Tether or Lanyard, which one do I need?

Ah, good question! Both are used almost interchangeably. ISEA, the International Safety Equipment Association, has set forth a recommendation on the topic. Lanyards are to be used in Fall Protection for People. Tethers are for tools used to Prevent Dropped Objects.

So, to keep it simple:

• Tether your Tools
• Lanyards are Lifelines

For more information, check out the new ISEA 121 standard just published for public review and comment:

https://safetyequipment.org/public-review-comment-period-opens-proposed-industry-standard-dropped-object-prevention/