Industry In Review: Fall Protection Rescue Plan

Q. What makes having a fall protection rescue plan so important?

It's one of the most important parts of any fall safety plan that people don't pay enough attention to. A rescue plan is important because it helps you figure out how to get a worker who has fallen from a height before they get hurt.

Q. Who is the Rescue Plan for?

Any worker in any field who is utilizing a fall arrest system and is at risk of falling should have a rescue plan.

Q. What does it mean to have a rescue plan ready?

A good fall protection rescue plan and method, along with the necessary tools and training, could lower or even stop suspension trauma from happening if a worker falls. And lowers the company's risk of being sued.

Q. Is it required by law to have a rescue plan?

The Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Code says that workers must have a good rescue plan that doesn't include phoning 911.

Q. What is the best way to construct a rescue plan?

The best thing to do for a fall protection rescue plan is to write out a rescue method that is specific to the site and the work that needs to be done. Everyone who works at heights should read over this rescue plan. This could mean that an outside business is on call to help with rescues or that trained and equipped people from the company do the rescues themselves.

Q. What are the greatest rescue tools and supplies that you can buy today?

The Petzl JAG Rescue Kit is a whole rescue kit that is ready to use. It is made to easily pick up and lower a person who has fallen to safety, making it an essential part of any fall protection rescue plan.

The Petzl JAG Rescue Kit includes

• Jag System haul kit
  
• Ring open-gated ring
  
• ID Evac descender and integrated brake
  
• Connexion Fixe 150 cm anchor strap
  
• Bucket bag
  
• Axis 11 mm rope with two sewn terminations
  
• Available in 3 lengths: 30, 60, and 60,120 mm.
  
• Available on the Height Works website is the Jag Rescue Kit with 60 m rope length