According to OSHA, a fall arrest system should be rigged so that a worker cannot free fall more than ? nor contact any lower level.

• A. 4'
• B. 6'
• C. 8'
• D. 10'

Answer: (B)

Fall arrest systems are designed to limit the distance a worker can fall before the system stops the fall, so there’s enough clearance below and the stopping forces don’t cause injury. OSHA requires that the system be rigged so the worker cannot free fall more than six feet and cannot contact any lower level. Keeping the maximum free-fall distance to six feet helps ensure the deceleration forces stay within what the equipment and the structure can safely absorb, and it provides enough room to avoid striking lower surfaces. In practice, this means selecting appropriate lanyards, anchors, and positioning so that even in a slip or misstep, the fall is arrested within about six feet. Options that imply a smaller maximum (like four feet) would be stricter than required (still acceptable in use), while larger limits (eight or ten feet) would not meet the standard and could lead to dangerous impacts.