(Effective October 1, 2020)

PDFWAC 296-880-505

Appendix BCalculating fall clearance distanceNonmandatory guidelines.

Calculating fall clearance distance using a shock-absorbing lanyard and D-ring anchorage connector - Nonmandatory guidelines for complying with WAC 296-880-40020.
Do the following to calculate the fall clearance distance using a shock-absorbing lanyard and D-ring anchorage connector:
(1) First, add the length of the shock-absorbing lanyard (six feet) to the maximum elongation of the shock absorber during deceleration (three and one-half feet) to the average height of a worker (six feet);
(2) Then, add a safety factor of three feet to allow for the possibility of an improperly fit full body harness, a taller than average worker and/or a miscalculation of distance.
Note:
The suggested safe fall clearance distance for this example is eighteen and one-half feet.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 20-12-091, § 296-880-505, filed 6/2/20, effective 10/1/20.]