E0A12: Shock-absorbing lanyard: Where should a shock-absorbing lanyard be

Q: Where should a shock-absorbing lanyard be attached to a tower when working above ground?

The correct answer is A: Above the climber’s head level. The correct answer is A: Above the climber's head level. A shock-absorbing lanyard should be attached to the tower above the climber's head level when working above ground. This positioning allows the shock absorber to work properly and limits fall distance. Shock-absorbing lanyards are designed to stretch and absorb energy during a fall, reducing the impact force. For the shock absorber to work properly and limit fall distance, the attachment point must be above the climber's head. If attached at waist level or below, the fall distance would be greater, and the shock absorber might not have enough room to deploy properly. Attaching above head level ensures the lanyard can catch the fall quickly and the shock absorber can function as designed, minimizing both fall distance and impact force.

Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E0A

E0A12E0A

Where should a shock-absorbing lanyard be attached to a tower when working above ground?

Deep Dive: E0A12

The correct answer is A: Above the climber's head level. A shock-absorbing lanyard should be attached to the tower above the climber's head level when working above ground. This positioning allows the shock absorber to work properly and limits fall distance. Shock-absorbing lanyards are designed to stretch and absorb energy during a fall, reducing the impact force. For the shock absorber to work properly and limit fall distance, the attachment point must be above the climber's head. If attached at waist level or below, the fall distance would be greater, and the shock absorber might not have enough room to deploy properly. Attaching above head level ensures the lanyard can catch the fall quickly and the shock absorber can function as designed, minimizing both fall distance and impact force.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option B: Incorrect. Attaching to the belt of the harness doesn't provide the proper attachment height. The tower attachment point should be above the head, not at the harness. Option C: Incorrect. Attaching even with the waist would allow too much fall distance. The attachment should be above the head to limit fall distance. Option D: Incorrect. Attaching to the next lowest set of guys would be too low and could allow excessive fall distance. The attachment should be above the head on the tower itself.

Exam Tip

Shock lanyard attachment = Above head level. Remember: A shock-absorbing lanyard should be attached to the tower above the climber's head level to allow proper shock absorber function and limit fall distance.

Memory Aid

**S**hock **L**anyard **A**ttachment = **A**bove **H**ead (think 'SLA = AH')

Real-World Example

You're working on a tower with a shock-absorbing lanyard. You attach it to the tower leg at a point above your head (maybe 6-12 inches above). If you fall, the lanyard catches you quickly, and the shock absorber has room to stretch and absorb energy. If you attached it at waist level, you'd fall farther before the lanyard caught you, and the shock absorber might not work properly.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E0A

Reference: FCC Part 97.13

Key Concepts

Shock-absorbing lanyard Attachment height Above head level Tower safety

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E0A topic.