Why is it dangerous to use inflatable airbags for fall arrest that are too large?

Using inflatable airbags for fall arrest that are too large poses a danger primarily because they will exert a sideways pressure on anything that is containing them. When these airbags inflate, they can occupy a large volume of space, leading to significant lateral forces. This pressure can interfere with the stability of structures they are placed near or on top of and may cause unintended movements or collapses of surrounding equipment or scaffolding.

Moreover, the side pressure could pose risks to individuals nearby, potentially leading to injury if the airbags push against barriers, people, or equipment. It is crucial for safety systems to be designed with the appropriate dimensions in relation to the intended environment to ensure they function effectively without introducing additional hazards.

Other choices do present valid concerns regarding inflatable airbags but do not capture the critical issue related to size and systemic pressure impact as accurately. For instance, while quick inflation might be a consideration, it is the excessive lateral pressure from oversized airbags that most directly affects safety and operational integrity.