SAFETY ENGINEER S GUIDE TO TOOL TETHERING

SAFETY ENGINEER S GUIDE TO TOOL TETHERING Building quality tool and gear tethers since 1995

Gear Keeper Woven integrated elastic Gear Keeper s 61% Stretch... Almost Twice As Much As Brand A And More Than 3 Times As Much As Brand B. Gear Keeper 61% STRETCH Brand A 38% STRETCH Brand B 18% STRETCH Gear Keeper s Unique Integrated Elastic Core Is Woven Throughout The Entire Body Of The Webbing. Gear Keeper tethers have the shortest retracted length and require the least effort to stretch to the longest extension. Weaving the elastic into the nylon webbing is more expensive but by making the elastic an integral, non-structural component, Gear Keeper lanyards deliver longer life... maintaining both strength and stretch. 61% STRETCH Brand A bungee elastic in tube Brand B bungee elastic in tube 33 38% STRETCH 18% STRETCH 53 37 51 38 45 Ergonomically Designed Gear Keeper Tether * Low resistance for less fatigue during use * Shortest retraction length minimizes entanglement issues for safely working in close quarters * More stretch for full range of use Brands A & B Both Use A Bungee Cord Inside Of Tubular Webbing. It s less expensive but not ergonomically sound. Their bungee design, although cheaper to manufacture, does not come close to Gear Keeper s 61% extension stretch. Additionally, Brand B s tether construction is also nonergonomically stiff without much elastic capability (evidenced by its short 7 extension).

4 1 5 Ways Gear Keeper Personal Tool Tethers Are Constructed To Last Longer 5 3 2 1) Gear Keeper Webbing More stretch for longer strain-free reach. Integrated elastic provides the shortest retraction length and longest extension. 2) Gear Keeper Ergonomically Designed Safety Construction More stretch for best extension and greater range of use. Minimum resistance reduces extension fatigue. Woven integrated elastic for shortest retraction length, minimizes entanglement issues when climbing or working in close quarters. Woven integrated elastic absorbs recoil shock - no bounce back. Built-in safety margin beyond the breaking point. 3) The Gear Keeper Lanyard Cord Is Sewn Lengthwise Into The Webbing Without Damaging The Integrity Of The Cord Insuring Longer Durability And Strength. Brand A Thick, heavy nylon cord is difficult to thread tool lanyard loops. Its coarse weave is more susceptible to fraying and very difficult to gauge wear. Brand B Lanyard cord is an extension of the bungee elastic thick, stiff and difficult to thread tool lanyard loops. Hard to gauge wear. Brands A & B lanyard cords are sewn crosswise creating potential failure points (Brand A is shown). 4) Gear Keeper Carabiner Ratings Gear Keeper carabiners are load rated above 500 kgs (1100 + lbs.), with gates that don t get hung up from a side load. 5) Gear Keeper Lanyard Cord Gear Keeper tool tethers use a Spectra core inside of a tightly woven nylon tool attachment cord. Tight weave means less chance of wear and snagging during use. Gear Keeper s lanyard is easier to thread through a tool s lanyard loop. Cord can easily be visually inspected for wear. The tool attachment cord is typically the failure point of other lanyards. 1

SUPERCOIL Personal Tool Tethers 3/4 Super Coil TM Typically attached to a person and provides arms reach extension. Although rated for tools up to 15-lbs, industry recommendations are to use with tools under 10 lbs when attached to a person. 2 Carabiner Lanyard Fixed End Lanyard Side Release Lanyard Side Release Lanyard Accessory Construction/Benefits The 3/4 Super Coils are strong, impact absorbing tethers. Their Nylon webbing construction, with integrated elastic, provides the shortest retracted length to minimize entanglement and low force extension to reduced fatigue during use. Lanyard loop end on the 15-lb rated lanyards is a Spectra reinforced construction that minimizes its diameter while providing superior strength. Available in load tested Aluminum carabiners and stainless steel locking gate carabiners. TL1-3011 Aluminum Carabiner TL1-3021 Locking Carabiner Retracted Length: 27 / 68 cm Extended Length: 43 / 109 cm TL1-3014 Aluminum Carabiner TL1-3024 Locking Carabiner Retracted Length: 30 / 76 cm Extended Length: 46 / 116 cm TL1-3012 Aluminum Carabiner TL1-3022 Locking Carabiner Load Limit: 5 lb / 2.2 kg Retracted Length: 31 / 78 cm Extended Length: 46 / 116 cm ACO-0204-3PK (3 pack) 6 accessory lanyard Used w/ TL1-3012, TL1-3022 Load Limit: 5 lb / 2.2 kg ECONOMY Personal Tool Tethers 1/2 Economy Coil TM Construction/Benefits The 1/2 Economy Coils are strong and cost effective. They use polypropylene webbing construction with integrated elastic. It provides the shortest retraction length to minimize entanglement and low-force extension for reduced fatigue. Lanyard loop end on the 15 lb rated lanyards is a Spectra reinforced construction that minimizes its diameter while providing superior strength. Available in load tested aluminum carabiners and plated locking gate carabiners. Fixed Lanyard TL1-3008 Aluminum Carabiner Retracted Length: 26 / 66 cm Extended Length: 44 / 111 cm Fixed Lanyard TL1-3038 Zinc Locking Carabiner Retracted Length: 26 / 66 cm Extended Length: 44 / 111 cm 2

SUPERCOIL Anchored Tool Tethers 1 Super Coil TM 18 Diameter Working Area With A 4 Retraction Length 250% Stress-Free Extension 1 Super Coil Anchored Tethers For Tools Up To 25 lbs. Gear Keeper s ergonomic Anchored Tool Tether Series is unique because it has been designed with a low force polyurethane elastic core that has a 2.5:1 stretch factor (i.e. 3 relaxed 9 extended). The polyurethane elastic core tethers have the shortest retracted length combined with the longest extension length offering significantly more stretch and retraction than competitive bungee-type core tethers. Construction/Benefits Designed for use with tools that are either too heavy to be attached to a person or when it is more advantageous to anchor the tool to a structure. The 1 Super Coil s 2.5:1 retraction capability minimizes entanglement issues when climbing or working in close quarters. 2 Carabiner TL1-4021 Stainless Locking Carabiner Load Limit: 25 lb / 11.3 kg Retracted Length: 42 / 106 cm Extended Length: 109 / 276 cm Fixed Web Loop TL1-4025 Locking Carabiner Load Limit: 25 lb / 11.3 kg Retracted Length: 55 / 139 cm Extended Length: 112 / 284 cm TL1-4026 Locking Carabiner Load Limit: 25 lb / 11.3 kg Retracted Length: 38 / 95 cm Extended Length: 72 / 182 cm Long Working Length For Attachment To Lift Bucket Or Supported Structure Wrist Lanyards Designed for use with small hand tools. Ideal when a short drop distance is required. Retractable Wrist Lanyard TL1-2006 Load Limit: 16 oz /.45 kg. Extended Length: 47 / 119 cm Retraction Force: 3 oz / 85 gm Standard Wrist Lanyard TL1-2005 Deluxe Wrist Lanyard w/ Barrel Lock TL1-2007 Deluxe Wrist SS Snap Lanyard TL1-2008 Disconnetable shock absorbing lanyard. Allows extension far away from the body. Secure but comfortable Nylon webbing wrist strap Q/C-II Elastic Tool Lanyard Included Also available as an accessory AC0-0926 Load Limit: 5 lb / 2.2 kg. Extended Length: 10 / 25 cm Velcro Wrist Strap Basic Wrist Lanyard with a dedicated lanyard loop mount to a tool. Load Limit: 5 lb / 2.2 kg. Extended Length: 10 / 25 cm Side Release disconnect of Lanyard end to allow for easy tool change-out. Secure by Comfortable Nylon webbing wrist Strap Additional Lanyard AC0-0206-3PK Lanyard w/ Barrel Lock (3 Pack) Load Limit: 5 lb / 2.2 kg. Extended Length: 10 / 25 cm Side Release disconnect of Lanyard end to allow for easy tool change-out. Secure by Comfortable Nylon webbing wrist Strap Additional Lanyard AC0-0207 SS Snap Lanyard

Gear Keeper Industrial-Strength Family of Retractors Made in the USA Retractable Gear Attachment Systems as flexible as your imagination. Designed around the highly engineered Gear Keeper Retractor family, this unique modular tethering system allows users to fine-tune tethers and lanyards for their own specific needs. The Quick Connect (Q/C and Q/C-II) System is a patented feature of the Gear Keeper. Retractor Systems that permits one retractor to be used with many different tools. Tool Tethering Involves Some Very Specific User Safety Demands. When you have an application that can prevent injury when a tool is dropped from above, why would you settle for anything else? You want a product that simply works out of the box and continues to work for years of prolonged use. Beware Of Ratcheting Locks They Have A Serious Downside. Ratcheting locks negatively impact productivity. Don t be fooled by gimmicks... The concept of a ratcheting lock is enticing, but take it into the field and try it on a job. Ratcheting devices are notoriously unreliable, particularly in dirty industrial environments, and they often do not lock or unlock when desired. For efficient and productive field use, the technician wants to grab a tool out of their bag, use it, and put it away without the need for time consuming second and third steps to lock or unlock a ratchet or disentangle a hanging loop of line. 4 RT3 RT4 RT2 RT5 No Stress When Extended No Snap-Back When Released. Balancing extension force with retraction force for optimum productivity is our goal. You don t want to be fighting with a high retraction force when you re using the tool above your head or at arms length. Gear Keeper uses a specially designed spring with the exact minimal force necessary to retract a tangle-free line when putting the tool away. No force whatsoever when using a tool. No line slack to get caught or entangled when retracting it. Concerns About A Dirty Work Environment? Don t be, the Gear Keepers patented flushing system allows the unit to be cleaned and flush should debris impact the internal mechanism. Highly Engineered For Safety And Productivity For Industrial Applications. For over two decades, and made in the USA, Hammerhead Industries has been building sophisicated retracting devices that don t break, hang up or bounce-back. Their applications and customers range from Harley Davidson motorcycle components to thermal cameras for firefighters. They are used for securing side arms for the military and saltwater submersion for offshore oil drilling. These remarkable devices are highly engineered to have high break strength and an extremely long life that has been proven through years of service in harsh and dirty abusive environments.

RETRACTABLE Retractable Tool Lanyards Construction/Benefits Gear Keeper s long lasting, industrial-strength retracting devices maintain their load ratings. Excellent for use in rough industrial environments. The 1 & 2 lb. rated lanyards use an incredibly strong Spectra/Nylon line that resists wear and fatigue and will outlasts cable-type lanyards. For added safety, these retractable systems are coupled with a drop-shock absorbing lanyard to minimize the force exerted by a dropped tool. The patented Q/C attachments also allow easy change-out of tools. An additional safety design insures that 1 lb rated lanyards cannot be interchanged with 2 lb rated lanyards. 2-Axis Belt Clip RT4-5601 Load Limit: 16 oz /.45 kg Extended Length: 47 / 119 cm Retraction Force: 3 oz / 85 gm Attaches to tool belt or fall-protection harness Rotates in any direction during tool use Minimizes resistance and line wear Retractables - 1 lb. Load Limit n Belt Clamp 180 Rotation 360 Rotation Carabiner RT4-5602 Load Limit: 16 oz /.45 kg Extended Length: 55 / 139 cm Retraction Force: 3 oz / 85 gm Q/C-II Shock Absorbing Lanyard Used w/ RT4-5601, RT4-5602 ACO-0926-3PK (3 Pack) Load Limit: 16 oz /.45 kg 360 Rotation 180 Rotation Retractables - 2 lb. Load Limit Belt Clamp 360 o Rotating or 2 Axis Belt Clip RT3-5601 Load Limit: 32 oz /.9 kg. Extended Length: 50 / 127 cm Retraction Force: 7 oz / 198 gm Carabiner RT3-5602 Load Limit: 32 oz /.9 kg Extended Length: 55 / 139 cm Retraction Force: 7 oz / 198 gm S/R Shock Absorbing Lanyard Used w/ RT3-5601, RT3-5602 AC0-0205-3PK (3 Pack) Load Limit: 32 oz /.9 kg RETRACTABLE Retractable Tethers - 3.5 lb. Load Limit Designed for use with small hand tools up to 3.5 lbs. Engineered with a low profile configuration to avoid entanglement issues when multiple tethers are used. When a tool is placed in a tool bag/pouch, lanyard exposure is minimized to avoid snagging when climbing or when used in cramped working quarters. The retractor mechanism is designed to retract the lanyard, NOT THE TOOL. Retractor employs a very low force to avoid arm strain, but keeps the line taught to avoid snagging or interference with the work being performed. Heavy - Duty Retractable Personal Tool Tether 3.5 lb. Load Limit Strong impacting absorbing Nylon webbing for up to a 3.5 lb tool with no shock absorbing lanyard end. Convenient Locking Gate Carabiner for tool attachment. RT3-5605 Load Limit: 3.5 lb / 1.58 kg Extended Length: 55 / 139 cm Retraction Force: 7 oz / 198 gm

RETRACTABLE Retractable Tape Measure Tethers New Tape Measure Lanyard Provides Ample 36 Extension Enabling Arms-Length Reach. Carried by inspectors as well as technicians. Low Profile tether that can be worn on a belt - Not obtrusive like a standard tool tether. Provides minimal resistance on tape measure during use. NOTE not designed to retract the tape measure but to retract tethered line. Includes disconnectable shock absorbing lanyard. Available in a SS Rotating Belt Clip for easy and secure attachment to a belt, or snap clip for attachment to D-Ring. RT4-5604 Rotating Belt Clip Mount Load Limit: 20 oz /.56 kg Extended Length: 42 / 106 cm RT4-5605 Heavy Duty Snap Clip Mount Load Limit: 20 oz /.56 kg Extended Length: 42 / 106 cm RETRACTABLE Hard Hat Tethers Retractable Hard Hat Tether RT5-5601 Velcro Strap Mount Velcro Strap Loops and cinches around the fall protection harness strap, ring or tri-bar. (2.5 oz /.07 kg / 14 / 35 cm) Hard Hat Tether Threaded Stud Mount RT5-5602 Threaded Stud Mount Threaded Stud securely attaches to garment with structure such as coveralls or vest. (2.5 oz /.07 kg / 14 / 35 cm) Standard Hard Hat Lanyard TL1-5001-10 20 Loop Mount Basic cost-effective hard hat strap. Spring clip attaches to clothing to secure hardhat. Warning: the holding force of the Spring Clip to clothing is dependent on structure of the clothing. This is not a secured mount like on the retractable hard hat lanyard. Integrity of the attachment is up to the user. 6

RETRACTABLE Retractable 2-Way Radio and Phone Tethers Cell Phone Tether RT4-5450 Rotating Belt Clip Force: 3 oz / 85 gm Extension: 36 / 91 cm General gear tether may be use for this application Micro Smart Phone Tether RT5-5470 Combo Mount: Snap Clip/Threaded Stud Force: 3 oz / 85 gm Extension: 36 / 91 cm Small Radios / Instruments RT2-5352 Belt Clip Mount (shown) RT2-5312 Snap Clip Mount Force: 9 oz / 255 gm Extension: 32 / 81 cm Large Radios / Instruments RT3-4653 Belt Clip/Snap Mount Force: 18 oz / 510 gm Extended: 36 / 91 cm Retractable Holster HR9-2041 Small Retractable Holster Force: 6 oz / 170 gm Extension: 36 / 91 cm Strap Mount to belt or pack strap Inside Dimensions: 2¼ x 1¼ x 3¾ HR9-4042 Medium Retractable Holster Force: 9 oz / 255 gm Extension: 32 / 81 cm Holster Inside Dim: 2 x 1¼ x 5½ Belt Mount/Strap Mount System RETRACTABLE General Purpose Retractors A Simple Solution For Securing Small Items The Gear Keeper General Purpose Retractors are a simple tethering solution for securing an item with the convenience of extending and retracting the item as needed. Just pull it out use it then let it go and it will retract back. Gear Keeper General Purpose Retractors are industrial strength devices with an extremely durable Spectra/Nylon line and are available with a choice of mounting options. NOTE: These are not load rated tool lanyard devices. They are intended to match the retraction force to the weight of the device they are used with. For example, if you use a very low force retractor with a heavy tool, It has NOT been drop load rated. For these applications, please see the Retractable Tool Lanyards section on page 5. 4 Mounting Options and 3 Force Options for all your gear attachment needs Snap Clip Mount RT4-0040 Force: 3 oz. / 85 gm RT4-0041 Force: 6 oz. / 170 gm RT4-0044 Force: 9 oz. / 255 gm Ext: 32 / 81 cm Threated Stud Mount RT4-0020 Force: 3 oz. / 85 gm RT4-0021 Force: 6 oz. / 170 gm RT4-0024 Force: 9 oz. / 255 gm Ext: 32 / 81 cm AIuminum Carabiner Mount RT4-0060 Force: 3 oz. / 85 gm RT4-0061 Force: 6 oz. / 170 gm RT4-0064 Force: 9 oz. / 255 gm Ext: 32 / 81 cm Velcro Strap Mount RT4-0030 Force: 3 oz. / 85 gm RT4-0031 Force: 6 oz. / 170 gm RT4-0034 Force: 9 oz. / 255 gm Ext: 32 / 81 cm 7

How to attach lanyards to tools that don t have attachment points. It is not unusual to find a tool that does not have an attachment point. Hammers, wrenches, screw drivers and pliers are typical of commonly used tools that often have to be modified in order to secure them and prevent dropped tool accidents. In order to safely tether these tools you need to create a secure attachment point for connection to your tether or lanyard. The most practical method is to attach a load ring for easy connection and disconnection to a lanyard. This can be done in a number of ways based on the tool, the application and the user. On the following pages we have illustrated our suggested methods of fabricating safe and secure tool attachments for Gear Keeper tethers. They include: Slip Lanyard Connections Instructions For Tools With Geometry No-Slip Lanyard Installation Instructions Load Ring We have outlined Gear Keeper tool attachment theories for attachment of three generic types of tools; tools that have geometry, tools that do not have geometry (i.e. where a user-fabricated lanyard attachment may slip off the end) and tools that need a swivel connection (i.e. screw driver). Fixed Tools With Minimal Or No End Geometry Non-Slip Swivel Lanyard Instructions For Small Hand Tools Tool With Geometry Tool Without Geometry IMPORTANT: Care must be taken in determining the wieght of the tool and its geometry. Since the weight and types of tools, types of lanyards and tool geometry are variables, the integrity of creating an attachment point becomes user-dependent. With a looped tether, the strength of the attachment is based on the lanyard wrapped around the tool. In this case, the purpose of taping is simply to keep the attachment point from sliding off the tool as opposed to being an integral structural part of the attachment. 8

Lanyard Attachment Accessories Loop and Cinch around Web Belt Load Ring Strap / TA2-2001 Slip-On Web Belt Belt Loop Load Ring / TA2-2002 Anchor Strap For Attaching Tether To Structure TA2-1001 Load Limit: 25 lb / 11.3 kg Tool Attachment Accessories Accessories Ratings When Used With Personal Tool Tethers Up To 46 Extension Length Load Ring Strap / Load Ring Swivel / Zinc Plated Load Ring Strap / Load Ring Lanyard / TA1-1001-3PK (3 Pack) Load Limit: 5 lb / 2.2 kg TA1-1002-3PK (3 Pack) Load Limit: 5 lb / 2.2 kg TA1-2001-3PK (3 Pack) Load Limit: 10 lb / 4.5 kg TA1-2003-3PK (3 Pack) Load Limit: 10 lb / 4.5 kg Load Ring Strap / TA1-3001 Load Ring Swivel / Zinc Plated TA1-3002 Reinforced Self Fusing Silicon Tape / 10' TA3-1001 9

Tool Attachment Theories There are so many tool configurations that it is difficult to make a secure tool connection. For structural integrity, all tool connections should be made with the lanyard looped around the tool. The use of reinforced tape is simply to hold the lanyard tight so as not to slip off the tool. A tightly cinched lanyard will have minimal, if any slippage in a tool drop. As long as the tool has slight geometry, there is minimal concern that the lanyard will slip off. Taping holds the lanyard cinched tight and further prevents slippage. We do not recommend the use of reinforced tape as THE structural component of a tool connection. Although depending on tool weight, this might work, the structural integrity of a looped lanyard is the only safe option. Swivel Connection Tools Tools that require twisting such as screwdrivers and pliers, will in some instances, require a swivel connection in order to allow uninhibited tool use. 10

Slip vs. Non-Slip Lanyard Connections For many tools, a non-slip tool connection is desirable and safer. It s also required for tools with minimal to no geometrical end. For these applications, a taped, nonslip attachment is best. Note: Please see non-slip lanyard taping instructions on page 8. For some tools, such as boxed-end wrenches, that have geometrical ends, it is often a desirable function of the tool to be able to slide the lanyard from one end of the tool to the other. In these applications, the use of a lanyard with barrel lock allows the tool attachment to slide. And with geometrical ends, the risk of the lanyard sliding off the tool is minimal, as long as the lanyard loop remains cinched tight. This type of attachment is dependent on tool use and safety department requirements. Slip Lanyard Connections 1) Feed through open loop 2) Cinch Lanyard tight 2) Tighten Barrel Lock 3) Slip Lanyard to either end of tool, depending on preference Warning! Barrel Lock MUST be kept cinched tight to prevent lanyard from slipping off tool! Optional: Lanyard can be taped into position. See non-slip lanyard taping instructions on page xx 11

Non-slip Lanyard Installation Instructions 1. Loop Lanyard 2. Cinch Lanyard tight 3. Tape Lanyard Apply tape to cinched lanyard in a criss-cross manner, extending the tape above and below the lanyard. Recommend minimum of three layers of tape. Complete taping will prevent lanyard from slipping off the tool. The structural connection is the lanyard itself, not the tape. Test for structural integrity and insure lanyard does not slip. Important: Inspect lanyard connection before each use. If tape wears and lanyard loop becomes loose, re-tape immediately! Lanyard can be left dangling loose. Optional: Continue taping loose part of lanyard as desired to minimize dangle. Note: This is NOT a structural part of the connection! Tools with Minimal End Geometry When tools have minimal or no end geometry, and lanyard could slide off tool, a stop block can be fabricated with tape as shown. Note: The stop-block must be tested for drop load and integrity to insure safety.

Non-slip Swivel Lanyard Installation Instructions for Small Hand Tools 1. Loop Lanyard 2. Cinch Lanyard tight 3. Tape Lanyard Lanyard should be looped around tool, not around grip that could slide off the tool. Apply tape to cinched lanyard in a criss-cross manner, extending the tape above and below the lanyard. Recommend minimum three layers of tape. Test for structural integrity and insure lanyard does not slip. Complete taping will prevent lanyard from slipping off the tool. The structural connection is the lanyard itself, not the tape. Important: Inspect lanyard connection before each use. If tape wears and lanyard loop becomes loose, re-tape immediately! Lanyard must also be taped and secured close to the swivel for proper swivel operation. 13