According to OSHA, a fall arrest system should prevent a worker from free falling more than how many feet?

A fall arrest system is designed to protect workers from falling during elevated work. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, a fall arrest system must be set up to limit the free fall distance to no more than 6 feet. This standard is in place to minimize the risk of injury from falls by ensuring that if a worker does fall, the distance they can fall before the system engages is limited.

The 6-foot limit is significant because it accounts for both the distance of the fall and the potential for additional forces that can occur during a fall, which could lead to serious injury. This specification is critical in various industries where workers may be at heights, ensuring that safety measures are effective.

Understanding this limit helps reinforce the importance of utilizing proper fall protection systems in work environments that involve heights, thus promoting safety and compliance with regulatory standards.