How to Calculate Fall Clearance?
Use this fall clearance calculator to determine whether a worker connected to a fall arrest system will strike the lower level during a fall. The calculation includes free fall distance, deceleration distance, harness stretch, and an additional safety margin.
Components of Fall Distance
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Free fall distance – the distance a worker falls before the fall arrest system begins to stop the fall.
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Deceleration distance – the distance the shock absorber deploys to reduce arresting forces.
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Harness stretch – the additional distance caused by the harness and body movement during the fall.
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Safety margin – additional clearance required to prevent the worker from striking the lower level.
OSHA Fall Protection Requirements
OSHA requires that fall protection systems prevent workers from striking a lower level during a fall. Proper calculation of fall clearance is essential when using shock-absorbing lanyards, self-retracting lifelines (SRL), or other fall arrest systems.