Which is a sign that a lanyard may need replacement?

A lanyard is a critical component of fall protection systems in construction. It secures the worker's harness to an anchor point to prevent falls. One of the key indicators for the need to replace a lanyard is the presence of rips or tears. These physical damages compromise the lanyard's integrity and can lead to failure during a fall, putting the worker at significant risk.

Rips or tears indicate that the material has been compromised, and while other signs of wear, such as fraying or discoloration, are important to monitor, they generally do not pose an immediate threat to the lanyard's overall performance as rips or tears do. It's also vital that equipment used in fall protection remains in optimal condition, reinforcing the importance of regular inspections and timely replacements to ensure worker safety on a construction site.