Rescue Plan Development and Requirements
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Rescue Plan Development and Requirements
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that a rescue plan is in place before any work at height begins. Suspension in a harness after a fall can cause fatal suspension trauma within minutes. A rescue plan ensures that a casualty can be reached and lowered to safety quickly enough to prevent death or serious injury.
- Develop a written rescue plan specific to each work at height task before work begins.
- Ensure rescue equipment such as descent devices and trauma straps are available at the work location.
- Train all workers using fall arrest equipment in suspension trauma awareness and self-rescue techniques.
- Designate and train specific rescue personnel who can carry out the plan without delay.
- Practise the rescue plan on site before the work at height task commences.
- Ensure the rescue can be completed within 10 minutes of a fall event occurring.
- Include emergency service contact details and site access information in the rescue plan.
- Review and update the rescue plan whenever the work location, method, or personnel change.
- Brief all operatives on the rescue plan content and their specific roles before starting work.
If a worker is suspended in a harness after a fall, activate the rescue plan immediately. Call 999 and state suspension trauma risk. Lower the casualty to a flat surface as quickly and safely as possible. Do not leave them hanging.
- A rescue plan must be in place before any work at height activity begins
- Suspension trauma can kill within 15 minutes so rescue must be rapid
- Rescue equipment must be readily available at the work at height location
- Practise the rescue plan on site before the task starts to confirm it works
- All workers using fall arrest must understand suspension trauma and self-rescue steps
- Review the rescue plan whenever the task, location, or team changes
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