Lanyard Immediately If:

• Lanyard has arrested a fall or held a shock load
• Wire core shows broken wires, kinks, or core exposure
• Rope or webbing shows cuts, severe abrasion, or damage
• Hardware is cracked, bent, deformed, or malfunctioning
• Adjustment mechanisms fail to hold or function properly
• Lanyard has been exposed to chemicals, heat, or UV for extended periods
• Stitching is damaged, worn, or separating
• Lanyard exceeds manufacturer's recommended service life
• Lanyard's history is unknown or undocumented
• Any doubt exists about lanyard integrity or safety

Your safety depends on equipment integrity. When in doubt, retire it.

Care & Maintenance

• Cleaning: Clean with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and air dry
• Storage: Store in cool, dry location away from chemicals, UV, and sharp objects
• Avoid Contamination: Keep away from acids, solvents, fuels, and other chemicals
• Lubrication: Wire core lanyards may require periodic lubrication per manufacturer instructions
• Documentation: Maintain usage logs and inspection records
• Proper Handling: Avoid stepping on, dragging, or abusing lanyards
• Dedicated Use: Use only for intended work positioning purposes

What's the difference between a positioning lanyard and a fall arrest lanyard?

Positioning lanyards are work restraint devices designed to support a worker in position during normal work activities. They are not designed to arrest falls. Fall arrest lanyards are specifically engineered with shock absorbers to catch and arrest falls, limiting impact forces. You must use a separate fall arrest system (climbing line, SRL, or fall arrest lanyard) as primary fall protection when using positioning lanyards.

What length positioning lanyard do I need?

Length depends on the diameter of structures you'll be working around. For arborist work, 10-16 feet is common for average tree diameters. Utility workers may need different lengths for various pole sizes. Consider that the lanyard must wrap around the structure with enough length to adjust for comfortable positioning. Many workers carry multiple lengths for different situations.

Should I choose wire core or rope positioning lanyard?

Wire core (flip line) is preferred by arborists and utility workers because it maintains its shape, making it easy to flip around trees and poles for quick repositioning. Rope lanyards are lighter, more flexible, and easier to inspect but may be harder to reposition. Choose based on your primary application and personal preference. Many professionals use wire core for efficiency.

How often should I inspect my positioning lanyard?

Inspect before each use (daily for professional use). Conduct more detailed inspections weekly or monthly depending on usage intensity. Maintain written inspection records for professional applications. Any time the lanyard is subjected to unusual stress, impact, or potential damage, conduct a thorough inspection before further use.

Can I use a positioning lanyard as my only fall protection?

No. Positioning lanyards are work positioning devices, not fall arrest equipment. OSHA, ANSI, and industry best practices require a separate fall arrest system (climbing line with friction hitch, SRL, or fall arrest lanyard) as primary fall protection. The positioning lanyard provides work support; the fall arrest system provides life safety protection.

Professional Positioning Lanyards from US Rigging

US Rigging is a manufacturer and master distributor of climbing ropes, fall protection equipment, and industrial rigging equipment located in Santa Ana, California. With over 40 years of experience serving arborists, utility workers, rope access professionals, and industrial climbers, we offer premium positioning lanyards from trusted manufacturers that meet or exceed all applicable safety standards.

Our positioning lanyard collection includes wire core flip lines, rope lanyards, webbing lanyards, and specialized chain saw lanyards in various lengths and configurations. Whether you're a professional arborist climbing trees daily, a utility lineman maintaining power infrastructure, or a rope access technician working on towers and structures, we have the positioning lanyards and expertise to keep you working safely and efficiently at height.

Browse our positioning lanyard selection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert guidance. Trust US Rigging for professional-grade work positioning equipment that meets the demands of working at height.