Question

question 19 of 27
which of the following define free - fall distance?
select all that apply

• distance the worker falls as measured from the harness attachment point on the body to just before the fall arrest system \begins\ to stop the fall
• distance the worker falls as measured from the harness attachment point on the body to where the fall arrest system \completely\ stops the fall
• does not include how far the worker continues to fall until the braking device stops the fall
• does include how far the worker continues to fall until the braking device stops the fall
• does not include any stretching that happens in the harness, lanyard, or lifeline

Explanation:

To determine the correct definitions of free - fall distance:

1. Recall the concept of free - fall distance in the context of fall arrest systems. Free - fall distance is the distance a worker falls from the harness attachment point on the body until just before the fall arrest system starts to stop the fall. It does not include the distance the worker falls while the fall arrest system is arresting the fall (like the distance until the breaking device stops the fall or the stretching in harness, lanyard, or lifeline).
2. Analyze each option:

• Option 1: "Distance the worker falls as measured from the harness attachment point on the body to just before the fall arrest system 'begins' to stop the fall" matches the definition of free - fall distance.
• Option 2: This option describes the total fall distance (including the arrest phase), not free - fall distance.
• Option 3: Since free - fall distance is before the fall arrest system starts to act, it does not include the distance until the breaking device stops the fall. This is correct.
• Option 4: Free - fall distance does not include the distance until the breaking device stops the fall, so this is incorrect.
• Option 5: Free - fall distance does not include the stretching in harness, lanyard, or lifeline (as that is part of the arrest system's action), so this is correct.

Answer:

A. Distance the worker falls as measured from the harness attachment point on the body to just before the fall arrest system "begins" to stop the fall
C. Does NOT include how far the worker continues to fall until the breaking device stops the fall
E. Does NOT include any stretching that happens in the harness, lanyard, or lifeline