5.5.2 Fall Rescue Procedure

Procedure:
In all cases where a worker falls and rescue procedures must be implemented, call 911 immediately. Ensure that the fire department and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responders are made aware that suspension trauma may be involved with the rescue.

As controller of the project site, Carter & Carter will assist in aiding the rescue of any worker that falls on site.

Initially, after a fall that is arrested by fall protection equipment, the fallen worker may appear to be uninjured. Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but may be fatal if not medically treated properly. The rescue plan should include consideration of the following rescue types and circumstances:

Assisted Mechanically Aided Aerial Lift Rescue (Preferred Method)
If an assisted rescue is being conducted with an aerial lift the following guidelines should be used.
1. The rescuer who enters the aerial lift must ensure that a second fall protection device is available for the fallen worker. A spare self-retracting lifeline or shock-absorbing lanyard will suffice.
2. The aerial lift needs to then be positioned underneath the fallen worker. The rescuer can then ascend to the worker.
3. Once the rescuer has reached the fallen worker, they can secure them to the second fall protection device.
4. After the fallen worker has been secured, they can be removed from the impacted fall protection device.
5. The worker is to then be lowered to the ground and given medical aid as necessary.
6. Remove all fall arrest systems and equipment affected by the fall from service. The equipment should be documented with the name of the fallen worker, the time the fall took place, and the activity that took place at the time of the fall.

Self Rescue
Given proper selection and use of fall protection equipment, a fallen worker has an increased chance of being able to perform a self-rescue. In the event of a self-rescue, it is the fallen worker who performs their own rescue. This is most commonly done by climbing to the level which they had fallen from.
An important part of self-rescue that might not be immediately apparent is the possible need for medical attention. Even if a worker can safely climb back to their previous working platform, they still need to return to the floor or ground level for medical evaluation.
After a fall, any equipment, individual components, or fall arrest systems that were impacted by the fall must be removed from service. This equipment must be documented with the item’s name, the date the fall took place, and what activity took place at the time of the fall.

Assisted Self Rescue Aided By Mechanical Hauling/Rope Systems
When a fallen worker can’t conduct a self-rescue, outside assistance is required. Rescue assistance will be performed via use of mechanical advantage systems such as rope pulleys to safely lift or lower the fallen worker to a stable area. When performing a mechanically aided rescue proper equipment will be required. The typical rescue with this method uses the following steps.
1. The mechanical device must be secured to an anchor rated for a minimum of 3,000 lbs or to a non-certified anchorage of five times the applied load.
2. The haul line may be swung or lowered to the fallen worker. The fallen worker will need to attach the line to their dorsal D-ring. This can be done with the use a rescue pole. One of the rescue team members must verify a secure connection to the suspended worker has been made.
3. The rescue team raises or lowers the fallen worker to either a safe platform or ground level and gives medical aid as necessary.
4. Remove all fall arrest systems and equipment affected by the fall from service. The equipment should be documented with the name of the fallen worker, the time the fall took place, and the activity that took place at the time of the fall.

Mechanically Aided Unconscious Rescue
If the fallen worker is either unconscious or has injuries that prevent them from being able to self-rescue, a fully assisted rescue is needed.
1. The mechanical device must be secured to an anchor rated for a minimum of 3,000 lbs or to a non-certified anchorage of five times the applied load.
2. A member of the rescue team can secure the fallen worker by using a rescue pole to attach the haul line to the worker’s dorsal D-ring. If the rescue pole is not an option a member of the rescue team can descend to the fallen worker and directly attach them to the rescue system.
3. With the fallen worker secured the rescue team can either raise or lower them to a safe platform or ground level. Appropriate medical aid should be given as necessary.
4. Remove all fall arrest systems and equipment affected by the fall from service. The equipment should be documented with the name of the fallen worker, the time the fall took place, and the activity that took place at the time of the fall.