A worker is performing tasks 15 feet above ground using a personal fall arrest system. Under Cal/OSHA regulations, what is the maximum allowed free fall distance before the system engages?
Correct Answer
B) 6 feet
Cal/OSHA Section 1670 limits free fall distance to 6 feet maximum for personal fall arrest systems to minimize injury potential upon arrest.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Cal/OSHA Section 1670 sets the maximum free fall distance at 6 feet for personal fall arrest systems. This limit is designed to reduce the shock load on the body and harness hardware when the system arrests the fall, minimizing the risk of serious injury.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 8 feet
8 feet exceeds the Cal/OSHA limit. A free fall of 8 feet generates significantly more kinetic energy and impact force than 6 feet, creating unacceptable injury risk.
Option C: 10 feet
10 feet is well beyond the 6-foot maximum and would expose the worker to severe deceleration forces upon arrest, likely causing musculoskeletal or harness failure injuries.
Option D: 4 feet
4 feet is more conservative than required but is not the regulatory maximum. The standard sets 6 feet as the upper limit, not 4 feet.
Memory Technique
Think '6 and 6': fall protection kicks in at 6 feet of height, and the maximum free fall distance is also 6 feet. Double 6 for fall safety.
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