Self-Retracting Lanyard (SRL) vs. Energy Absorbing Lanyard (EAL): Who Reigns Supreme?

The SRL and EAL debate is probably one of the hottest topics among fall protection engineers. It’s usually a lively debate because both devices have their benefits for a majority of fall protection situations. The two primary fields that require fall protection systems are industrial and construction settings. Each setting poses different hazards for the workers who are involved. After talking to our in-house fall protection engineer and ANSI committee member, there is an answer to this debate (albeit unsatisfactory in some circles).

The bottom line is that both devices are acceptable for use under the right circumstances. However, an SRL is preferable in an industrial environment where an overhead horizontal system is (or can be) installed. An EAL is preferable in a construction environment where workers typically do not have access to an overhead anchorage point. When a Competent Person needs to use fall protection at a worksite, they need to have a thorough understanding of the different fall hazards posed by the worksite to ensure that the fall protection system is providing the appropriate coverage.

SRL Benefits

The SRL is usually the most useful in an industrial setting, largely because workers are more likely to have an overhead horizontal lifeline system in place. Assuming that the SRL can be anchored into a system that is located directly above the worker, the SRL will reduce the fall distance during a fall event. All SRL’s employ a lifeline that winds up inside the housing of the device while maintaining a certain amount of tension on the lifeline; some models of SRLs use web strap lanyards and some models use steel cable lanyards. The steel cable is helpful for industrial settings because it will last longer in corrosive environments and it will last longer after repeated use. Steel cable SRL’s will suffer less damage than web strap SRL’s in the event of exposure to a sharp edge. Web lifelines are not normally designed to withstand abuse from sharp edges and therefore metal lifelines will last longer than the fabric.

In most settings, the SRL is usually regarded as the most effective product. However, it should be noted that there are a few exceptions where an EAL is more effective than the SRL. But, the SRL arrests a fall in the shortest amount of time, thus reducing the distance that a worker actually falls. The SRL also allows workers more vertical movement while connected to the system (which means that they minimize the risk of hurting themselves due to re-connecting to another anchorage point).

EAL Benefits

The EAL can be a better option when a worker is in a construction setting. Safety managers in construction zones tend to use the EAL because it can be used with anchorage points that are not located directly over the worker. Since EALs use a simple design without any major mechanical components, the EAL is both less expensive and lighter in weight than the SRL. Having a cost effective and lightweight system is sometimes better for construction workers who need to keep compliant.

Specialty EALs are available in the market for when a worker needs to use an anchorage point near a leading edge or the worker needs to use an anchorage point that is below the height of their harness’s D-ring. However, it should be noted that if a worker needs to connect to a point that is anywhere below their D-Ring (like in a leading edge situation), a Competent Person will need to ensure that the correct type and length of EAL is used.

UNIQUE USE: EALs are also helpful when a worker needs to maintain or inspect a bottom-draining storage system (ex: grain or sand silos). The EAL is better suited for a silo application because of the speed at which these units drain. Bottom-draining silos move their product at an extremely slow pace. If a worker were wearing an SRL, the SRL would most likely continue to pay out slack as the worker continued to sink deeper into the silo. But, if a worker is wearing an EAL, they will run out of material more quickly and will not travel any further than the length of their lanyard.

Both EALs and SRLs are useful for fall protection. The way each device is designed has an impact on the ways in which it can be helpful or harmful for a worker. Some of the most important factors to consider when picking a deceleration device are the location of the anchorage point, surrounding hazards, the length of the lanyard in comparison to the workspace, and corrosive circumstances that could compromise the reliability of the deceleration device. For a quick and simple reference to understanding the positive and negative features of both deceleration devices, please refer to the list below. Hopefully you have found this post informative and helpful.

Thanks for reading! Stay Safe!

Quick Reference List

SRL Benefits:

• Reduces Fall Distance
• Cable lasts longer in more harsh environments
• Allows for more vertical freedom of movement
• Cable drag behind worker is minimal

SRL Deficits:

• Misused frequently
• SRL can increase chance of swing falls since it allows for more lateral movement
• Less Reliable in leading edge applications when employing webbed lifeline material

EAL Benefits:

• Cost effective
• Lightweight
• Better for leading edge and below D-Ring anchorage applications (Consult with ANSI requirements and Safety Manager to ensure proper-length and type of EAL is being used)
• Preferred on construction sites

EAL Deficits:

• Allows for increased fall distance due to deployment of shock/rip-stitch material
• Fabric suffers more damage, more quickly
• Can get caught in machines or other nearby equipment