50 Common Fall Protection Training Questions & Answers

These are the real fall protection training questions workers ask, the same ones I’ve heard again and again on training days, safety meetings, and actual jobsites. And every answer is explained in a clear, practical way—no jargon, no complicated technical talk.

Let’s break down the questions that matter most when it comes to staying safe at heights.

#	Category	Question	Answer
1	OSHA Rules	At what height is fall protection required in construction?	At 6 feet or more above a lower level.
2	OSHA Rules	At what height is fall protection required in general industry?	At 4 feet.
3	OSHA Rules	Is fall protection required when working over dangerous equipment?	Yes, regardless of height.
4	OSHA Rules	Who is responsible for providing fall protection equipment?	The employer.
5	OSHA Rules	Does OSHA require fall protection training?	Yes — workers exposed to fall hazards must be trained.
6	OSHA Rules	When is retraining required?	When equipment changes, job conditions change, or unsafe behavior is observed.
7	OSHA Rules	Can a worker refuse unsafe work if fall protection is missing?	Yes — workers may refuse unsafe work.
8	OSHA Rules	Do all job sites need a fall protection plan?	Required when conventional methods cannot be used.
9	OSHA Rules	Do ladder tasks require fall protection?	Not under 24 ft unless additional hazards exist.
10	OSHA Rules	Are safety nets a valid form of fall protection?	Yes — OSHA recognizes them as a passive system.
11	Equipment Basics	What are the three parts of a PFAS?	Anchor, Body Harness, Connecting Device.
12	Equipment Basics	What is the ABCD of fall protection?	Anchor, Body Support, Connectors, Descent/Rescue.
13	Equipment Basics	What is considered a passive system?	Guardrails and covers.
14	Equipment Basics	What is a travel restraint system?	Prevents a worker from reaching an edge.
15	Equipment Basics	What is a deceleration device?	Reduces force on the body during a fall.
16	Harness Use	How high should the D-ring sit on your back?	Between the shoulder blades.
17	Harness Use	Can a harness be shared?	Yes, but must be adjusted and inspected.
18	Harness Use	Can you wear a harness over bulky clothing?	Yes, if properly tightened.
19	Harness Use	What happens if a leg strap is loose?	Can cause serious injury during a fall.
20	Harness Use	Can harnesses expire?	Yes — many last 5–10 years.
21	Anchors	What is the required anchor strength for PFAS?	5,000 lb per worker.
22	Anchors	Can rebar be used as an anchor?	Only if approved.
23	Anchors	Can you tie off to a scaffold guardrail?	No — not designed for fall arrest forces.
24	Anchors	What is a horizontal lifeline?	A line between anchors that allows mobility.
25	Anchors	What is the risk of swing fall?	Worker may swing into structures.
26	Lanyards & SRLs	How much free fall is allowed with a lanyard?	Maximum 6 feet.
27	Lanyards & SRLs	What fall clearance is needed?	About 18.5 feet total.
28	Lanyards & SRLs	Can you use a lanyard on a scissor lift?	No — use an SRL when required.
29	Lanyards & SRLs	What is an SRL?	A self-retracting lifeline that limits free fall.
30	Lanyards & SRLs	Can you connect two lanyards together?	No — prohibited and unsafe.
31	Inspection	How often should fall equipment be inspected?	Before each use and annually by a competent person.
32	Inspection	What if stitching is frayed?	Remove equipment from service.
33	Inspection	What do you check on metal components?	Cracks, corrosion, sharp edges.
34	Inspection	Can equipment be reused after arresting a fall?	No — must be removed from service.
35	Inspection	Can labels be missing?	No — no label = remove from service.
36	Rescue	What is suspension trauma?	A dangerous condition from hanging in a harness.
37	Rescue	How fast should rescue occur?	Immediately; within 5–10 minutes is ideal.
38	Rescue	What should a rescue plan include?	Rescuers, equipment, steps, emergency contacts.
39	Rescue	Do workers need rescue training?	Yes — OSHA requires awareness.
40	Rescue	Does every PFAS require a rescue plan?	Yes — all fall arrest must include rescue.
41	Scaffolds	When is fall protection required?	At 10 feet or higher.
42	Scaffolds	What is required on suspended scaffolds?	PFAS + guardrails.
43	Scaffolds	Can you climb cross braces?	No — use proper access.
44	Scaffolds	Should scaffolds be fully decked?	Yes — minimal gaps.
45	Scaffolds	Can you move a scaffold with someone on it?	No — prohibited.
46	Ladders	Is fall protection required on portable ladders?	Not usually, unless hazards exist.
47	Ladders	How far must a ladder extend above landing?	3 feet.
48	Ladders	Can ladders be placed on unstable objects?	No — must be stable and level.
49	Ladders	What is the 4-to-1 ladder rule?	For every 4 ft height, base 1 ft out.
50	Roof Work	Can workers walk backward near edges?	No — maintain visual awareness and tie off.

Read related article: Are Your Fall Protection Training Records OSHA-Ready?

What the Fall Protection Test Usually Includes

Test Component	What It Includes	Skills Needed
Written Exam	MCQs, True/False, Scenarios	Knowledge of rules, equipment, hazards
Practical Exam	Harness donning, inspection, anchors	Hands-on skills & correct application

Test Section	Passing Requirements	Failing Causes
Written Exam	70–80% correct (varies)	Too many rule-based mistakes
Practical Exam	Proper harness use, anchor choice	Loose straps, unsafe anchor, failed inspection

Read related article: 7 Types of Fall Protection Training You Can Take

Most fall protection training programs combine two exam types:

1. A written test

This includes:

• multiple choice questions
• true/false items
• scenario-based questions
• equipment identification
• questions based on OSHA fall protection standards

2. A hands-on practical test

Where you may be asked to:

• properly inspect your harness
• adjust it correctly
• demonstrate connector use
• choose the correct anchor point
• explain fall clearance
• identify damaged or unsafe equipment

Knowing what to expect eliminates most of the pressure—even before you start studying.

Area	Written Test	Practical Test
Purpose	Knowledge check	Skills check
Format	MCQ, T/F, scenarios	Hands-on tasks
Focus	Understanding rules	Applying them in real life
Common Failure	Misinterpreting questions	Incorrect harness fitting

Read related article: Lost Your Fall Protection Certificate? Here’s What to Do Next

The Key Topics Fall Protection Tests Always Cover

Every training provider has their own style, but almost all written exams revolve around the same core knowledge. Below is a breakdown of the concepts you should fully understand before test day.

Topic	Importance Level	What to Focus On
OSHA Height Rules	High	6ft/4ft rules, employer responsibilities
Harness Fit	High	Chest strap, leg straps, D-ring position
Anchor Strength	High	5,000 lbs rating, safe vs unsafe anchors
Lanyards & SRLs	Medium	Free fall limits, fall clearance
Rescue Requirements	Medium	Suspension trauma, rescue timing

Read related article: Is Fall Protection Training an All-Day Thing? (Shorter or Longer?)

1. OSHA Rules You’ll Be Tested On

The test will almost always cover:

• When fall protection is required
• The height requirements for different industries
• The difference between employer and worker responsibilities
• Retraining triggers
• General fall protection principles

Here’s the simplified breakdown you need to remember:

• Construction: Fall protection required at 6 ft
• General industry: Fall protection required at 4 ft
• Working over dangerous equipment: Fall protection required at any height
• Anchors: Must support 5,000 lbs per worker

If you understand these four lines, you already know a third of the written exam.

Read related article: Is Fall Protection Training Required for All Jobs?

2. Harness Knowledge You’ll See on the Test

Equipment	What You Must Identify	Test Expectation
Harness	D-ring, leg straps, buckles	Know each part & its purpose
Lanyard	Shock absorber, hooks	Identify safe vs damaged
SRL	Lifeline, housing	Know proper uses
Anchor	Fixed points, rated anchors	Distinguish safe from unsafe

You will absolutely be asked questions about:

Harness fit

A properly worn harness should be:

• snug
• chest strap at mid-chest
• leg straps tight but not painful
• D-ring centered between shoulder blades

Many test questions simply check whether you understand what a safe fit looks like.

Donning a harness

The practical exam almost always requires demonstrating proper harness wear.

When harnesses must be removed from service

You’ll be tested on identifying:

• frayed stitching
• cuts or tears
• chemical damage
• broken hardware
• missing labels

If a label is missing, the harness fails—not negotiable.

Read related article: Does OSHA Require Fall Protection Training Annually?

3. Lanyards, SRLs, and Connectors

Expect questions about:

• maximum free-fall distance
• total fall clearance
• when to use an SRL vs a lanyard
• why connecting two lanyards together is unsafe
• shock absorbers and deceleration distance

Here are the numbers trainees must know:

• Shock-absorbing lanyard free fall: up to 6 ft
• Typical total fall distance: around 18.5 ft
• SRL free fall: usually 24 inches or less

If you’re working somewhere with limited fall clearance, this becomes critical.

4. Anchor Points & Fall Clearance

These two areas often confuse trainees, so test questions usually cover them in multiple forms.

You’ll need to know:

• what makes a strong anchor
• what cannot be used as an anchor
• how swing fall works
• how to calculate fall clearance
• how to identify structural vs non-structural anchor points

Safe anchors must:

• support 5,000 lbs per attached worker
• be designed or approved for fall protection

Unsafe anchors include:

• guardrails
• light fixtures
• plumbing pipes
• ladders
• scaffolds (unless engineered for it)

A few test questions may describe jobsite scenarios and ask:
“Which anchor option is safe?”
This is where your understanding matters more than memorization.

5. Equipment Inspection & Maintenance

A large part of fall protection training focuses on equipment inspection. Expect several test questions related to:

When inspections are required

• before each use
• periodically by a competent person
• after any fall arrest event

What to check

• stitching
• webbing
• buckles
• snap hooks
• labels
• signs of deformation
• rust or corrosion

What to do with failed equipment

Only one correct answer exists:
Remove it from service immediately.

6. Scaffolds, Ladders, and Lifts

You will likely see scenario questions about:

• when fall protection is required on scaffolds
• tie-off rules for scissor lifts
• safe ladder setup
• guardrails vs personal fall arrest systems
• working near edges

Key points:

• Scaffolds: fall protection required at 10 ft
• Suspended scaffolds: require both guardrails and a PFAS
• Portable ladders: fall protection not usually required but safety rules still apply
• Aerial lifts: tie-off required on boom lifts

These appear on tests often because they reflect real life jobsite hazards.

7. Rescue Procedures

Many trainees underestimate how much of the test involves rescue planning.
Expect questions about:

• suspension trauma
• rescue timelines
• the purpose of a rescue plan
• what must happen after a fall

Key points to remember:

• rescue should happen immediately
• suspension trauma can become dangerous within minutes
• every fall arrest setup requires a rescue plan

This is an area where knowing the “why” helps you get the questions right.

Using Q&A to Prepare for the Test

This is where test-style questions become incredibly valuable. A great Q&A set helps you:

• learn definitions
• practice identifying safe vs unsafe choices
• understand real-job scenarios
• remember essential numbers
• spot common equipment mistakes
• visualize what the written test will feel like

Every question becomes easier once you understand the principles behind it.

Tips for Passing the Test With Confidence

Here are simple, proven ways to make your test day easier:

• Don’t rely on memorization alone

Fall protection is mostly logic. Once you understand how the systems work, the right answer becomes obvious.

• Focus on the essentials

Height requirements, harness fit, anchors, and fall clearance account for a big part of the exam.

• Think in terms of safety, not rules

The safest answer is often the correct one.

• Pay attention during hands-on practice

Most practical test failures come from rushing, not from lack of knowledge.

• Use real-world examples to visualize questions

If a scenario involves choosing an anchor, imagine yourself on a jobsite selecting the safest option.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be Nervous—You Just Need Clarity

Fall protection training can feel intimidating at first, but the test is simply a check to ensure you know how to protect yourself and others. Once you understand the fundamentals—harness fit, proper anchors, fall clearance, inspections, and how the equipment works—everything starts to make sense.

Every question you learn today becomes a safer decision you make tomorrow.

If you prepare with solid Q&As, understand the concepts, and stay calm during the practical test, you’ll walk into the exam—and onto the jobsite—with confidence.