07/01/2026
For applications where you want to limit the free fall distance to less than 6', but a self-retracting lifeline (SRL) isn't an option, a 4' lanyard may provide a solution. A 6' lanyard is common across the industry, and often a default part of many personal fall protection systems, but they are not necessarily the best fit solution for every fall arrest application.
When properly selected for the job, a 4' lanyard provides adequate length for the work to be performed, and effectively reduces the fall distance. For job applications where a 6' lanyard provides more length than is needed, that excess length translates to a longer fall distance. While OSHA allows for up to a 6’ free fall, a lanyard that allows you to further limit that free fall distance also reduces the overall force to the user during a fall. If you remember physics class, the further you fall, the greater the force. So, by shortening the distance, you lessen the amount of force that is ultimately transferred to the user during an arrested fall, which is really the name of the game when it comes to fall arrest.
Lets look at some real world applications.
Take an arena with a series of horizontal lifelines that the user traverses for work. A dual leg lanyard provides a lightweight means of maintaining 100% protection while transferring between lifelines. When the horizontal lifelines are near head-height, the distance between the rear dorsal ring on the harness and lifeline is relatively short, and a 4' lanyard may provide adequate length for the work.
In another example, take a theatre with vertically mounted D-ring anchors at the front-of-house lighting positions. A lanyard provides ease of transfer between points, and if the lighting positions can be reached with a 4' lanyard, then the fall distance is effectively limited.
For your next job working at height, instead of reaching for the ubiquitous 6' lanyard, take a look to see if a 4' lanyard may be a better fit for the task at hand. While a 4' lanyard may not be appropriate for every fall system and application, it is worth evaluating your current system to see if a 4' lanyard may help to better limit potential fall distances, and limit the overall potential force to the user.
