Fall Protection Systems Quiz Test Your Knowledge

Q.1) When working at heights and using a harness for fall protection, you should attach a self-retractable lifeline or an energy absorbing lanyard to which of the D-rings on the harness?

1. Dorsal 
2. Chest
3. Side
4. Any of the above

Feedback

A dorsal (back) D-ring comes standard on all harnesses and is the designated attachment point in situations where an employee may fall a significant distance before the system is engaged. Anytime you are at risk of falling, you should connect your fall arrest system to your dorsal D-ring.

Other D-rings might also be available on harnesses, but they are not designated for fall protection. A chest D-ring can be used for ascending a ladder while connected to a vertical ladder climbing system. Shoulder D-rings can be used for retrieving workers in confined spaces. Side rings are appropriate for body positioning while working on a pole.

Q.2)When attached at shoulder height, which of the following systems will ensure a shorter fall for the worker:

Q.3) Where:
C is the clearance required,
L is the length of the energy-absorbing lanyard,
E is the elongation of the energy absorber,
H is the height of the worker, and
S is the safety factor,
What is the formula for calculating the clearance for a fall protection system with an energy-absorbing lanyard?

1. C=L+E+H-S
2. C=L-E+H+S
3. C=L+E+H+S 
4. None of the above

Feedback

The correct formula is C=L+E+H+S. The minimum clearance is equal to the sum of the length (L) of the energy absorber, the extension (E) of the energy absorber, the height (S) of the employee, and the safety factor (S).
For a 5 ½-foot tall employee using a 6-foot energy absorbing lanyard, the clearance is 18 feet (6 + 3 ½ + 5 1/2 + 3 feet). We always incorporate a 3-foot safety margin to account for any miscalculation, taller workers, or an improperly fitted harness.

Q.4) Can I install a self-retracting lifeline (SRL) sideways on the floor or roof?

Q.5) According to OSHA, what is the maximum free fall distance for a worker? (Where free fall distance is understood to be the difference between the height from which the fall has taken place until the fall protection system engages and starts to decelerate the fall).

1.  2 feet
2. 4 feet
3. 6 feet 
4. 8 feet

Q.6) Guardrails have been the preferred and recommended means of fall protection for a long time. Under OSHA regulations, what is the recommended height for the top rail of a guardrail?

Q.7) Identify all “passive” fall protection systems from the list below:

Q.8)  When should an employer train a worker in fall protection?

1. Initially, before assigning the worker to work at heights
2. If the worker does not recognize fall hazards after initial training is provided
3. When changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete
4. When fall protection equipment or systems have changed
5. All of the above 
6. Never – the employee is the one who has to ensure they have the appropriate training

Q.9)  A worker working by the edge of an excavation, pit, or shaft that is more than __ feet deep should be protected from falling by guardrails, fences, barricades, or covers.

1. 2 feet
2. 4 feet
3. 6 feet 
4. 8 feet
5. 10 feet

Q.10) ANSI/ASSE A10.32 was revised in 2012. Based on this revision, which one of these events will not automatically require an employer to remove fall protection equipment from use?

1.  The equipment is involved in a fall
2. The equipment has been in use for 5 years 
3. The equipment does not pass an inspection as per the manufacturer’s criteria
4. At the expiration date indicated on the equipment by the manufacturer