In case you're unaware, the Work at Height Regulations implemented in 2005 governs not only the proper use of safety equipment and procedures, but also the requirement for companies to have rescue procedures in place just in case there is an accident. Rescue procedures are of vital importance because no piece of equipment can fully prevent every accident. Wherever there are workers at height, whether in Mobile where to get elevated work platform training (MEWPS), using safety harnesses, or working on scaffolding, rescue procedures are an absolute must.
Rescue procedures can be required for anything from the worker being suspended in a harness after a fall to accessing stranded workers who might be stuck in an elevated MEWP. That means procedures must be specific to the type of danger posed. Just like PPE where safety procedures must be appropriate to the nature of work being performed, so do rescue operations. Attempting to perform a rescue operation in a way that is unsafe is to defeat the purpose. Under the working at regulations the rescuer must not be exposed to any additional risk. So this must be taken into account in the rescue plan.
Rescue procedures can be required for anything from the worker being suspended in a harness after a fall to accessing stranded workers who might be stuck in an elevated MEWP. That means procedures must be specific to the type of danger posed. Just like PPE where safety procedures must be appropriate to the nature of work being performed, so do rescue operations. Attempting to perform a rescue operation in a way that is unsafe is to defeat the purpose. Under the working at regulations the rescuer must not be exposed to any additional risk. So this must be taken into account in the rescue plan.
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