Fall clearance calculator
A personal fall arrest system only protects a worker if there is enough clearance below them to stop the fall before they hit a lower level. Required clearance is the free fall distance plus deceleration, harness stretch, the worker's height, and a safety factor. Pick your connector and anchor to see the clearance you need, and check it against what you actually have.
Required clearance below the working surface
18.5 ft
Free fall 6 + deceleration 3.5 + harness stretch 1 + worker height 5 + safety 3
Falls are the leading cause of construction deaths. A verified fall protection plan, including anchor selection and rescue, is part of every safety plan we generate.
Fall protection plan requirementsCommon questions
▸How do you calculate fall clearance?
Add the free fall distance, the deceleration distance, harness stretch, the worker's height from the dorsal D-ring to their feet (about 5 feet), and a safety factor. The total is the clearance you need below the working surface so a falling worker does not hit a lower level.
▸How much clearance does a 6-foot lanyard need?
A 6-foot shock-absorbing lanyard anchored at D-ring level typically needs around 18.5 feet of clearance below the working surface. Anchoring overhead or using a self-retracting lifeline reduces the required clearance. Always confirm with your device manufacturer's instructions.
▸What is deceleration distance?
The distance the shock absorber or SRL travels while slowing the fall. OSHA caps it at 3.5 feet for shock-absorbing lanyards. It is part of the total clearance you need.
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