Lanyards are ubiquitous in Australian workplaces, from corporate offices to construction sites. While they serve an essential purpose for identification and access control, improper use can create serious safety hazards. Understanding lanyard safety isn't just about compliance—it's about protecting your team from preventable injuries.
Important Safety Notice
Australian Work Health and Safety regulations require breakaway lanyards in many workplace environments. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties and, more importantly, preventable injuries.
Understanding Lanyard Hazards
Before implementing safety measures, it's crucial to understand the risks associated with lanyard use. The most common hazards fall into three categories: strangulation risks, entanglement dangers, and infection control concerns.
Strangulation and Choking Risks
Standard lanyards without breakaway features pose a significant strangulation risk. When a lanyard becomes caught on machinery, door handles, or other objects, the wearer can be pulled off balance or, in worst-case scenarios, strangled. This risk is particularly acute in environments with moving equipment, such as manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and laboratories.
Children and individuals who work with vulnerable populations face heightened risks. In childcare settings, for example, an aggressive or frightened child grabbing at a carer's lanyard could create a dangerous situation for both parties. Similarly, healthcare workers dealing with confused or agitated patients need quick-release mechanisms for their own protection.
Entanglement with Machinery
In industrial environments, loose lanyards can become caught in rotating machinery, conveyor systems, or other equipment. Even office environments present risks—lanyards can catch in printer mechanisms, paper shredders, or elevator doors. The consequences of entanglement range from equipment damage to severe physical injury.
Key Takeaway
Any workplace with machinery, moving parts, or the potential for lanyards to catch on objects should mandate breakaway lanyards with release mechanisms rated between 2.5 and 4 kilograms of force.
Breakaway Mechanisms Explained
Breakaway lanyards are specifically designed to release under pressure, preventing strangulation and entanglement injuries. Understanding how these mechanisms work helps you choose the right solution for your workplace.
Types of Breakaway Systems
There are three primary types of breakaway systems used in modern lanyards:
- Plastic Buckle Breakaway: The most common type, featuring a plastic clasp that separates under tension. These are cost-effective and reliable, though the release point can vary between manufacturers.
- Magnetic Breakaway: Uses magnets to hold the lanyard together. Provides a clean release and easy reconnection. Ideal for environments where frequent removal is needed.
- Dual Breakaway: Features two release points—typically one at the back of the neck and one near the badge attachment. Provides maximum safety for high-risk environments.
Release Force Standards
The force required to trigger a breakaway mechanism is measured in kilograms or Newtons. For most workplace applications, a release force between 2.5 and 4 kilograms is appropriate. This is strong enough to prevent accidental releases during normal wear but weak enough to protect against injury during entanglement.
Some industries have specific requirements. Healthcare environments often require lower release forces due to the risk of patient interaction. Industrial settings may use slightly higher forces to prevent nuisance releases in physically demanding work.
Testing Your Breakaway Lanyards
Regularly test your breakaway mechanisms by gently pulling on the lanyard. If significant force is required to trigger the release, the mechanism may be worn or defective and should be replaced immediately.
Industry-Specific Safety Requirements
Different industries have varying lanyard safety requirements based on their unique risk profiles.
Healthcare and Aged Care
Healthcare workers face dual risks: entanglement with equipment and patient interaction. Australian healthcare facilities typically mandate breakaway lanyards with low release forces. Many facilities also require antimicrobial lanyard materials to support infection control protocols. Lanyards should be changed regularly as part of uniform hygiene requirements.
Education and Childcare
Schools, universities, and childcare centres require breakaway lanyards for all staff. The risk of children grabbing at lanyards, combined with the vulnerable nature of the population, makes this non-negotiable. Some facilities prohibit lanyards entirely for workers in direct contact with young children, opting for clip-on badge holders instead.
Manufacturing and Construction
Industrial environments present the highest entanglement risks. Breakaway lanyards are essential, but consideration must also be given to lanyard length, material, and attachment points. High-visibility lanyards are often required in construction settings. Some sites prohibit lanyards near certain machinery, requiring alternative identification methods.
Retail and Hospitality
While generally lower risk, retail and hospitality environments still benefit from breakaway lanyards. Customer interactions, kitchen equipment, and storage room hazards all present potential risks. These industries often prioritise aesthetics alongside safety, opting for stylish breakaway options that complement uniforms.
Implementing a Lanyard Safety Policy
A comprehensive lanyard safety policy protects your organisation and employees. Here's what to include:
Policy Components
- Approved Lanyard Types: Specify which lanyard types are permitted in your workplace, including breakaway requirements and material specifications.
- Mandatory Training: Ensure all employees understand proper lanyard use, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures.
- Inspection Schedule: Establish regular inspections of lanyard condition, including breakaway mechanism testing.
- Replacement Criteria: Define when lanyards must be replaced, including visible damage, worn breakaway mechanisms, and hygiene considerations.
- Incident Reporting: Create procedures for reporting lanyard-related incidents and near-misses.
WHS Compliance Checklist
Your lanyard policy should align with Work Health and Safety Act requirements. Consult Safe Work Australia guidelines and your state's WHS regulator for specific compliance requirements.
Common Safety Mistakes to Avoid
Even with good intentions, workplaces often make avoidable safety mistakes with lanyards:
- Wearing lanyards under clothing: This prevents breakaway mechanisms from functioning and can create a more dangerous strangulation risk.
- Overloading lanyards: Attaching too many items increases weight and entanglement risk. Heavy loads can also prevent breakaway release.
- Using damaged lanyards: Frayed straps, worn breakaway mechanisms, and damaged clips should prompt immediate replacement.
- Ignoring hygiene: Lanyards accumulate bacteria and should be cleaned regularly or replaced according to your hygiene policy.
- One-size-fits-all approach: Different departments may have different risk profiles requiring different lanyard specifications.
Emergency Procedures
Despite best precautions, emergencies can occur. Your workplace should have clear procedures for lanyard-related incidents:
- Train first aiders in lanyard removal techniques
- Keep scissors or lanyard cutters in first aid kits
- Establish clear protocols for machinery entanglement
- Document and investigate all lanyard-related incidents
Conclusion
Lanyard safety isn't complicated, but it requires consistent attention and proper policies. By understanding the risks, implementing appropriate breakaway mechanisms, and maintaining clear procedures, you can ensure lanyards remain a helpful tool rather than a workplace hazard. Regular training, inspections, and policy reviews keep safety at the forefront of your identification system.
Remember: a few dollars saved on non-breakaway lanyards is never worth the risk of a preventable injury. Invest in proper safety equipment and create a culture where lanyard safety is everyone's responsibility.