How much clearance would be needed for the 12-foot free fall personal energy-absorbing lanyard?
The 12-foot free fall (FF) personal energy-absorbing lanyard will require the user to calculate a clearance from the anchor point to the obstructions, equipment, and/or the ground below of approximately 20 feet. This calculation includes a 3-foot safety factor. When comparing the identical work space of a potential fall arrest for a 6-foot FF vs. 12-foot FF, the 12-foot FF would require approximately 7’ additional clearance below the worker (additional 6-foot FF plus 1-foot energy absorber deployment). Consult your Competent Person or safety professional when calculating your potential fall distance and circumstances specific to your worksite. Q: I have a worker who exceeds the ANSI capacity of 310 lbs. What EA lanyard can I use for him? A: At this time ANSI considers anyone over 310 lbs. to be outside the scope of this standard. The thought process behind the ANSI committee’s decision to exclude heavy workers (over 310 lbs.) was the unknown physical effects of a fall, suspension, and
