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Arrested fall rescue

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Safe Work Procedure: Arrested Fall Rescue

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This procedure covers the safe rescue of a worker following an arrested fall using personal fall arrest systems. It applies to all work environments where fall arrest systems are used, including construction sites, maintenance operations, and any other locations where workers are at risk of falling from heights.

This procedure should be used in conjunction with other relevant safety procedures and documents, such as the site-specific fall protection plan and emergency response plan.

2. Definitions

Arrested Fall A fall that has been stopped by a fall arrest system before the worker reaches a lower level.

Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) A system used to arrest a worker in a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, and a body harness and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these.

Rescue Plan A pre-planned strategy to safely retrieve a worker who has experienced an arrested fall.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

  • Ensure all workers are trained in fall protection and rescue procedures.
  • Verify that rescue equipment is available and in good condition.
  • Conduct regular drills to ensure readiness for fall rescue operations.

3.2 Workers

  • Participate in training and drills related to fall protection and rescue.
  • Inspect personal fall arrest systems before use.
  • Report any fall incidents immediately to a supervisor.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

  • Assist in the development and review of fall protection and rescue procedures.
  • Monitor compliance with safety procedures and report any issues.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

HazardRiskControl Measures
Fall from heightInjury or fatalityUse of personal fall arrest systems, proper training
Suspension traumaCirculatory issuesPrompt rescue, use of trauma straps
Equipment failureIneffective fall arrestRegular inspection and maintenance of equipment

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential for safety during fall arrest and rescue operations.

  • Full Body Harness - Must be worn at all times when working at height.
  • Helmet - Protects against head injuries during a fall.
  • Gloves - Provides grip and protection during rescue operations.
  • Safety Boots - Offers foot protection and stability.
  • High-Visibility Vest - Ensures visibility of workers during rescue operations.

Inspect PPE before each use and replace any damaged or worn items immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

Proper equipment and tools are crucial for effective fall arrest and rescue operations.

  • Anchorage Points - Must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached [1].
  • Lifelines and Lanyards - Must be made from synthetic fibers and inspected for damage [1].
  • Rescue Kit - Includes ropes, pulleys, and other devices for safe retrieval.
  • Descent Devices - Allows controlled lowering of a suspended worker [2].
  • Communication Devices - Ensures effective communication during rescue operations.

Inspect all equipment before use and maintain according to manufacturer instructions.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must be trained in the use of personal fall arrest systems and rescue procedures, including self-rescue techniques and the use of rescue equipment [3].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a briefing to review the rescue plan, identify potential hazards, and ensure all workers understand their roles in the event of a fall.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure the work area is free of obstructions and that all fall protection and rescue equipment is in place and ready for use.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Evaluate the condition of the fallen worker and the environment.

  • Ensure the area is safe for rescue operations.
  • Communicate with the fallen worker if possible.
  • Call for emergency medical assistance if needed.

Step 2: Deploy Rescue Equipment

Use the appropriate rescue equipment to reach the fallen worker.

  • Set up anchorage and lifelines as needed.
  • Use descent devices to lower rescuers to the worker.
  • Secure the worker with additional safety lines if necessary.

Step 3: Perform the Rescue

Safely retrieve the worker to a safe location.

  • Use controlled descent techniques to lower the worker.
  • Monitor the worker for signs of suspension trauma.
  • Provide first aid if necessary until medical help arrives.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

  • Ensure Proper Training - Only trained personnel should perform rescues.
  • Inspect Equipment - Check all equipment before use to ensure it is in good condition.
  • Use Proper Techniques - Follow established rescue procedures to minimize risk.
  • Monitor Worker Condition - Be aware of signs of suspension trauma and act quickly.
  • Maintain Communication - Keep open lines of communication with all team members.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

Activate the emergency response plan and notify emergency services immediately.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

  • Unconscious Worker - Use rapid descent techniques to lower the worker safely.
  • Equipment Failure - Implement backup rescue plans and use alternative equipment.
  • Medical Emergency - Provide first aid and await emergency medical personnel.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

[List of emergency contacts and their phone numbers]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all fall incidents and near-misses immediately. Conduct a thorough investigation to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

12. References and Related Documents

  • [Reference 1]
  • [Reference 2]
  • [Reference 3]

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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3 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

Page 391

Open source document

Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and protocols contained in subsections (2), (3), and (4) of Part II may be considered as complying with the provisions of (a) of this subsection provided that the criteria and protocols are modified appropriately to provide proper protection for such heavier weights. ## (5) Care and use . - (a) Snap-hooks, unless of a locking type designed and used to prevent disengagement from the following connections, must not be engaged: - (i) Directly to webbing, rope or wire rope; - (ii) To each other; - (iii) To a dee-ring to which another snap-hook or other connector is attached; - (iv) To a horizontal lifeline; or - (v) To any object which is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation to the snap-hook such that the connected object could depress the snap-hook keeper a sufficient amount to release itself. - (b) Devices used to connect to a horizontal lifeline which may become a vertical lifeline must be capable of locking in either direction on the lifeline. - (c) Personal fall arrest systems must be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m), nor contact any lower level. - (d) The attachment point of the body harness must be located in the center of the wearer's back near shoulder level, or above the wearer's head. - (e) When vertical lifelines are used, each employee must be provided with a separate lifeline. - (f) Personal fall arrest systems or components must be used only for employee fall protection. - (g) Personal fall arrest systems or components subjected to impact loading must be immediately removed from service and must not be used again for employee protection unless inspected and determined by a competent person to be undamaged and suitable for reuse. - (h) The employer must provide for prompt rescue of employees in…

[2] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)

Page 606

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules Division 3 - (14) Ropes and straps (webbing) used in lanyards, lifelines, and strength components of body belts and body harnesses shall be made from synthetic fibers. - (15) Anchorages used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend platforms and capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached, or shall be designed, installed, and used as follows: - (i) as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two; and - (ii) under the supervision of a qualified person. - (16) Personal fall arrest systems, when stopping a fall, shall: - (i) limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 900 pounds (4 kN) when used with a body belt; (Note: body belts not allowed after January 1, 1998.) - (ii) limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds (8 kN) when used with a body harness; - (iii) be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m), nor contact any lower level; - (iv) bring an employee to a complete stop and limit maximum deceleration distance an employee travels to 3.5 feet (1.07 m); and, - (v) have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact energy of an employee free falling a distance of 6 feet (1.8 m), or the free fall distance permitted by the system, whichever is less. Note: If the personal fall arrest system meets the criteria and protocols contained in Appendix C to subpart M, and if the system is being used by an employee having a combined person and tool weight of less than 310 pounds (140 kg), the system will be considered to be in compliance with the provisions of paragraph (d)(16) of this section. If the system is used by an employee having a combined tool and body weight of 310 pounds (140 kg) or more, then the employer must appropriately modify the criteria and protocols…

[3] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 863

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules - (4) Caution statements on critical use limitations; - (5) Limits of the system; - (6) Proper hook-up, anchoring and tie-off techniques, including the proper D-ring or other attachment point to use on the body harness; - (7) Proper climbing techniques; - (8) Methods of inspection, use, cleaning, and storage; and - (9) Specific lifelines that may be used. - (g) Inspection considerations. Personal fall protection systems must be inspected before initial use in each work shift. Any component with damage, such as a cut, tear, abrasion, mold, or evidence of undue stretching, an alteration or addition that might affect its effectiveness, damage due to deterioration, fire, acid, or other corrosive damage, distorted hooks or faulty hook springs, tongues that are unfitted to the shoulder of buckles, loose or damaged mountings, nonfunctioning parts, or wear, or internal deterioration must be removed from service immediately, and should be tagged or marked as unusable, or destroyed. Any personal fall protection system, including components, subjected to impact loading must be removed from service immediately and not used until a competent person inspects the system and determines that it is not damaged and is safe to use for personal fall protection. - (h) Rescue considerations. As required by 1910.140(c)(21), when personal fall arrest systems are used, special consideration must be given to rescuing an employee promptly should a fall occur. The availability of rescue personnel, ladders, or other rescue equipment needs to be evaluated since there may be instances in which employees cannot self-rescue (e.g., employee unconscious or seriously injured). In some situations, equipment allowing employees to rescue themselves after the fall has been arrested may be desirable, such as devices that have descent capability. - (i) Tie-off considerations. Employers and employees should at all times be aware that…

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