What is the maximum free fall allowed for using a secondary lanyard according to safety standards?

The maximum free fall allowed for using a secondary lanyard is 2 feet. This limit is established to minimize the risk of injury during a fall. The function of the secondary lanyard is to provide an additional level of safety in situations where a primary fall protection system might fail or be insufficient.

By restricting the maximum free fall to 2 feet, the impact forces that could potentially cause serious injuries upon arrest are significantly reduced. This measure is particularly important in various work environments where falls are a risk, such as construction sites.

In many safety regulations, including OSHA guidelines, a secondary lanyard serves as a backup to the primary system, ensuring that workers have a reliable method of protection against falls from heights while maintaining a reasonable limit on free fall distance. This encourages a culture of safety and preparedness among workers and employers alike.