Personal fall protection equipment includes several optional and mandatory items of equipment. This equipment also includes the so-called energy absorber.
What is a belt energy absorber?
Lanyard energy absorbers are devices that are able to reduce the forces to which a person is exposed in the event of a fall.
If a person is secured by rope systems or anchor points, but still falls over the edge of the fall, this person is protected from contact with the ground, but very high forces occur at the moment when the fall is arrested. A shock absorber can be used to reduce these forces and cushion the fall.
How does a belt energy absorber work?
As the name suggests, a tape energy absorber uses a very strong, wide fabric tape that is laid on top of each other in several loops. The individual loops are joined together using a special sewing technique. These linked loops are also packed in a kind of bag, which is also sewn together again.
In the event of a fall, the person is initially in free fall. During this time, the body accelerates and kinetic energy is built up which, at the end of the free fall (when the lanyard is tightened and the falling person is prevented from hitting the ground), acts on the system consisting of the body, lanyard and fall arrest system. The energy absorber absorbs part of this kinetic energy by tearing open the seams due to the forces that occur. This can cushion the fall and reduce injuries.
The ends of the energy absorber are usually fitted with a carabiner. This allows the energy absorber to be connected to the harness and the anchor point.
The energy absorber is triggered as soon as the force applied is great enough to tear the seam. This is usually the case when the entire system is tightened by the kinetic energy and the free fall is terminated.
Belt shock absorber after fall
Strap energy absorbers can no longer be reused after a fall. The seams are torn and the textile strap may also be damaged. A new shock absorber is therefore necessary after a fall. It is also not advisable to repair the shock absorber.
Belt energy absorber test
The energy absorber must be visually inspected before each use. By using the textile bag, it is quick and easy to see whether the energy absorber is in good condition. PPE components, including the energy absorber, must be inspected by an expert every 12 months.
Lanyard with strap energy absorber
Our TYPE BFD Y SK 12 lanyard with shock absorber offers you excellent workmanship and high impact absorption. Approved in accordance with EN354:2010 and EN355:2002, the lanyard with energy absorber comes as a 12 mm thick kernmantel rope, which can also be used horizontally.
Do you have further questions about how the energy absorbers work or do you need specific information about our lanyard with energy absorber? Then simply get in touch with us now using our contact form, by phone or by e-mail.
