How do I calculate fall clearance?

View examples below on how to calculate fall clearance for Class 1 (overhead) SRLs, Class 2 (below D-ring) SRLs, 6′ and 12′ free fall lanyards.

View Fall Clearance Chart

Another consideration are situations known as swing falls. A swing fall occurs when an anchorage point is not directly above a worker. The nature of these falls means that adjusted calculations must be made. 

View examples below on how to calculate fall clearance for Class 1 (overhead) SRLs, Class 2 (below D-ring) SRLs, 6′ and 12′ free fall lanyards.

View Fall Clearance Chart

Another consideration are situations known as swing falls. A swing fall occurs when an anchorage point is not directly above a worker. The nature of these falls means that adjusted calculations must be made. 

View examples below on how to calculate fall clearance for Class 1 (overhead) SRLs, Class 2 (below D-ring) SRLs, 6′ and 12′ free fall lanyards.

View Fall Clearance Chart

Determining fall clearance is perhaps the most important aspect of fall protection. If not properly calculated, the wrong equipment could be selected for a particular job and, in the event of a fall, the result could be devastating. 

Fall clearance is the minimum distance needed for equipment to arrest (or stop) a fall and keep a worker from striking the ground or the next lowest surface. It is not a simple distance calculation. There are many factors to consider, such as: 

  • Free Fall
  • Lanyard Length
  • Deceleration Distance/Arrest Distance
  • Harness Stretch
  • Height of Worker (Working Surface to Dorsal D-Ring)
  • Safety Factor
  • Swing Fall Drop Distance

If the distance between the anchor point and nearest obstruction is less than the determined fall clearance, the fall arrest system will not protect a worker from hitting a lower surface. 

Another consideration are situations known as swing falls. A swing fall occurs when an anchorage point is not directly above a worker. The nature of these falls means that adjusted calculations must be made. 

View examples below on how to calculate fall clearance for Class 1 (overhead) SRLs, Class 2 (below D-ring) SRLs, 6′ and 12′ free fall lanyards.

View Fall Clearance Chart