A personal fall arrest system's maximum arresting force on an employee must not exceed:
Correct Answer
D) 1,800 pounds
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16) limits the maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds when using a personal fall arrest system, or 900 pounds when using a positioning device.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16) sets 1,800 pounds as the maximum arresting force for a personal fall arrest system (PFAS). This limit accounts for the human body's ability to withstand deceleration forces. The system components — harness, lanyard, deceleration device, and anchor — must be designed so that together they limit peak force to 1,800 lbs. Note: positioning device systems have a lower limit of 900 lbs.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 1,350 pounds
1,350 pounds is not an OSHA standard threshold. It falls between the 900-lb positioning device limit and the 1,800-lb PFAS limit, making it a plausible-sounding distractor.
Option B: 2,250 pounds
2,250 pounds exceeds the OSHA limit and would subject the human body to forces that could cause serious internal injuries even without a fall impact. PFAS systems must not allow this force level.
Option C: 900 pounds
900 pounds is the correct limit for positioning device systems (body belts used to prevent falls), not for full personal fall arrest systems. Confusing these two systems is a common error.
Memory Technique
Remember: PFAS = 1,800 lbs. The 'arrest' in 'fall arrest' suggests stopping a full fall, which requires a higher force tolerance than a 'positioning' device that just holds you in place. Double 900 = 1,800: positioning device × 2 = fall arrest system.
More NASCLA Questions
Which AIA document contains the general conditions that govern the rights and responsibilities of all parties in a construction contract?
A construction company has direct labor costs of $85,000, direct materials of $120,000, and overhead costs of $45,000 for a project. What is the total job cost?
What is the primary purpose of job cost accounting in construction?
A construction company has current assets of $350,000 and current liabilities of $280,000. What is the company's working capital?
In CSI MasterFormat, which division covers earthwork and site preparation?
In a mechanical drawing, what does 'CFM' typically measure?
In CSI MasterFormat Division 08, which of the following would typically be included?
On a mechanical plan, what does the symbol 'RTU' typically indicate?
What is the minimum preheat temperature for welding ASTM A992 steel when the ambient temperature is 15°F?
A general contractor's balance sheet shows total assets of $850,000, current liabilities of $320,000, and long-term debt of $180,000. What is the company's equity?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
In a Time and Materials (T&M) contract with a labor rate of $85/hour and materials at cost plus 15%, what is the total billing for 40 hours of work and $2,500 in materials?
Next Question
A contractor is analyzing a project that will generate $50,000 monthly revenue for 6 months. Costs are $35,000 monthly for the first 3 months and $40,000 monthly for the last 3 months. What is the project's total profit?