What is a breakaway lanyard and why does it matter?
A breakaway lanyard is a badge lanyard fitted with a plastic safety connector, usually at the back of the neck, that separates when the cord is pulled hard enough. This release prevents strangulation or injury if the lanyard is caught by moving equipment, a vehicle, a patient, or another person.
Why does the breakaway feature matter?
A standard fixed lanyard forms a closed loop that cannot open under tension, which is a snag and choking hazard. A breakaway clasp turns that closed loop into one that opens under force, so the wearer is freed instead of dragged or choked. After a release, the two ends simply snap back together.
Where are breakaway lanyards recommended?
- Schools and childcare, where lanyards can be grabbed
- Manufacturing, warehousing, and around machinery with moving parts
- Healthcare, where a patient may grab a cord
- Any setting with a documented lanyard safety policy
NameBadge focuses on made-in-USA name badges and ID cards that pair with breakaway lanyards. See our ID cards printed at the CR80 standard, slot-punched for a lanyard.