6.0 Calculating Fall Clearance Distance
It is essential to understand how to calculate the fall clearance distance for each work
application to avoid contact with a lower level. Use the following calculation to determine
Required Fall Clearance.
Self-Retracting Lifeline Fall Clearance Calculation
[Calculation taken from work level]
Maximum Arrest Distance
+ (Non-Standing Work Position Factor)
+ (Swing Fall Factor)
+ 3 ft. (.9m) Safety Factor
= Required Fall Clearance
IMPORTANT NOTES:
The self-retracting lifeine must be anchored overhead to ensure the accuracy of the fall
clearance calculation and related information.
It is important to understand that other factors, such as whether the user is performing
work in a standing, crouched or lying down position and/or whether the user is work-
ing directly below the anchor point or at an angle, can affect fall distance when using a
retractable device.
The self-retracting lifeline fall clearance calculation assumes the user is standing. If the
user will be performing work in a crouched or kneeling position, an additional 3 ft. (.9m)
of fall clearance is required. If the user will be performing work in a lying down position,
an additional 5 ft. (1.5m) of fall clearance is required.
The self-retracting lifeline fall clearance calculation also assumes the user is working
directly below the anchor point, minimizing any possibility for a swing fall. In a swing fall
situation, the total fall distance will be greater than if the user were working directly below
the anchor point. In some applications, it may not be possible to work directly below the
anchor point. In such a case, the worker must increase the fall clearance distance to ac-
count for the swing fall factor. In any case, the worker must not be exposed to a potential
swing fall where contact with another object may occur.
The maximum arrest distance (free fall + deceleration) varies by retractable. Always refer
(See Fig. 8a, 8b, 8c & 8d.)
14
CAUTION:
Read all notes and re-
fer to all self-retracting lifeline fall
clearance diagrams and labels
to determine exact required fall
clearance for your application.
Fig. 8a