What is the maximum allowable free fall distance in a personal fall arrest system?

The maximum allowable free fall distance in a personal fall arrest system is 6 feet. This measurement is significant because it is designed to provide a balance between the potential for injury from a fall and the protection afforded by the fall arrest system.

When working at heights, the risk of serious injury increases with fall distance, so regulations set forth by safety organizations aim to limit this risk. A maximum free fall distance of 6 feet allows for enough time to engage the fall arrest system effectively while also ensuring that the deceleration of the fall, which occurs upon the activation of the system, does not exert excessive forces on the worker.

Additionally, this limit takes into account the potential sag in the system components and the distance between the worker and the ground or lower level. A longer free fall distance could result in increased force during deceleration, which could lead to injuries. Thus, the maximum of 6 feet is both a safety standard and a precautionary measure to ensure the efficacy of personal fall arrest systems in protecting workers from falls.