Free Fall Calculations: What Is Fall Clearance?

FREE FALL CALCULATIONS
What is fall clearance?
Fall clearance is the minimum vertical distance needed between the worker’s feet and a lower
level (this can be the ground level, but also a lower working platform for example) to prevent the
worker from hitting the lower level in the event of a fall.
The calculated fall clearance of a specific fall protection system may never be equal or higher
than the available clearance between the worker level and a lower platform. For example, if the
fall clearance of a fall protection system is 6 meters (19,6 ft) and the distance from the working
platform to the lower level is only 5 meters (16,4 ft), a worker will still hit solid ground when
using that fall protection system.
That’s why a proper calculation of the fall clearance distance from the anchor point is very
important!
How is fall clearance calculated for rigid anchor points?
Fall clearance is calculated, based on multiple factors:
Free fall distance

The distance, which you fall before the fall protection system begins to slow you down.
According to OSHA standards, this distance should never be more than 1,8 meters (6 ft) and is
based on the length of the lanyard and the location of the attachment point of the harness where
the lanyard is attached to. Also, the placement of the anchor point and the activation distance of
a fall arrester or a Self-Retractable Lanyard (SRL) play a role in this factor.
Arrest distance
The distance it takes for the personal energy absorber to activate and slow the fall. According
to OSHA standards, this distance may not be bigger than 1,1 meter (3,5 ft). A personal energy
absorber usually extends 0,8 meter (2,6 ft) in the event of a fall.
Harness stretch
When a user falls, the harness will stretch and the attachment point (D-ring or loop) is likely to
shift.
Safety Factor
Additional distance to make sure there is enough clearance between the worker and the lower
level. Typically measured as 0,6 meters (2,5 ft).
* The values given above are based on OSHA standards. Other applicable standards, specific
situations or manufacturer details may deviate from these values.
So the formula to calculate fall clearance is:

Fall clearance = Free fall distance + Arrest distance + Harness stretch + Safety factor
Determining free fall distance
When the free fall distance is measured, multiple factors are taken into account:
the placement of the anchor point;
the vertical distance between the anchor and the lanyard’s attachment point on the full body
harness.
The table below shows how the free fall distance is measured:

Calculating fall clearance
Now we will provide some basic examples of the calculation of fall clearance in three different
situations.
Overhead anchor point
When a user falls from a ledge and while being attached to an overhead anchor point (1,2
meters/4 ft above the attachment point), using the dorsal D-ring on the harness and a 2 meter
(6,5 ft) shock-absorbing lanyard, the needed fall clearance is as follows:
Free fall distance = 0,8 meter (2,5 ft) (2 meters (6,5 ft) lanyard – 1,2 meter (4 ft) distance
between D-ring and anchor point)
PEA extension = 0,8 meter (2,5 ft)
Harness stretch = 0,3 meter (1 ft) (or more, depending on the manufacturer)

Safety factor = 0,6 meter (2 ft)
Adding the data above, will result in a required fall clearance of 0,8 + 0,8 + 0,3 + 0,6 = 2,5 meters
(8,2 ft). In the event of a fall, this is the minimum clearance required to prevent the user from
hitting the level below.
Anchor point at the same level as the attachment point
A user is using a fall protection system with a 2 meter (6,5 ft) lanyard with PEA, attached to an
anchor point that is located at the same height as the dorsal D-ring (attachment point on the
harness). The fall clearance needed for this system is:
Free fall distance = 2 meters (6,5 ft) lanyard
PEA extension = 0,8 meter (2,5 ft)
A fall clearance of 3,7 meters (12,1 ft) is required when this fall protection system is used.
Anchor point below the attachment point

In this situation, an anchor point is placed at foot level of the user, while a 2 meter (6,5 ft) lanyard
with PEA is used. This might be considered when a worker walks over a steel H-beam without
the possibility of an overhead anchor point. The fall clearance needed to use this system is:
Free fall distance = 3,2 meters (10,4 ft) (2 meters (6,5 ft) lanyard + 1,2 meter (4 ft) distance
between D-ring and anchor point)
Extension PEA = 0,8 meter (2,5 ft)
In this case, the free fall distance is quite high with 3,2 meters (10,4 ft) and a fall clearance of 4,9
meters (16 ft) is needed.
According to the examples above, fall protection systems with an overhead anchor point require
the least fall clearance. In case the required fall clearance is not enough to use the intended fall
protection system, other solutions have to be considered: A Guardrail system might be placed,
making changes to the fall protection system by using a retractable device or a fall restraint
system, or moving the anchor point for example.
Last modified: 9 Jun 2020

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FREE FALL CALCULATIONS

What is fall clearance?

How is fall clearance calculated for rigid anchor points?

Fall clearance is calculated, based on multiple factors:

Free fall distance

So the formula to calculate fall clearance is:

Determining free fall distance

the placement of the anchor point;

The table below shows how the free fall distance is measured:

Calculating fall clearance

Overhead anchor point

PEA extension = 0,8 meter (2,5 ft)

Harness stretch = 0,3 meter (1 ft) (or more, depending on the manufacturer)

Anchor point at the same level as the attachment point

Free fall distance = 2 meters (6,5 ft) lanyard

PEA extension = 0,8 meter (2,5 ft)

Harness stretch = 0,3 meter (1 ft) (or more, depending on the manufacturer)

Safety factor = 0,6 meter (2 ft)

Anchor point below the attachment point

Extension PEA = 0,8 meter (2,5 ft)

Harness stretch = 0,3 meter (1 ft) (or more, depending on the manufacturer)

Safety factor = 0,6 meter (2 ft)

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