About this Work at Heights Rescue Flowchart
This work at heights rescue flowchart can be used to explain a process by which a rescue from height can be accomplished. If a fall arrest system is to be used as a control measure or circumstances are possible where a worker requires rescue from height, a rescue plan is required. All relevant workers who may be affected by work at height rescue need to receive training and instruction about the rescue procedures and be deemed a competent person. The rescue procedures must also be tested and fall protection equipment checked to ensure their effectiveness before the commencement of any work at height.
What is a Work at Heights Rescue?
Work at height rescue of a worker refers to the process of safely retrieving someone who has fallen or become stranded in a high place. It is a highly technical and specialized form of rescue that requires specific training and rescue equipment to execute safely. Falls from heights are often fatal, and even when they are not, they can result in serious injuries that can leave a worker unable to return to their job. This is why it is so important for workers who work at heights to be properly trained in the work at height.
How to Perform a Fall Arrest System Rescue
Whenever using a fall arrest system while working at heights, the following rescue procedures can be applied to retrieve a fallen person.
- In the event of a fall, first alert the necessary persons (e.g. management, supervisors and/or personnel required to assist with the rescue) by any available means.
- If the fall has occurred from mobile plant (e.g. elevated work platform, scissor lift) use the emergency lowering device (this may be in the form of a lowering device, bleed valve or an electronic over-ride running an auxiliary hydraulic pump) to carefully lower the work platform to an area where the fallen worker can be safely grounded.
Note: Before any work at height commences, all persons involved in the work at height should receive training on the use of mobile plant emergency control devices.
- If the emergency lowering device cannot be activated, either similar mobile plant is to be used to access and retrieve the fallen person.
If the above procedures are not possible:
- Immediately contact emergency services to carry out the rescue.
- Resuscitation and/or first aid must be provided to the fallen worker immediately after the rescue.
Note: Do not ever place your own safety at risk when performing a rescue.
Suspension Trauma
Suspension intolerance from being suspended in a harness can occur with a fall-arrest system when a person has an arrested fall and is suspended in an upright position with the harness straps causing pressure on the leg veins. To assist with the prevention of suspension intolerance occurring because of an arrested fall, workers must never work alone when using a fall arrest harness. Foothold straps should be attached to the fall arrest harness, to allow workers to minimize stress points while suspended.
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