NINETEEN OF THE MOST utilized lanyards were tested last year. How did your lanyard fair? Click here.
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association released the 2023 Safety Equipment Manufacturer’s Committee (SEMC) Fall Arrest Lanyard Testing Report today.
The Fall Arrest Lanyard Testing was conducted at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) over two days, with five different scenarios and over 100 drop tests completed. The testing utilized new and used equipment attached to an antenna supporting structure designed to the ANSI/TIA-222 Standard.
Attendees at NATE UNITE 2024’s educational session last week on the proper use of personal fall arrest lanyards were provided with a sneak preview of the testing results. Panelists from the left were Richard Cullum of TSC Construction, LLC, Bryan Lee of Lee Antenna & Line Service, Inc., and Jeremy Buckles of SBA Communications Corporation.
SEMC consulted various stakeholders to determine the 19 most utilized lanyards in the industry. These lanyards consisted of different force tolerances, construction types/styles, and connectors. As most climbers in the industry are only given one set of lanyards for all their work at height activities, SEMC elected to test all 19 lanyards equally in each scenario.
Additionally, the fall arrest lanyards utilized for this testing met the requirements of ANSI/ASSP Z359. SEMC elected to utilize a 310 lb. test torso to better replicate real-world scenarios, including the climber’s movement, motion, placement on the system, and center of gravity. Previous results have shown the importance of this type of testing. Click HERE to view the 2023 NATE SEMC Fall Arrest Lanyard Testing Report.
“On behalf of SEMC, we are excited to release this 16-page white paper detailing the performance results and key takeaways from the testing of common fall arrest lanyards used by the industry’s technicians when working at heights,” said Jeremy Buckles, Chairman of the NATE SEMC Committee.
“This testing event was structured in a manner to provide feedback to NATE members, industry stakeholders, and manufacturers. The results of the testing will raise the bar on safety by increasing awareness and improving testing methods related to fall arrest lanyards,” added Buckles.
SEMC acknowledged NATE for its dedication to the safety of the men and women who make wireless communication possible. They said that this fall arrest lanyard testing would not have been possible without their leadership, support, and vision.
They would also like to thank the following organizations and each participant from these organizations for their support: 3M, American Tower Corporation, Crown Castle, Deuer Development, Elk River, Inc., FallTech, GME Supply Co, Guardian Fall, Lee Antenna & Line Service, Inc, MILLERCO, NATE Climber Connection Film Crew, Petzl, Safety LMS, SBA Communication Corporation, SKYLOTEC North America LP, TSC Wireless Telecom Construction, USA Telecom Insurance Services Inc., and University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI).
