Safety Breakaway Lanyards

Our safety lanyards feature a breakaway clasp that releases under pressure, preventing strangulation hazards in healthcare facilities, schools and workplaces near moving machinery. The clasp sits at the back of the neck and snaps open if the lanyard catches on a door handle, piece of equipment or anything that pulls against the wearer. Once released, the two halves click back together in seconds so the lanyard goes straight back on without needing a replacement.

We stock safety breakaway lanyards in both plain unprinted and custom printed options. The plain stock breakaway lanyards are made from flat polyester in various widths and ship same day on orders placed before noon. If you need your company logo or department name printed onto the strap, our screen printed breakaway lanyards are available in one to four spot colours on ribbed polyester with standard turnaround of 10 working days from artwork approval.

The breakaway mechanism is the same across the range. It is calibrated to release under a firm tug rather than accidental light pulling, so it stays closed during normal wear but opens reliably when it matters. This balance between security and safety is what makes breakaway lanyards the recommended default for most workplace environments where staff wear identification around their necks throughout the day.

We offer safety breakaway lanyards with several attachment types at the bottom end of the strap. Double alligator clips hold ID cards and badge holders flat against the chest. Deluxe swivel hooks rotate freely and attach to PVC card holders and ID card sleeves. We also stock breakaway lanyards with an integrated retractable badge reel built in, which lets staff extend their ID card to swipe at door readers without unclipping from the lanyard.

For organisations that want an eco friendly option without compromising on safety, our bamboo stock lanyards are available with breakaway clasps. The bamboo fibre fabric performs the same as polyester while offering a sustainable alternative for workplaces with green procurement policies.

If your staff already wear a specific lanyard type and you want to check whether a breakaway version exists, browse our staff lanyards with pre-printed “STAFF” text and breakaway included, or our pre-printed security and contractor lanyards which also come standard with a breakaway clasp. For schools and childcare centres, the breakaway is particularly important and often required under state WHS regulations.

Need help choosing the right combination of breakaway, attachment and material for your team? Call us on 1300 905 421 or get in touch and we will recommend the best setup for your workplace.

Why should I choose a safety breakaway lanyard over a standard lanyard?

A standard lanyard stays closed no matter what. If it catches on something while the wearer is moving, the force transfers to the neck, which creates a strangulation risk. A breakaway lanyard releases that force by snapping open at a clasp behind the neck. This is why breakaway lanyards are recommended or required in hospitals, aged care facilities, schools, childcare centres, manufacturing plants and any workplace where staff move around equipment, doorways or active environments. Many Australian workplace health and safety policies now specify breakaway lanyards as the default for neck worn identification.

Do breakaway lanyards fall off accidentally during normal wear?

No. The breakaway clasp is designed to hold firm under normal movement including walking, bending, reaching and sitting. It only releases under a deliberate pull or sudden snag force. Staff can wear them all day without the clasp opening on its own. If it does open, the two halves reconnect with a simple snap in about two seconds.

Can I get breakaway lanyards custom printed with my company logo?

Yes. Our screen printed breakaway lanyards can be printed in one to four spot colours on ribbed polyester. The breakaway clasp is integrated during manufacturing so it sits neatly behind the neck without interfering with the printed area on the front of the strap. Minimum order for custom printed lanyards is 50 units with a turnaround of approximately 10 working days. For immediate needs, plain stock breakaway lanyards ship same day.

What industries require breakaway lanyards in Australia?

Healthcare (hospitals, aged care, GP clinics), education (schools, childcare, universities), manufacturing and warehousing, food processing, and any workplace where WHS risk assessments identify strangulation as a hazard near moving parts, doorways or patient interaction. There is no single national law mandating breakaway lanyards across all industries, but individual workplace safety policies and industry guidelines frequently specify them. Check your organisation’s WHS policy or ask your safety officer whether breakaway lanyards are required at your site.