When using a fall arrest system, what is the maximum allowed free fall distance before arrest?

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

Answer: (B)

Free fall distance is the vertical drop you experience before the fall-arrest system engages to stop you. A fall-arrest setup is designed to absorb energy and limit the forces on your body during arrest. The maximum allowed free fall distance is six feet because, with the system’s lanyard length, energy absorber, and deceleration distance, this limit keeps the stopping forces within safe levels and ensures the fall is arrested within the system’s design. Falling more than six feet before arrest would increase the forces experienced and could exceed what the equipment and anchors are built to safely handle.