Rescue
Before using specific information from this manual, a rescue plan must be established. All rescue plans may include a few general steps, but each rescue plan must be specific to the work site and the specific situation.
First: Contact the general contractor to verify whether, or not they have specific rescue plan for the project. If they have a plan for the site, include their plan into the specific plan that you develop for your individual situation. A copy of the general contractors rescue plan should be included in your specific rescue plan.
Second: Establish who will design and approve the fall protection plan and rescue plan for the specific situation. Fred Shearer's safety department must sign off on any fall protection plan, and will verify that each plan includes a specific rescue plan.
Third: Once a fall protection plan, including a specific rescue plan has been approved and signed off by the Fred Shearer foreman and site superintendent, along with Fred Shearer's safety lead, the plan must be submitted to the general contractor for review.
Forth: Assure that any equipment required for the specific rescue plan is brought to site and inspected before use. Make sure suspension trauma safety straps are installed on each body harness to be used. See attached literature.
Fifth: In event of a fall, if immediate self rescue is not possible, begin to implement the specified rescue plan, which should include the general contractor's rescue plan.
Sixth: Whether or not there is an injury, all fall protection equipment involved in a fall needs to be taken out of service until it is evaluated by the manufacturer.
Seventh: If an injury has occurred, there must be a chain of custody established for any equipment involved in the fall. The chain of custody should start by having the foreman control the equipment involved, until the safety lead can take custody of the equipment.
Possible methods of rescue:
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Self rescue
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Scaffolding
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Ladders
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Rescue climber with rescue device
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Aerial lifts
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Cranes w/ personnel basket.
A rescuer should never put him/herself in a position to experience a possible fall or injury. In the event that a rescue climber must be used, make sure all equipment is inspected, and a safe tie off point is available in addition to a rescue device anchor point. These tie off and anchor points should be defined in advance in the specific rescue plan.
A team member should stay in contact with the fallen person offering support, and reassurance. If possible, have a second team member call 911, and direct emergency personnel upon arrival.
Once the fall victim is safely on the ground, keep them in a seated position if they are breathing normally and conscious. Do not remove their safety harness, or loosen clothing.
DO NOT ELEVATE THEIR FEET!
Continue with First Aid, and/or CPR as needed until emergency medical personnel arrive.
In the event a rescue climber was used. Be sure to have someone assist the climber to ensure their safe return to the ground as well. Inspect all rescue equipment before returning it to storage.
All equipment involved in a fall must be taken out of service. Self Retracting Devices can be used again, once they are inspected, repaired, and re-certified by the manufacturer, or an authorized service facility.