OSHA 30 Hour Construction Program Practice Test

When stopping a fall, a PFAS must limit the maximum deceleration distance an employee travels to how many feet?

1. 2 feet

2. 3.5 feet

3. 5 feet

4. 6 feet

The correct answer is: 3.5 feet

The correct answer is informed by OSHA's guidelines regarding personal fall arrest systems (PFAS). A PFAS is designed to protect workers in the event of a fall by stopping their descent and minimizing the forces exerted on their bodies. To ensure the safety of employees, the maximum deceleration distance that a worker can travel after a fall is limited to 3.5 feet. This limit is critical because it helps to reduce the risk of injuries from the sudden stop caused by the fall arrest system. A deceleration distance that exceeds 3.5 feet can lead to increased forces on the body, which can cause serious injuries upon stopping. Understanding this limit is particularly important for employers and employees in construction settings where working at heights is common. Adhering to this guideline allows for the proper selection and use of fall arrest systems, ensuring that they are effective in mitigating risks associated with falls.