OSHA 30 Hour Construction Program Practice Test

How much strength must a PFAS possess to withstand the potential impact energy of a six-foot free fall?

1. Equal to the impact energy

2. 1.5 times the potential impact energy

3. Twice the potential impact energy

4. Three times the potential impact energy

The correct answer is: Twice the potential impact energy

The correct answer is that a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) must possess strength equal to twice the potential impact energy associated with a six-foot free fall. This requirement is in accordance with the standards set by OSHA for fall protection systems to ensure the safety and well-being of workers at heights. When a worker falls, the impact energy generated when coming to a stop can be significant. By ensuring that the PFAS can withstand twice the potential impact energy, it accounts for additional factors such as dynamic forces that occur during a fall and the system's overall safety. This additional capacity reduces the risk of failure under unforeseen stress, ensuring that the PFAS can effectively arrest the fall without posing a risk of injury due to equipment failure. Understanding this requirement helps mitigate the risks associated with working at heights and ensures that fall protection systems are adequately designed to handle various fall scenarios. The emphasis on having a strength factor that is double the potential impact energy reflects a commitment to safety and precaution in the construction industry, where falls are a leading cause of injury and fatalities.