What is the maximum free fall distance allowed by PFAS before contacting a lower level?

The maximum free fall distance allowed by Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) is crucial for ensuring worker safety during operations at heights. In this context, PFAS is designed to arrest a fall before the worker hits a lower level, thereby minimizing the risk of injury. The correct maximum free fall distance is six feet.

This limit is established to ensure that the fall arrest system has adequate time to engage and to manage the forces experienced by the user during a fall. Falls that exceed this distance can result in excessive impact forces that can be dangerous, leading to injury or equipment failure. By adhering to this six-foot standard, safety systems and equipment can function effectively to protect workers.

The other options listed present distances that, while possibly interpreted as safe in certain contexts, fall short of the standards established for PFAS. Abiding by a six-foot limit ensures compliance with safety regulations and enhances the overall protection for individuals working in elevated positions.