When working at heights, one of the most critical pieces of safety equipment is the energy absorber. These devices play a crucial role in protecting workers from the potentially severe consequences of a fall. An energy absorber is a component of a fall protection system that reduces the impact forces exerted on the worker during a fall, ensuring that the risk of injury is minimised. This blog will delve into what energy absorbers are, how they work, the different types available, and how to select the right one for your specific work environment.
What are Energy Absorbers?
An energy absorber is a device integrated into a fall protection system, typically connected to a lanyard, harness, and anchor point. Its primary purpose is to reduce the forces generated during a fall, which can cause serious injury or even death. These devices function by absorbing and dissipating the kinetic energy of a falling worker, thus limiting the forces transferred to the worker's body.
Energy absorbers are designed to stretch or tear upon impact, converting kinetic energy into a more manageable force. By doing so, they ensure that the impact forces remain within the threshold that the human body can withstand, typically around 6kN. Without an energy absorber, the forces involved in a fall could easily exceed this limit, leading to serious harm.
Why are Energy Absorbers Important?
The importance of energy absorbers cannot be overstated when it comes to fall protection. They are essential in reducing the risk of injury, particularly in high-risk environments such as construction sites, maintenance work, and other activities performed at height. In fact, energy absorbers are considered one of the most important components of a fall arrest system, as they ensure that a fall does not result in devastating injuries.
When selecting a fall protection system, it is crucial to ensure that the energy absorber meets the necessary safety standards, such as EN 355, to guarantee its reliability in arresting a fall. The system's effectiveness hinges not only on the quality of the energy absorber but also on its correct usage and integration with other fall protection equipment.
How Do Energy Absorbers Work?
Energy absorbers operate by elongating or deploying during a fall, which serves to slow the fall gradually. This elongation or deployment of material absorbs the kinetic energy that is generated by the falling person, thus reducing the forces exerted on their body. There are different types of energy absorbers, including those that use internal elastic segments or external packs, but the core function remains the same: to absorb the energy from a fall.
Typically, energy absorbers are used in conjunction with a lanyard, which connects the worker to the anchor point. The lanyard's length and the deceleration characteristics of the energy absorber are key factors in determining the fall clearance required to ensure the system works effectively. It is essential to properly calculate the required fall clearance to ensure that the energy absorber can deploy fully and safely arrest a fall.
Types of Energy Absorbers
There are several different types of energy absorbers available, each designed for specific types of work and fall arrest situations. These include:
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Elastic Energy Absorbers: These absorbers use internal elastic material, such as Partially Oriented Yarn (POY), which stretches during a fall to absorb the impact. These are commonly used for standard fall arrest situations.
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Tearaway Energy Absorbers: In these devices, the energy absorber is designed to tear apart upon impact, which dissipates the energy from the fall. These absorbers are often used in environments where space is limited and the lanyard needs to be compact when not in use.
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Shock Absorbing Energy Absorbers: This is another name for energy absorbers, and they work similarly by reducing the shock or impact of a fall. These are typically used in more demanding environments where workers are exposed to extreme conditions.
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Heavy-Duty Energy Absorbers: For workers who exceed standard weight limits or work with heavy tools and equipment, heavy-duty energy absorbers are available. These absorbers are designed to handle the increased forces generated by heavier loads.
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Arc Flash Energy Absorbers: In environments where electrical hazards are present, arc flash energy absorbers are designed to resist the heat and damage caused by arc flashes. These absorbers are typically made from materials such as Kevlar™ or Nomex™ to offer additional protection.
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Leading Edge Energy Absorbers: These absorbers are specifically designed for situations where workers are at risk of falling over a sharp edge, such as on roofs or elevated platforms. These absorbers are reinforced to withstand the additional forces generated when a fall occurs at an edge.
Selecting the Right Energy Absorber for Your Work Environment
Selecting the correct energy absorber is crucial to ensure that your fall protection system works as intended. There are several factors to consider when making this decision:
1. Worksite Conditions and Hazards
- The environment in which your team is working will play a significant role in determining which type of energy absorber is most suitable. For example, if your team works near electrical hazards, arc flash energy absorbers are necessary. Similarly, if the workers are exposed to welding spatter, you’ll need energy absorbers made from heat-resistant materials.
2. Weight Capacity
- It is essential to choose an energy absorber that can support the weight of the worker, including any tools or equipment they may be carrying. Most standard energy absorbers are designed for workers up to 310 lbs, but heavier-duty absorbers are available for those carrying additional loads.
3. Length and Fall Clearance
- The length of the lanyard and the required fall clearance are critical in determining the appropriate energy absorber. A 6ft lanyard requires a minimum of 17.5ft of fall clearance, while longer lanyards or free fall situations may require more clearance. Ensure that the energy absorber and lanyard you choose provide enough clearance for safe deployment.
4. Worksite Mobility
- If workers need to move around frequently or change positions, a dual leg lanyard with two energy absorbers may be more appropriate. This allows workers to stay connected to the anchor point at all times while transitioning between different locations.
Maintenance and Inspection of Energy Absorbers
Proper maintenance and inspection of energy absorbers are essential to ensuring that they perform effectively when needed. Regularly check the following components:
- Webbing and Stitching: Inspect for any fraying, cuts, or wear that could compromise the lanyard’s strength.
- Connectors: Ensure that the connectors are free from rust, corrosion, and any physical damage that could affect their functionality.
- Shock Pack or Energy Absorber: Check for any signs of damage, such as tears or punctures in the energy absorber's material, which could affect its ability to absorb energy during a fall.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for inspection and replacement. Energy absorbers that have been involved in a fall or show signs of significant wear should be immediately replaced.
The Importance of Training
Even with the best equipment, a fall protection system will only be effective if the workers using it are properly trained. Ensure that all workers are trained on how to properly use and inspect energy absorbers and other fall protection equipment. Training should also cover how to correctly calculate fall clearance and how to respond in the event of a fall.
Energy absorbers are an essential part of fall protection systems, helping to reduce the forces experienced during a fall and ensuring that workers remain safe. By understanding how energy absorbers work, selecting the right type for your environment, and maintaining the equipment properly, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury or fatality for workers at height.
At Absafe, we are committed to providing high-quality, reliable energy absorbers that meet the highest safety standards. Proper use and maintenance of these devices, combined with adequate training, are key to ensuring that fall protection systems work effectively in preventing injuries. Always choose the right energy absorbers for your team to maintain a safe and compliant workplace
