PFAS - Stopping a Fall

When activated, a personal fall arrest system must not injure an employee by exceeding the maximum arresting force. When stopping a fall, a PFAS must meet all of the following criteria:

• It must limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 900 pounds when used with a body belt.
• It must limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds when used with a body harness.
• It must be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet, nor contact any lower level.
• It must bring an employee to a complete stop and limit maximum deceleration distance an employee travels to 3.5 feet.
• It must have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact energy of an employee free falling a distance of 6 feet, or the free fall distance permitted by the system, whichever is less.
• If the system is used by an employee having a combined tool and body weight of 310 pounds or more, the employer is required to provide proper protection for such heavier weights.
• The attachment point of the body harness must be located in the center of the wearer's back near shoulder level, or above the wearer's head. The attachment point of the body belt must be located in the center of the wearer's back.

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