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What about rescue response for fallen workers

at height?
Thursday, July 14, 2011

We recently received a question about what constitutes a

prompt and capable rescue response for fallen workers at
height suspended by their Personal Fall Arrest System
(PFAS).

Question: My question concerns guidance on the number

of rescue/standby team members needed for response to worker at heights type
incidents. We work in a chemical plant, so its basically areas such as columns, etc.
Answer: OSHA guidance for rescue of fallen workers utilizing personal fall arrest

systems (PFAS) is quite vague in that it calls for prompt rescue. For more definitive
guidance on the subject, ANSI Z359.2 Para E6.1 recommends that contact with the

rescue subject (communication or physical contact) should occur as soon as possible

after the fall. The recommended goal for rescue subject contact should be less than six
minutes. What constitutes prompt rescue can vary depending on the circumstances.
The type of potential hazards identified in the Fall Hazard Survey report should
determine rescue planning.

For example, if the work area exposes the worker to an IDLH condition such as

energized equipment, then the Fall Hazard Survey should trigger the Rescue Plan to
include a near immediate rescue provision because of the potential of worker

electrocution leading to a fall and subsequently, a suspended victim. In a situation like

this, it is imperative that prompt rescue would provide a means to have the rescue

subject in a position that allows CPR in less than 6 minutes and preferably much

faster than that! The only way to respond this quickly is to have a Stand-by Rescue
posture where the rescue system and personnel are pre-rigged and ready to initiate
the rescue immediately.

For other situations, if communications with the rescue subject are established in six
minutes or less, and it is determined that the victim is relatively unharmed (alert and

oriented, good airway and breathing, and no signs of active bleeding) then the urgency
is reduced and a more measured approach to the rescue could be employed. There is

still the potential for suspension trauma to develop over a range of several minutes, so
a prompt but measured rescue would still be necessary.

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With this in mind, it is important for an employer with workers at height to complete a
Fall Hazard Survey report to determine the most appropriate way to abate any fall

hazards. If the use of PFAS is necessary, that triggers the need to complete fallen

worker Rescue Preplans. The employer will need to identify the rescue assets and

ensure they are available, equipped, and trained to perform safe and prompt rescue for
any situation that they may be summoned to at the employers facility. For rescuers
outside the employers workforce, it is important to thoroughly vet the prospective
rescuers to make these assurances.

This information was provided by Pat Furr, Roco Chief Instructor and Technical
Consultant. He regularly assists Roco customers in identifying opportunities to

improve their fall protection programs and can guide safety professionals in the
completion of Fall Hazard Survey reports. Roco can also assist in the

development of fallen worker Rescue Preplans. For help with selecting the
proper equipment or training, call us at 800-647-7626.
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