For fall arrest, where should the anchor point be kept relative to the rear fall arrest attachment?

• A. Below
• B. Alongside
• C. In front of
• D. Above

Answer: (D)

In fall arrest, the direction of the load path from the harness to the anchor is crucial for a controlled, safe arrest. Keeping the anchor point above the rear fall arrest attachment (the dorsal D-ring) ensures the rope runs upward from the worker toward the anchor, producing a mostly vertical load through the harness and energy absorber. This alignment helps limit the fall distance, reduces peak forces on the body, and minimizes dangerous angular pulls or pendulum swinging that can occur if the line is pulling from a point at or below the rear attachment.

If the anchor were below, alongside, or in front of the rear attachment, the force would pull the harness at awkward angles, increasing lateral or forward/backward stress, potentially causing more dynamic load on the body and greater risk of injury or entanglement. Therefore, placing the anchor above the rear attachment provides the safest, most effective load path during arrest.