An assembly is disclosed, the assembly for providing release structure to a lanyard or strap adapted to be worn on the body, such as a neck strap. The release structure consists of a snap button assembly configured such that the release pull generated by tension in the strap is directed along an axis perpendicular to the closure and rotation plane of the male and female portion of the snap button assemblies. With structure to configure a release pull in such an axis, a safety feature is provided to the wearer such that tension in the strap, when it reaches a sufficient force to overcome the closure forces of the snap button assembly, will release the closed snap button and allow the strap to fall away from the body. Also, as in the case of a firefighter wearing an SCBA fire mask, it prevents the firefighter from being entangled or tethered if the strap were to get accidentally hooked or caught on something. The breakaway will allow the firefighter to continue using the mask with no interruption of breathing air from the mask. In lanyards and tool holders, those fall away from the body. In the case of a firefighter, the mask does not fall away from the body.
