Qualified Electrical Workers are allowed to work out of the secondary lanyard if the free fall distance is limited to how many feet?

• A. 5 feet
• B. 2 feet
• C. 1 foot
• D. 3 feet

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is limiting how far you can fall when you’re using a secondary lanyard. A secondary lanyard is meant for short, controlled movement while you work near energized equipment, not for big drops. If a fall occurs, the system needs to arrest it quickly without you traveling far enough to hit other hazards or exceed what the equipment can safely absorb.

That’s why the rule specifies a free fall distance of two feet. With only about two feet of fall, the secondary lanyard and its anchor are sufficient to stop you safely, keeping you within the protected area and minimizing impact forces. If the fall distance were any longer, the energy involved could overwhelm the secondary setup, making a more robust fall protection arrangement necessary.