Michigan Residential Builders License Practice Test

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

1. 4 feet

2. 6 feet

3. 8 feet

4. 10 feet

The correct answer is: 6 feet

The maximum allowable free fall distance when using a personal fall arrest system is six feet. This standard is based on safety regulations designed to minimize the risk of injury during a fall. The key concern with free fall distance is that allowing a greater fall distance increases the risk of hitting a lower level or causing significant force upon arresting the fall. The reasoning behind the six-foot maximum includes the fact that this distance typically allows for enough time to deploy the fall arrest system effectively, while also reducing the potential for harmful impacts. It takes into account factors like the stretch in the harness and the lanyard, which can add additional drop distance when the fall is arrested. Choosing any distance greater than six feet would introduce significantly larger risks, as the forces generated during a fall would increase, potentially leading to severe injuries regardless of the effectiveness of the fall arrest system. Therefore, the six-foot limit is a well-established safety measure in the context of personal fall arrest systems.