Working at Height Rescue Plan

When you're working at height - even if you take every precaution possible - accidents can still happen. If the worst should occur and someone needs rescuing, you need a plan to save them.

Read on to find out more about how to make a working at height rescue plan - you might just save a life!

Do I have to make a rescue plan?

Yes. It may never be needed - and we hope it isn't - but a rescue plan is a legal requirement when work at height is taking place. To quote the Health and Safety Executive (HSE):"Employers and those in control of any work at height activity must make sure work is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people".

Making a rescue plan is vital to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including the employee and the rescuers.

What emergencies should a rescue plan cover?

Your working from height rescue plan should cover more than just a simple fall from height. Someone could just as easily slip on a surface and be unable to climb down safely. If this happens, your plan should guarantee that they will be able to reach the ground without further harm.

Falling objects may concuss or otherwise injure a worker. Your rescue plan should take into account the potential for falling objects and other potential site hazards.

Even if all potential on-site hazards are accounted for, a worker could still encounter an unexpected medical emergency, such as a heart attack or fainting. They may not fall from height if this happens, but the rescue plan must allow them to be lowered safely to the ground.

What should a rescue plan include?

The HSE requires you to take the following considerations into account when making a rescue plan:

• Safety of the rescuers
• Location of anchor point(s) for safety equipment
• Weather potentially compromising workers' safety
• Suitability of the safety and rescue equipment - whether they are safe to use
• How to safely move the casualty
• Attaching the casualty to the rescue equipment
• Medical needs of the individual during rescue
• Distance from emergency services

Don't rely solely on emergency services for your rescue plan. Time is of the essence in a rescue, so you should make sure that everyone on the work site knows what to do in the event of an emergency. This will ensure the emergency services, if needed, can take over handling the casualty with ease when they arrive.

Practise Your Rescue Plan

Your height rescue plan won't work if nobody knows how to enact it. Practice makes perfect, so use demonstrations and drills to make sure your team knows the plan thoroughly. That way, if an accident does happen, everyone will know how to deal with it in a competent manner.

Along with a robust fall arrest system, a rescue plan will keep you and your employees safe while working from height.

Height Safety Equipment   Rescue Descent Kits

If you have any questions about height safety, please don't hesitate to get in touch!