Dropping tools while working is not only a risk to your favorite tools but also a serious safety hazard. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a dropped – object injury occurs every 11 minutes in the U.S. In this article, we continue our conversation with Adonios Papanikolau (AP), Milwaukee Territory Safety Specialist, to understand the types of tethering tools available and how to ensure safe practices on the jobsite.
Color Coding
The weight of tools can vary greatly, and so should the support for them. Overloading a lanyard with excessive weight can lead to breakage and even fatal accidents. To address this, Milwaukee uses a color – coded system for its lanyards.
Red Lanyards: These are designed to support tools weighing up to 10 pounds.
Black Lanyards: Can hold tools weighing up to 15 pounds.
Grey Lanyards: With a higher weight capacity, they can support tools up to 35 pounds.
Blue and White Attachments: There are also blue (2 lb) and white (5 lb) attachments. These are designed to be used with Milwaukee Self – Adhering Tape to create a secure attachment point on most tools without a lanyard hole.
This color – coding system allows workers to quickly identify the appropriate lanyard for their tools, ensuring proper support and reducing the risk of accidents.
Durability
Durability is a crucial factor when it comes to tethering tools. Milwaukee lanyards are engineered with several features to ensure long – lasting performance.
Double – Locking Carabiner: This provides a secure connection between the lanyard and the tool or anchor point.
360° Swivel Head: Prevents tools from getting tangled and allows for easy movement. It ensures that the tool can move freely in all directions without restricting the user’s work.
Shock Absorption: The tethers are designed to absorb shock. In case a tool is dropped, the lanyard will gradually slow its fall, reducing the impact force.
Quick – Connect System: While these lanyards perform best when combined with Milwaukee Quick – Connect accessories, they are also compatible with most tools available in the market.
Length
Different jobs require working at different heights. A common safety hazard on job sites is the improper combination of lanyards to increase length when working on lifts. This goes against manufacturer guidelines and can be extremely dangerous.
To address this issue, Milwaukee has taken the following measures:
Extended Lanyards: They have created extended sizes for their 15 – pound and 10 – pound lanyards, providing extra reach when needed.
Quick – Connect Locking Tool: This tool has a carabiner on both ends, allowing for fast swaps between tools. It provides some extra length and can be used with accessories of varying weight ratings, making it a convenient option for workers who need to switch tools frequently.
Support
When you need to tether multiple tools in different locations, Milwaukee offers a 50 – lb anchor strap.
Features: The anchor strap has an oversized D – Ring and can hold up to 5 lanyards. It is constructed from an abrasion – resistant 840D sleeve, which adds durability.
Identification: The anchor is color – coded green, making it easy to quickly identify its 50 – lb weight rating. This helps workers select the appropriate anchor for their needs and ensures safe tethering practices.
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