UCSD Environment, Health & Safety
Fall Protection Program
9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla, CA 92093-0920
Phone: (858) 534-7513 Fax: (858) 822-3194 www-ehs.ucsd.edu
How to Calculate Total Fall Distance
Total Fall Distance (TFD) is defined as the sum of Freefall Distance For every 1 that the lanyard attachment point is below the harness back D-ring-
(FFD), Deceleration Distance (DD), Harness Effects (HEFF), and ring, 1 is added to the Freefall Distance (see Table 1). In this scenario, if the worker
Vertical Elongation (VEL). It is also wise to include Safety Factor (SF) falls, the Freefall Distance (FFD) will equal 4 since the lanyard attachment point is
2 above the back D-ring of the harness. So, our formula looks like this:
of at least one foot in the formula. Total Fall Distance can be
TFD=4+DD+HEFF+VEL+SF
calculated using the following formula:
The next variable to consider is Deceleration Distance (DD) Federal OSHA requires
TFD=FFD+DD+HEFF+VEL+SF that this distance not exceed 3.5. Since all manufacturers product is slightly
different, you should read the label on the product you intend to use to determine
Knowing how to calculate Total Fall Distance is just as important as selecting the the maximum deceleration distance of that product. When calculating Total Fall
proper harness, lanyard, anchorage connector and anchorage point for the specific Distance, the maximum deceleration distance that a product will permit should
task to be performed. always be used. In our example, the maximum deceleration distance would be 3.5.
TFD=4+3.5+HEFF+VEL+SF
Prior to calculating Total Fall Distance, it is imperative to understand the definition The Harness Effects variable is relatively constant at less than one foot. This will
of the variables involved in the formula above. vary slightly due to the adjustment of the harness, so we generally use one foot to
account for these slight differences. However, elastic-type harnesses can have
Freefall Distance (FFD): The vertical distance a worker travels between the onset more than one foot of stretch, possibly two feet or more, and that additional
of a fall until just prior to the point where the Fall Arrest System begins to arrest distance must be accounted for in your calculation. In our example, we are using a
the fall. Federal OSHA limits this distance to 6 or less. To keep FFD to a minimum, non-elastic harness to keep our Total Fall Distance to a minimum.
you should always try to keep your anchor point as far above the back D-ring of the TFD=4+3.5+1+VEL+SF
harness as possible.
Most manufacturers design their Shock-Absorbing Lanyards so that the vertical
Deceleration Distance (DD): The vertical distance a worker travels between the elongation of the lanyard is included in the OSHA mandated 3.5 maximum
activation of the Fall Arrest System and final fall arrest. Federal OSHA limits this deceleration distance. However, if we were using a rope grab or horizontal lifeline,
distance to 3.5 or less. The DD that each shock absorbing fall arrest device will or if you were attaching to a non-rigid anchorage connector, VEL would need to be
permit is typically stated on the product label. calculated based on the specifications of those components in your Fall Arrest
Harness Effects (HEFF): The stretch of System. Since we are using a 6 Shock
a harness during fall arrest. This is Absorbing Lanyard in our example and the VEL
typically one foot or less for a properly- is already considered in the lanyard design, we
fitted harness. However, some will enter a 0 for the VEL variable.
harnesses use elastic-type webbing TFD=4+3.5+1+0+SF
that can increase the harness effects to
The final variable of the formula is the
two feet or more.
Safety Factor. It is always a good idea to
include at least a 1 safety factor; however,
Vertical Elongation (VEL): The stretch the safety factor could reflect any number
in the lifeline of the Personal Fall Arrest that makes you comfortable with your
System. Vertical Elongation is measured calculation.
on the part of the lifeline that is under
tension during deceleration and final Now we can solve our Total Fall Distance
fall arrest. This variable will change Formula:
drastically depending upon the type of TFD=4+3.5+1+0+1
Fall Arrest System you are using. For TFD=9.5
example, most shock-absorbing
lanyards are designed to have a Now we know that if the worker in Figure 1
maximum deceleration distance of 3.5, would happen to fall, his Total Fall Distance
which includes the vertical elongation will be 9.5. But what does this number
of the lanyard. However, if you are really mean? It means that the clearance
using a rope grab system or a between the working surface and the next
horizontal lifeline, vertical elongation closest object in the fall path must be at least
must be calculated based on the stretch of the vertical or horizontal lifelines in 9.5. It is important to remember that Total Fall Distance is not always measured
those systems. You will need to check the specific manufacturers product for exact from the working surface to the ground, because sometimes the ground is not the
stretch percentages. closest object beneath the working platform. If there is any type of obstruction in
the fall path of the worker (see Figure 2), your available clearance is measured
Safety Factor (SF): An additional factor of safety to ensure that you have the from the working platform to the top of that obstruction. Sometimes these
required clearance below your working surface. This variable should be at least one distances can be very short, and a fall protection means other than a 6 shock-
foot, but can reflect any number with which you feel comfortable. absorbing lanyard is necessary.
For illustration purposes, we will use the following equipment: Total Fall Distance calculations can become more complex than those
. Full Body Harness (non-elastic) demonstrated here. The numbers and variables will change depending upon the
. 6 Shock-Absorbing Lanyard type of Personal Fall Arrest System used. For example, when calculating Total Fall
. Fixed, Rigid Anchorage Connector (such as a D-Plate bolted to a structural I-beam) Distances for Horizontal Lifeline Systems you have additional variables to consider,
such as cable deflection and the number of people on the system. The important
In Figure 1, we see a worker with a 6 Shock-Absorbing Lanyard on an elevated
thing to remember is that calculating Total Fall Distance is just as important as
platform. In this example, lets assume that his attachment point is 2 above the
selecting the right product for the job. Forgetting to calculate Total Fall Distance is
back D-ring of the harness. For every 1 the lanyard attachment point is above the
just as dangerous as forgetting to put on your harness before you begin to perform
harness back D-ring, 1 is deducted from the Freefall Distance.
any work at heights.
