What must fall arrest equipment withstand in electrical work?

The correct answer pertains to the requirement that fall arrest equipment must be able to withstand electric arc exposure of 40 ±5 cal/cm². This specification is crucial in ensuring the safety of personnel working near live electrical sources. When working in environments where there is a risk of electric arcs—such as substations—workers may encounter high levels of thermal energy resulting from an arc flash.

The ability of fall arrest equipment to endure this level of arc exposure means that it can help prevent severe burns or other injuries that could occur if a worker falls while exposed to an electrical arc. This requirement is in line with safety standards established for personal protective equipment (PPE) in electrical work.

While other options might encompass different safety considerations, they do not specifically address the unique hazards posed by electric arcs in the context of fall arrest systems, which is the focus of the question.