WAH/General/TBT-WAH-013

Rescue Plan Requirements

Working at Height › General › Rescue Plan Requirements

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

A rescue plan must be in place before anyone works at height — it is a legal requirement.
The plan must describe how a fallen or suspended worker will be rescued within a safe timeframe.
Suspension trauma (harness hang syndrome) can kill a worker suspended in a harness within 15 minutes.
The rescue method depends on the work location — ladder access, MEWP recovery, or lowering devices.
Self-rescue by the suspended worker using a trauma strap is the fastest method if they are conscious.
Calling the fire service is not an adequate rescue plan — response times are too long for suspension trauma.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 Schedule 4 specifically requires rescue arrangements to be in place.
Rescue equipment must be available at the work location and the rescue team must be trained in its use.
The rescue plan must be rehearsed before the first work at height activity on the project.
Every person working at height must be briefed on the rescue plan before they access height.

Suspension trauma	A worker suspended in a harness can die from suspension trauma within 15 minutes.
Legal requirement	The Work at Height Regulations mandate rescue planning for every height work activity.
Fire service delay	Emergency services cannot arrive fast enough — on-site rescue capability is essential.
Rehearsal matters	Untested rescue plans fail when needed — practice drills are critical.

Don't

Prepare a rescue plan specific to each work at height location and method.
Provide rescue equipment at the work location and check it is ready for use.
Train the rescue team in the equipment and procedures before height work starts.
Rehearse the rescue plan with a practice drill before the first working shift.
Brief every person working at height on the rescue plan and their role in it.
Include a trauma strap in every harness kit for immediate self-rescue relief.
Plan rescue to achieve recovery within 15 minutes of a fall or suspension.
Identify the nearest point from which a MEWP can access a suspended casualty.
Review the rescue plan whenever the work location or access method changes.
Record the rescue plan briefing with names and dates for each operative.

DON'T work at height without a rescue plan specific to the work location.
DON'T rely on the fire service as your primary rescue plan — they take too long.
DON'T skip the rescue drill — untested plans fail when lives depend on them.
DON'T assume a conscious suspended worker is safe — suspension trauma progresses rapidly.
DON'T place rescue equipment where it cannot be reached quickly in an emergency.
DON'T allow height work before the rescue team has been briefed and trained.
DON'T leave a suspended casualty hanging — begin rescue immediately.
DON'T lower a casualty flat on their back after suspension — keep them seated.
DON'T use a generic rescue plan — it must match the specific site and access method.
DON'T forget to review the plan when conditions or work areas change.

See also: Harness and Lanyard Use | Working at Height Hierarchy of Control

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