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What do you do if someone falls and becomes suspended toward the top of a tower? Would you know how to get that person down? A good fall rescue plan helps everyone understand what to do before a fall.
Following are some important components of a fall rescue plan.
- Gain an understanding of the physical environment where you will be working.
- Determine the proximity of a professional rescue team.
- Determine if 911 works from the area where you would be calling.
- Determine approximate response time for 911 responders.
- Understand the type of rescue that may be necessary (lowering a victim from a ladder, platform, or manbasket).
- Determine who is trained to do the rescue.
- Decide if the rescuers will be on-site or standby. If standby, determine the response time.
- Perform a job safety analysis of the rescue
- Is the victim clear of obstructions when lowered?
- Does the lifeline deploy correctly?
- Is the lifeline long enough?
- Can you see the victim throughout the entire rescue operation?
In addition to having a plan, it is also important to have the correct rescue equipment and supplies on-site and ready to use.
- Rescue devices that can raise or lower a victim, such as a controlled rate descent device.
- Ropes and lifelines rated for rescue and evacuation.
- Rolling edge protectors or Velcro edge protectors to protect the rope from sharp edges and abrasion.
- Designated anchor points for rescue equipment (rated at least 3100 pounds).
- Anchor straps and carabiners for making an anchor point when one is not available or convenient.
- First aid kit and defibrillator.
KEMI does not assume liability for the content of information contained herein. Safety and health remain your responsibility. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and not intended to be exhaustive or a substitute for proper training, supervision, or manufacturers’ instructions/recommendations. KEMI, by publication of this information, does not assume liability for damage or injury arising from reliance upon it. Compliance with this information is not a guarantee or warranty that you will be in conformity with any laws or regulations nor does it ensure the absolute safety of any person, place, or object, including, but not limited to, you, your occupation, employees, customers, or place of business.
