Klein Tools Occupational Protective Connecting Devices - Manual (Page 9)

Distance between anchorage
connector bearing point and
fall-arrest D-ring bearing
point (X)
Free-fall distance from
connecting device slack
Connecting device extension
factor of 3-1/2 feet (1 m)
Figure B
Any free-fall distance (slack in the connecting device)
must also be added to this 3.5 feet (1 m) connecting-
device extension factor to determine the minimum
distance to any structure below.
To determine the free-fall distance, subtract the
distance between the harness and anchorage
connector bearing points (X) from the undeployed
connecting device length (Y). In any situation, the total
free-fall distance must not exceed 6 feet (1.8 m).
For example, if the undeployed connecting device
length is 5 feet and the distance between the harness
and anchorage bearing points is 4 feet, the free-fall
distance is 1 foot (5 feet minus 4 feet equals 1 foot).
Thus, in this example, a minimum 4.5 feet must be
allowed as the distance between the support position
and any structure below (1 foot plus 3.5 feet equals
4.5 feet).
How to Size an OPE Connecting Device
(continued)