How is Fall Factor defined?

Fall Factor is a crucial concept in climbing and rope rescue that quantifies the severity of a fall. It is defined as the ratio of the height of the fall to the length of rope that is below the climber or rescuer at the moment of fall. This calculation helps in understanding the forces that will be exerted on the climbing system during a fall.

A lower Fall Factor implies a safer fall because the climber has more rope to absorb the energy of the fall, leading to lower impact forces. Conversely, a higher Fall Factor indicates a more dangerous scenario as a smaller amount of rope is available to cushion the fall, resulting in potentially greater forces experienced by both the climber and the system.

While other options mention factors related to distance and weight, they do not accurately capture the essence of Fall Factor, which specifically requires the relationship of the fall height to the usable length of the rope below the climber. Understanding Fall Factor is essential for climbers and rescuers to effectively assess risk and manage safety measures while descending or recovering individuals in vertical scenarios.