Which of the following is true about a PFAS's travel limit?

• A. 2 feet
• B. 6 feet
• C. 3 1/2 feet
• D. 5 feet

Answer: (C)

The travel limit for a PFAS is the maximum distance you can move away from the anchor while still attached to the system so that a fall can be safely arrested within the device’s designed limits. That distance is about 3.5 feet. The reason this matters is that the lanyard length plus the energy absorber’s deployment distance determine how far you can travel before the fall arrest mechanism fully engages and the stopping distance stays within safe limits. Going beyond roughly 3.5 feet increases the risk of the line becoming too taut, exceeding safe arrest distances, or putting you into hazards or obstacles.

In practice, staying within about 3.5 feet of the anchor helps ensure the system can arrest a fall without over-extending, and it keeps you in a safer working zone. If you need to cover more distance to perform work, a different setup—such as a travel restraint system—to prevent reaching the hazard in the first place may be more appropriate.