OSHA specifies the maximum length of a lanyard to limit a fall to no greater than

• A. 4 feet
• B. 6 feet
• C. 8 feet
• D. 10 feet

Answer: (B)

OSHA sets the maximum length of a lanyard at six feet to keep the fall distance within a safe range. The lanyard length directly affects how far you can fall before the fall-arrest system engages. If the lanyard were longer, you could fall farther before the device arrests you, increasing the risk of striking lower surfaces, obstacles, or the ground. Even though the actual arrest includes deceleration distance, rope stretch, and harness movement, using a six-foot lanyard provides a conservative limit that helps prevent serious injury. Shorter would unduly restrict work movement, while longer would raise the potential fall distance, so six feet is the standard to limit the fall.