What is defined as free fall?

Free fall is defined as the time between a fall occurring and the fall being arrested. During free fall, the person is not yet stopped by any fall protection system or equipment, allowing gravity to act on their body unimpeded. This phase is crucial because understanding the duration of free fall helps in determining the fall distance and the effectiveness of the safety systems in place, such as harnesses and lanyards.

For proper fall protection planning, it is essential to consider this timeframe, as it directly impacts the design and selection of safety gear to minimize injury during a fall. Knowing the free fall time allows technicians to evaluate risks and implement appropriate safety measures.