Rescue and Evacuation

The emergency planning element is often not considered when work at height is being planned.

Employers may wish to consider the following points:

There is a lack of awareness of suspension trauma and its consequences
Employers often fail to appreciate where and when rescue provision is required
Employers often fail to provide adequate rescue equipment or appreciate what is suitable equipment for use in rescue

Scorpio Safety Systems offer a range of intuitive rescue and access products to aid recovery of workers after a fall or in an emergency at height. The diversity of the Rescue range ensures we can provide a solution for all types of rescue situations whilst keeping safety the top priority. Please go to our online shop to see our range of products.

There are three main reasons why employers need to make provision for rescue arrangements when working at height:

The Work at Height Regulations require employers to make specific provisions for emergency planning
The casualty needs to be attended to and recovered quickly
It is your (employer's) responsibility and not some other individual or organisation

In cases where evacuation is required, it may be essential that the operation is completed rapidly for reasons of objective danger e.g. fire.

General considerations for rescue

It is essential that there is a specific rescue plan and adequate resources in place for each worksite when work at height is carried out. These should be regularly assessed and updated where necessary. Resources should include not only equipment but also personnel who have been trained in the use of that equipment. When planning for rescue, consideration should be given to the type of situation from which the casualty may need to be recovered and the type of fall protection equipment the casualty would be using.

All rescue planning and operations should address the following issues:

The safety of the persons carrying out or assisting with the rescue
The anchor points to be used for the rescue equipment.
The suitability of equipment (anchors, harnesses, attachments and connectors) that has already arrested the fall of the casualty for use during the rescue.
The method that will be used to attach the casualty to the rescue system.
The direction that the casualty needs to be moved to get them to the point of safety. (raising, lowering or lateral)
The first aid needs the casualty may have with respect to injury or suspension trauma
The possible needs of the casualty following the rescue