Lanyard use
Climbing arborists use their lanyards constantly for many different tasks . It would be typical to make several hundred different lanyard attachments during a large tree job . A full treatment of these many applications is beyond the scope of this document , however rescue climbers working in trees may benefit from a brief overview of some common lanyard configurations :
Primary anchor point ( Side-D to Side-D )
As has been discussed in previous sections on alternating anchor points and spur climbing , a common lanyard use is as a primary anchor point connected from Side-D to Side-D .
This configuration is intended for use when the arborist will be leaning back into their harness and makes best use of the wide back support of arborist harnesses .
Primary suspension point ( Central anchor point )
Most arborist harnesses have Side-Ds and Lower-Ds , with the Lower-Ds intended for use when the climber will be suspended below an anchor .
The Side-Ds of most harnesses are not rated for suspension .
For rescuers , to use a lanyard in this manner , both the lanyard adjustor and the termination should be attached to the lower central attachment point of the harness .
Secondary anchor point ( Side-D to Side-D )
Probably the most common lanyard use is to secure the climber at a chosen workstation or whilst conducting other tasks .
Configured in this manner , the hips are oriented toward the point of attachment . Arborist harnesses use a sliding bridge to allow the body to rotate toward the point of lanyard attachment .
Secondary anchor point ( Suspension )
The lanyard can also be used as a secondary attachment to connect to an anchor overhead during movement or whilst working .
Configured in this manner it should be connected to the lower central attachment point of the harness . Most lanyards can be set up to be used in this manner in either an MRT or SRT configuration , although this depends on the type of lanyard adjustor that is used .
Secondary anchor point ( branch walking )
By tensioning both the climbing lines and the lanyard , the branch is lifted and secured whilst the climber works .
If the lanyard is attached from Side-D to Side-D , tension is held through the climber ’ s core and their body position will naturally be oriented in line with the branch . It may be preferable to attach both the adjustor and the lanyard termination back to the same central point of attachment as the primary climbing device . Tension is then carried from rope-to-rope and the climber can move more freely .
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