High Elevation Rescue Equipment

Rescuing a worker post fall arrest can be a difficult task. As a result, there are many places where people work at elevation while using a fall protection system, but often there is no plan to get that person if their fall is arrested on the system. One of the primary reasons that there are few rescue plans out there is the fact that most people don’t know what they can use.  Even though there are many different ways that people can be working at height, it is still possible to find the equipment that is best suited to your situation.

Pulley System with Rope

A pulley and rope can be a great way to lower someone back to a walking surface after fall arrest. The primary benefit of this device is that it is small and can be easily transported to many different locations. However, it is critical that you confirm that the anchorage point and the structure that is holding the pulley can support the weight that the pulley needs to move. ANSI Z359.2 outlines the definitions for a non-certified and a certified anchorage point. In brief, a non-certified anchorage point used for rescue needs to be able to support 3,000 lbs. in a static load. Meanwhile, a certified anchorage point must be able to support 5 times the weight that is being applied. 

Cherry Picker or Man Lift

If there is a cherry picker or a man lift in your workspace that can reach any area where people are working at height, using this style of equipment is one of the best ways to rescue a worker after a fall event. These machines are wonderful because they can be moved almost anywhere and they can be positioned quickly in an emergency. The other nice thing about these machines is that if a worker is unconscious, the bucket or platform on these devices can support the worker’s body weight as they are being rescued. The only issues with these devices are that they can be a little expensive and they might be too large for use in tighter workspaces.

Portable Stairs with a Platform

If people are working at heights lower than 10 feet, it may be possible to use a set of portable stairs that can be wheeled under a worker after fall arrest. This is a simple and quick way to get a worker down from a system if they are conscious and able-bodied. If a worker has a potential to be unconscious from a fall, this may not be the best rescue system because it would be difficult to support the weight of a fallen worker with this rescue equipment. But, it is a relatively low-budget way to rescue a worker from smaller heights.

Fire Truck with Extendable Ladder 

If there is a fire department near your facility or worksite, you may want to ask them if they have a rig with a ladder that can reach your working heights. Having professional emergency responders retrieve a worker post fall arrest can be very helpful and does not require any training for your team. However, if the local fire department does not have the right equipment or training with high elevation rescues, this may not be the best solution. Also, remember to consider how long it will take for the fire department to reach the facility or worksite. If they cannot respond in 10 minutes or less, the person who needs to be rescued may be at risk for suffering symptoms of suspension trauma.

Helicopter 

For extremely tall working operations (like sky scrapers, cell towers, bridges, etc.) you may need to use a helicopter in order to rescue a worker after a fall has been arrested. Helicopters are an expensive solution, but when there isn’t any type of equipment that could reach a worker, it helps to go airborne. Using a helicopter for a rescue will require a team of skilled emergency responders. And, as it was mentioned previously, the rescue process needs to take less than 10 minutes in order to avoid the complications of suspension trauma. However, there are certain work locations where this may be your only rescue option.

Controlled Descent Self-Retracting Lanyards 

One of the growing trends in the fall protection industry is controlled descent self-retracting lanyards. These are SRLs that will arrest a fall after an unintended loss of balance and then slowly lower the worker until they reach the next available walking surface. Some of these devices come with settings where descent will begin automatically or descent can be triggered by a second person. In the event that the descent needs to be activated by another person, make sure that a second person is present while using this device and that they can reach the SRL to trigger the lowering mechanism. Also, if there are dangerous things below a worker’s area (like chemical vats, waste water, etc.) you may not want to have your worker automatically lowered in those circumstances and you may want to find another rescue method.

There is more than one way to rescue a worker post fall arrest. But, make sure you consider the different scenarios and hazards that apply to your workplace when you select a rescue method. Rescuing a worker can be efficient and prompt with the right equipment. There are many options out there and with planning, you can have a quick and effective way of rescuing workers post fall arrest.

Until the next time, stay safe up there!

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