Petzl ABSORBICA-I

The Petzl ABSORBICA-I is a single-leg lanyard with a built-in energy absorber. In a fall, the absorber tears open to cut the force on your body and your anchor. The Petzl Absorbica line is compact and light, which makes it easy to carry on a full-body harness.

How it works

An energy absorber is a pack of webbing stitched so it rips apart in a controlled way during a fall. That spreads the stopping force out over a short distance, reducing the peak load on your body. After it deploys, the lanyard is done and must be retired.

Absorber lanyards need clearance below you to work, since the absorber extends during a fall. Check the clearance requirements in Petzl's instructions before you anchor.

Choose the length to suit your setup. A shorter lanyard limits how far you can move from the anchor but also reduces fall distance.

Plan your anchor position so the lanyard is never slack across an edge, and never tie a knot in it to shorten it.

Aerial lift use and inspection

In aerial lifts, use the anchorage, harness and lanyard combination allowed by the lift manufacturer and your employer, and check the lanyard's length against the platform. Inspect before each use: webbing, stitching, the absorber pack, and connectors. Any sign of deployment means retirement.

Fall protection must meet the applicable standard and be used per the manufacturer's instructions and ANSI Z133 by trained workers. See more fall arrest gear for aerial lifts.

Store the lanyard dry and away from chemicals and sharp gear, and record when it entered service.

Check that the connectors gate fully and lock every time.