What is the maximum allowable distance an employee can free fall using a fall arrest system?

The maximum allowable distance for an employee to free fall using a fall arrest system is 6 feet. This limit is a safety precaution designed to minimize the risk of injury in case of a fall. When a person falls, the distance to the ground and the potential for sudden deceleration when the fall arrest system engages are critical factors in determining safety. The fall arrest system must be able to adequately absorb the energy generated by a fall and keep the worker safely suspended without exceeding a distance that could lead to serious injury, such as striking the ground or other structures.

A distance of 6 feet has been established based on industry standards and regulations to ensure maximum safety during operations that require working at heights. This distance takes into account factors such as the length of the lanyard, the height of the worker, and the deployment of the fall arrest system, indicating that it is an effective cushioning distance that reduces the risk of severe impact.

Other choices, such as 4 feet, 8 feet, or 10 feet, exceed or fall short of these safety guidelines. The focus of fall protection practices is to maintain a rigorous approach to safety, which is supported by extensive research and regulation in the rigging and construction industries.