What is the maximum allowable distance that a worker can reach down below the work surface before a personal fall arrest system is required?

The correct answer is 10 inches. This distance is established to ensure worker safety when working in situations where there is a risk of falling. When a worker reaches down more than 10 inches below the work surface, there is a potential for a fall hazard, necessitating the use of a personal fall arrest system.

Personal fall arrest systems are critical safety measures designed to minimize the risk of injury in case of a fall. The maximum allowable reach is set to provide a guideline for when such safety equipment must be utilized, therefore protecting workers from falls and the associated risks of serious injury. Staying within this limit ensures that the worker remains at a safer elevation relative to the edge of a working surface.

Choosing the distance of 10 inches is based on regulatory standards aimed at promoting safety in various work environments, particularly in construction and maintenance tasks where elevated work configurations are common.