How much force must a latch on a fall protection component be designed to withstand?

The correct answer, which is 3,600 lbs, is derived from the regulations and standards set forth by safety organizations for fall protection systems. According to industry standards, fall protection components, such as latches, are required to be designed to withstand a minimum static load of 3,600 lbs. This requirement ensures that in the event of a fall, the components remain secure and can adequately support the weight of the individual using the fall protection system.

The rationale behind this figure is grounded in safety; it accounts for the forces that can be exerted during a fall, factoring in variables such as dynamic loading that could occur in real-world scenarios. Designing components to this standard enhances the safety and reliability of fall protection systems, which are critical in preventing injuries in the workplace.

While other options represent varying levels of force, 3,600 lbs is the established threshold specified by regulations, which aims to provide a robust safety margin over the expected forces in fall situations.