Fall Arrest Anchorage and System Force Check (OSHA 1926.502(d))
fall-arrest-clearance says how far below the anchor a worker needs; this says what the anchor and the system must WITHSTAND -- and the two governing numbers are not the same number. The 5,000 lb is what the ANCHORAGE supports; the 1,800 lb is what the SYSTEM may impose on the WORKER. An anchor rated 5,000 says nothing about whether the lanyard keeps the body under 1,800. Two traps: the 5,000 is PER EMPLOYEE ATTACHED, so two workers on one anchor is 10,000; and the alternative engineered route only needs a safety factor of two under a qualified person, so a designed anchorage can legitimately be far below 5,000. Also checks the 3.5 ft deceleration and 6 ft free-fall limits -- and notes the free-fall rule\u0027s second half, NOR CONTACT ANY LOWER LEVEL, which has no number in it at all.
Formula and source
prescriptive anchorage requirement = 5,000 lb x employees attached; engineered requirement = 2 x the design load the system can impose; achieved safety factor = capacity / design load. System checks: arresting force <= 1,800 lb with a body harness, deceleration distance <= 3.5 ft, free fall <= 6 ft.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15) and (d)(16), Subpart M - Fall Protection. US federal regulations in the public domain, quoted directly.
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