Tool 4 of 4 · BC & Alberta

Fall clearance check

Measure from the anchor down to the first thing you would hit: a deck, a lower roof, machinery, or the ground. That distance must be at least the clearance your system needs. If it is not, change the set-up or do not do the work.

The same steps as Alpha’s Fall Protection course · BC OHS Regulation Part 11 ↗

Clearance you need5.7 m

From the anchor down to the first thing you would hitA deck, a lower roof, machinery or the ground: whichever comes first

7.0 m23.0 ft

Free fall check

Free fall is not part of the clearance sum. Check it against the limit on the shock absorber’s label.

How far above the D-ring

1.0 m3.3 ft

Maximum free fall on the absorber label

1.8 m5.9 ft

Free fall: 0.8 m. Within the label's limit.

In BC, free fall with a shock absorber is up to 2 m or the manufacturer’s limit, whichever is less. Without a shock absorber it is 1.2 m in BC and Alberta.

Enough room1.3 m to spareYou need 5.7 m. You have 7.0 m.

Available clearance is at least the required clearance. Check it again if the anchor, the connecting device or what is below changes.

What this covers: a fixed-length shock-absorbing lanyard, or a rope grab on a vertical lifeline, with the drop measured straight down from the anchor. Not self-retracting devices, horizontal lifelines or a line running over an edge: use the manufacturer’s clearance figures for those. Totals are rounded up to the next 0.1 m.

General guidance only. This tool supports, and does not replace, your own competent assessment, the site’s fall protection plan, the current BC OHS Regulation (Part 11) or Alberta OHS Code (Part 9), the manufacturer’s instructions and your employer’s procedures. Where they differ, follow the more protective one.

Read the full notice

These tools help you check. They do not replace the plan, the label or your supervisor. Your employer must instruct you in the system and procedures for each work area and authorize you to work at height. Follow the site’s fall protection plan and each manufacturer’s instructions. When the regulation, the manufacturer, the site or the plan differ, follow the more protective one.

Built from the BC OHS Regulation (Part 11), Alberta’s OHS Code (Part 9), the CSA Z259 equipment standards and manufacturers’ published instructions, as taught in Alpha Training Solutions’ Fall Protection course. Clearance figures depend on your equipment: use the numbers on the label and the safety margin your site sets. Not made or endorsed by any regulator or manufacturer.