In the context of fall protection, a non-engineered anchor must withstand a minimum force of how much weight?

The correct choice indicates that a non-engineered anchor must be able to withstand a minimum force of 5,000 lbs. This requirement is crucial for ensuring the safety of individuals who may be working at heights. The 5,000 lbs minimum reflects industry standards that are designed to account for dynamic forces that can occur in a fall situation.

When a worker falls, the forces acting on an anchor can exceed the weight of the worker due to the sudden stop caused by the fall, known as the fall arrest force. By requiring anchors to withstand this significant force, it helps to ensure that the fall arrest system will function correctly and minimize the risk of catastrophic failure of the anchor point during a fall.

The specified load of 5,000 lbs provides a margin of safety to accommodate various fall scenarios, including the potential for additional forces generated by the fall dynamics and factors such as the worker’s weight, the length of the fall, and the energy-absorbing properties of the fall protection system in use. Recognizing the high stakes of working at heights, compliance with this minimum requirement is essential for maintaining workplace safety.